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Apple now ranks the top Apple TV apps
One of the best ways to discover new Mac and iOS apps is to simply peruse the charts in their respective App Stores. When the fourth-gen Apple TV debuted last week, this particular feature was missing -- which is perhaps no surprise, given hardly any transactions had been made yet in the tvOS App Store. That's now been rectified, however, so you can swipe around with Apple's upgraded remote and get a better sense of what's hot. As 9to5Mac notes, video games seem to be making an early impression. Given the medium is entirely new to Apple TV, it's logical that titles like Alto's Adventure, Lumino City and Manticore Rising are creeping into the "Top Paid" rankings. That could change, of course, as the new Apple TV install base grows -- once everyone's usage settles down, we suspect the usual suspects like Netflix and HBO Now will dominate the "Top Free" spots.
Plex comes to the new Apple TV for free
The Plex team just delivered the first version of its media streaming app for the new Apple TV. Now that there's an app store, Plex's media player is accessible without any jailbreaking or even AirPlay sidestepping necessary and better yet, it's free to use. All you'll need is one of the double-height media players and the latest version of Plex Media Server to give it a try -- no in-app purchases or PlexPass subscription necessary. At least for now, Plex says it's using TVML for the app instead of writing a fully native version, which enabled it to get up and running in just five weeks.
A weekend with the new Apple TV
The iPhone 6S and iPad Pro are cool and all, but the Apple gadget that I was most looking forward to this fall was the new Apple TV. It is, quite notoriously, the device that Apple has most publicly neglected over the years. Its last big update was way back in 2012, when Apple finally added 1080p support. And even that third-gen Apple TV wasn't too exciting, since it looked exactly the same as the one released in 2010. So yah, it was about time Apple totally rethought its approach to TV. After finally getting to test one out over the weekend, I found that the new fourth-generation Apple TV was worth the wait -- though there are still plenty of issues to iron out.
Siri will soon control Music on the new Apple TV
With the new Apple TV landing on customers' doorsteps in the coming days, the company will finally join its streaming rivals in offering universal search (with a little help from Siri). Right now, the voice-activated assistant can perform its duties on movies and TV shows, although BuzzFeed reports that Apple extend the same functionality to Music from the beginning of next year.
BBC iPlayer is finally coming to Apple TV
In its bid to bring programming to the largest possible audience, the BBC supports all manner of hardware and devices for its popular iPlayer service. iPhone and iPad owners have been able to stream on-demand for some time, but the company never completed the set by making it available natively on Apple TV. Now that Cupertino's new streamer is up for pre-order, however, the Beeb has decided to put everyone out of their misery: it today announced that a dedicated iPlayer app is coming to Apple's latest set-top box.
You can now order the new Apple TV
At last, the next iteration of Apple's living room set-top box has arrived. Well, almost. The fourth-generation Apple TV is now available to order online, with the first units arriving on October 30th. The base model with 32GB of storage will set you back $149 (£129), or you can pay an extra $50 (£40) for the 64GB version. The biggest addition is arguably the remote, which now comes with a small touchpad for navigation and games. Yep, video games. It's not a heavyweight console like the PS4 or Xbox One, but you'll be able to play casual titles like Crossy Road and Harmonix's Beat Sports. There's also a much-improved TV interface and Siri-enabled voice commands, should you prefer shouting at the screen to mashing buttons. There's no 4K support -- unlike the latest Amazon and Roku boxes -- but in return you'll be well-prepared for when Apple's long-awaited TV subscription service arrives.
Both new and old Apple TVs get CBS and NBC today
Apple announced on Tuesday that two of the "Big Four" cable channels, CBS and NBC, are available on current (2nd) generation Apple TV boxes. However, there are some restrictions. CBS, for example, requires users to pay $6 a month for the CBS All Access program (though it does grant access to both current shows and the network's expansive archives). NBC, on the other hand, will require users to login using their cable provider credentials. Additionally, the "Made2Measure" fashion channel also struts onto Apple TV today. These channels will also be available on the 3rd-generation Apple TV when it is released in the next few days.
Tim Cook expects 'massive change' in the auto industry
In an interview yesterday evening at the WSJD Live event in Laguna Beach, California, Tim Cook didn't spend too much time talking about phones and computers. Rather, he chatted about the company's newest and more forward-thinking endeavors like the TV, the Watch and Apple Music. And: he even fielded a few questions about the future of, ahem, cars.
Tim Cook says the new Apple TV is coming next week
Apple's CEO is being interviewed tonight at the WSJD Live event, and Tim Cook revealed that yes, the new Apple TV will arrive this month as promised. The taller, more powerful fourth generation box is due to ship next week, bringing along its touchpad remote and access to the App Store with tvOS. Pre-orders should begin starting October 26th, so those waiting may not have to wait until next month after all. In his comments he explained the TV experience is a decade behind the iPhone, and needs to be modernized. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings recently pondered a future where apps are bundled like channels, but for now Cook is just focusing on how ridiculous the traditional pay TV setup is and where it can be improved upon, saying "Have you ever tried to buy HBO through a cable company?" Good point. Ed. Note: Updated with pre-order info. Nicole Lee contributed to this report
DoubleTwist's CloudPlayer can stream to Android Wear and Auto
DoubleTwist's CloudPlayer can already pull and stream media from Dropbox, OneDrive and Google Drive accounts, but now it works on AllPlay speakers, Android smartwatches and Auto. Yep, you'll be able to stream your tunes in your car, on your wrist and in your home or office... depending on where you store your non-smartphone Android hardware. With AllPlay support it also means you can now use CloudPlayer on Chromecast Audio, Apple TV or an AllPlay speaker. These are all great reasons to give doubleTwist's media player a shot -- unless you're already busy with one of the (many) other options available.
You might have to wait until November for the new Apple TV
While Apple previously said it would officially launch the revamped Apple TV this month, you might not actually see it until November, reports 9to5Mac. Sources tell the site that the new set-top box won't be hitting Apple stores until next month, and while it may still pop up for online orders later this month, online shoppers will probably have to wait until November to receive it, as well. Though it was unveiled alongside the iPhone 6S and iPad Pro, the new Apple TV feels like the most interesting Apple device this season. That's probably because we've been waiting so long for a legitimate upgrade to the 2012 Apple TV, which added 1080p support and a new design. (Yes, it's insane Apple didn't add 1080p until 2012.) The new set-top finally adds an App Store, and it runs a new operating system dubbed tvOS (an iOS spinoff). It also comes with a an upgraded remote that adds a touchpad (no more clicking that darn circle pad) and voice control.
Amazon pulling Apple TV and Chromecast over Prime Video support
Say goodbye to Prime shipping of the Apple TV and Chromecast. In an email obtained by Bloomberg, Amazon informed marketplace sellers that it would no longer allow the sale of the two devices after October 29. The reason is that they don't offer easy access Amazon Prime Video. An Amazon spokesperson told Engadget, "over the last three years, Prime Video has become an important part of Prime. It's important that the streaming media players we sell interact well with Prime Video in order to avoid customer confusion. Roku, XBOX, PlayStation and Fire TV are excellent choices." Apple TV has yet to add the service and to watch the Prime videos on the Chromecast is less than ideal. The company is keen on making sure its customers are completely intertwined in its services. Apparently the Apple TV and Chromecast didn't offer the interoperability Amazon is expecting from products that compete with their own to stay in the online store.
YouTube Kids streams content on Chromecast, Apple TV and more
YouTube's kid-friendly app arrived earlier this year, delivering a library of age-appropriate content for younger viewers. Now, the streaming software is moving beyond mobile devices. YouTube Kids is now available on your television, streaming to Chromecast, Apple TV, game consoles and smart TVs. There's also new curated playlists from the likes of National Geographic Kids and tools for parents that help you learn the app and tweak the password. Perhaps most importantly, you won't have to give up your phone or tablet when junior wants to catch up on the latest episodes.
Apple pulls iFixit's app after it tears down the new Apple TV
The team at iFixit is learning a hard, hard lesson about the importance of honoring developer agreements. Apple has banned an iFixit developer account (and consequently, the iFixit app) after the repair-it-yourself outfit tore down a pre-release Apple TV sent out to developers, violating Apple's terms and conditions. The crew just couldn't resist deconstructing new gear, apparently. Before you ask, though, iFixit isn't trying to stir up internet drama. It knew the risks going in, and isn't about to fight a decision that most anyone could see coming a mile away. This will have ramifications if you relied on iFixit's (admittedly old) native app for tips: if you're on iOS, you'll have to use the company's mobile website for help from now on. The tradeoff won't be all that damaging, but it's safe to say that other devs will think twice about prying open gear that isn't strictly off-the-shelf.
TiVo's 4K-ready, commercial skipping Bolt hints at the future
This new Bolt DVR may not totally remake the recording technology TiVo is famous for, but it introduces a sharp departure in design and adds features customers have asked for since it started in the late 90s. Just like the leaks suggested, the Bolt is a funky arc-shaped white box that looks different from anything else near your HDTV. Despite being smaller than TiVo's older DVRs -- or whatever cable box you probably have -- it's eye-catching enough for visitors to stop and ask what you're watching TV on. Looks aside, Bolt's main claim to fame will definitely be its ability to bypass commercials with a new SkipMode (No more hidden 30 second skip! We've been asking for this since 2009). That's actually an old trick, and while it's appreciated, where I see evidence of TiVo looking towards the future is the way it's connecting the DVR to Amazon's Fire TV.
The new Apple TV is surprisingly easy to tear open
It's practically a cliché to say that Apple's products are difficult to repair yourself, but that isn't universally true. The crew at iFixit has managed to tear down the new Apple TV before it even ships, and the biggest surprise is simply that it's easy to pry apart. This is a very modular set-top box, and it'd be relatively trivial to replace components like the motherboard or power supply. Even the remote, despite being sealed by adhesive, isn't that hard to dissect. iFixit's only major gripe is that the most crucial parts are integrated on the main board, which could lead to a costly fix if you're just trying to replace a damaged port.
The new Apple TV works with your wireless headphones
The new Apple TV is still weeks away from launch, but that isn't stopping a few people from getting their hands on it... and discovering a few pleasant surprises in the process. Dom Esposito at 9to5Mac has learned that the device's improved Bluetooth support extends not just to the controller, but to audio equipment like headphones. Yes, much like on the Fire TV or Roku 3, you can watch movies late at night without waking your housemates or connecting your headphones to another device. If that's not an option, you'll still have access to a "night mode" that turns down the volume for everything but speech.
Apple TV game developers are required to support the Siri remote
In a programming guide for Apple's new tvOS platform, the company notes that every game developed for the Apple TV is required to support the touchpad-enabled Siri remote.
VLC's media player app will launch on Apple TV
Plex isn't the only one bringing a fan-favorite media app to the new Apple TV. Jean-Baptiste Kempf has quietly revealed that VLC, VideoLAN's signature media player, will reach Apple's latest set-top box. It's still early, but this could open up your playback options for music and video -- you may have more choices for formats and sources than you get out of the box. While you aren't going to get total freedom (you certainly won't be playing DVDs on an Apple TV), this beats having to rely primarily on streaming services.
Plex will bring its media streaming to Apple TV
Ask some media server users why they don't use an Apple TV, and they'll issue a common refrain: "because it doesn't officially run Plex." Well, that shouldn't be an issue with the new Apple TV. Plex tells ITWorld that it plans to bring its media streaming front end to Apple's latest set-top box through an app. The move should give you access to all of your home's compatible music, photos and videos, not just what you can see from internet streaming services or iTunes clients. That's a big deal when you previously had to jailbreak or otherwise rely on clever workarounds to make Plex work.
