Apple TV Gets New Hardware And Operating System, Costs At Least $150

It features the Apple-designed A8 chip for enhanced performance for engaging games and custom content apps for the TV. Another cool feature lets you say “what did she say” and the Apple TV takes it back a few seconds and turns on the captions temporarily.

Developers are already producing exclusive titles for Apple TV and it could become a serious contender in the casual gaming market.

The set-top box will come with its own dedicated App Store, allowing viewers to download games and apps from their living room couch.

Hold down the Siri button on the remote to ask for something such as “show me amusing TV shows”.

The company confirmed HBO Go, Netflix, Showtime Hulu and, of course, iTunes would be part of the apps to benefit at launch. The video shows for the new bigger Apple TV unit and the new Siri Remote close up. The new remote has a glass touch surface. The cost of the 32GB version of the new Apple TV will be $149; while the 64GB model will be priced at $199. It works via Bluetooth, comes with a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope and the battery (rechargeable via lightning connector) will last for three months, promises Apple. “As important as TV is, the TV experience itself hasn’t changed that much in decades…Today we’re going to do something about that”. It’s slightly taller, but has a very similar look to the old Apple TV.

The main gamer-friendly addition to the new Apple TV is the inclusion of a physical remote control that is reminiscent of the Nintendo “Wiimote” controller. “We wanted to give the touch experience on your TV as you would interact with your iPhone or iPad”. Apple showcased a couple of games that will be available on the platform. Developers can request an Apple TV developer kit on this link.