Long time coming, the next-generation Apple TV is slated to make a much-awaited comeback.
Having developed a reputation for divulging unannounced details on Apple products, 9to5Mac has recently disclosed what it knows about the fourth-generation Apple TV expected to hit stores in October. 9to5Mac's Mark Gurman writes in a blog:
According to sources, the fourth-generation Apple TV will be priced below $200, and is on track to become available in October. Apple executives are apparently still finalizing the price of the revamped living room device, but the latest options call for a starting price point of either $149 or $199, both higher than the third-generation Apple TV...
Tech blog iDigitalTimes says that The Apple TV 4 will have the following features:
- Siri support
- A new remote control
- A dedicated App store
- Software development kit for developers
- Updated user interface
According to Variety a number of reports say that the new Apple TV will be optimized for gaming. Last week, Techcrunch's Editor-in-Chief, Matthew Panzarino, reported that the new Apple TV remote is expected to have a design similar to that of Wii's enabling more complex interactions with video games:
To control the new Apple TV? A new remote. One major feature of which was pretty much nailed by Brian Chen in an article earlier this year. It's slightly bigger and thicker, with physical buttons on the bottom half, a Touchpad area at the top and a Siri microphone. Info about this remote was included in a report by Mark Gurman earlier this month, along with some other information we've confirmed about the new Apple TV.
The new Apple TV is expected to be beefed up in terms of upgrades. BGR reports that it will have a speedy A8 processor in dual-core configuration as confirmed by Techcrunch's Panzarino. "The more powerful chip will support an updated interface with much better effects and navigational improvements that make browsing through big content libraries... much easier," he writes.
Completing the TV experience, Apple plans to release a cable-replacing streaming TV service that bundles multiple television channels and will be offering it for only $40 a month, as per Techcrunch.
BGR reveals details on the TV service:
Though reportedly delayed until 2016, Apple is hoping to get its own pseudo-cable service with a collection of about 25 channels up and running in the next few months. Just recently we reported how Apple is hoping to price its TV subscription service at $40/month but is being met with resistance from content providers.
Aside from the fourth-generation Apple TV, 9to5Mac says that Apple's September 9 event will see the unveiling of the new iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus.