Apple recently announced an update to their popular Apple TV streaming box, the new Apple TV 4K. As with previous updates, there are a few similarities and some notable differences that you need to know.
Are these improvements enough to warrant current Apple TV users to upgrade? What about those looking to buy an Apple TV for the first time?
No matter who you are, keep reading to find out more about the Apple TV 4K and if it’s right for you.
New to Apple TV 4K?
With competition from Google’s Chromecast, Amazon’s Fire Stick, and Roku, one of Apple TV’s biggest selling points is its seamless integration with other Apple products.
The Apple ecosystem is well known for being a cohesive experience that connects the iPhone, iPad, Macs, and Apple Watch.
The Apple TV 4K is a natural extension of your Apple devices for those already heavily invested in their system and can provide a unique experience when sharing content in your home.
The Apple TV 4K comes with many of the same apps that already exist on other Apple devices, such as Photos and Music. That means that if you have a subscription to Apple Music, you can stream your music right on your television with the Apple TV 4K.
Viewing photos that took on your iPhone or iPad is easy on the Apple TV 4K. They look beautiful and clear. This is a great way to share memories with family and friends when they gather around the television.
You can even mirror the screen of your iPhone, Mac, or iPad on your television screen instantly!
Apple TV runs with TVOS, which means that if you subscribe to services such as Apple Fitness or Apple Arcade, you can do a workout or play some of your favorite games right on your television!
See and Hear Clearly
When you watch content on the new Apple TV 4K, you know that you are getting the absolute best in video and audio quality.
As long your television can display 4K resolution, and you find 4K content to stream, the faster processors of the Apple TV 4K will easily handle those higher resolutions and deliver amazing visuals.
In addition to that it features High Frame Rate HDR for more realistic colors that will significantly enhance fast-moving content such as live sports.
Many people worry that the picture settings on their television are calibrated incorrectly and that the colors are either too bold or not bold enough. With the Apple TV 4K and an iPhone, you can use the front-facing camera on your phone to analyze the picture on your television and then send a signal to your Apple TV 4K to automatically optimize and adjust the picture settings.
If that wasn’t enough, it also features Dolby Vision and Atmos for maximum immersion in your favorite shows and movies.
Do you own a pair of Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro? You can stream the audio from your Apple 4K TV to your wireless headphones. This is perfect for watching movies late at night and not needing to worry about waking up other people around you!
The New Remote
One of the least popular features of the older generation Apple TV models was the remote.
It was a small black remote that was notoriously easy to lose. It also featured an integrated square trackpad that many users found to lack the precise functionality necessary to navigate their favorite shows and movies.
The new version remote is larger and is now made from silver aluminum. It is also thicker, making it much more difficult to lose.
Instead of a square trackpad of the previous model, this remote features a larger circular click pad that allows for easier navigation and fewer mistakes when trying to find specific content.
Also, for the first time, it features a power button and a mute button. These additions may not seem important, but they actually allow the remote to be the sole device you need to control your television and Apple TV.
This iteration of the remote has delegated the Siri button to the side of the remote. Holding this button activates Siri. You can then request to resume a show that you were recently watching or help you find a new one altogether.
This functionality also works seamlessly if you request to play a certain kind of music through Apple Music or just want to open another app, like Netflix.
A Worthy Upgrade?
If you’re new to Apple TV and curious about integrating your entertainment system into Apple’s ecosystem, the new Apple TV 4K is a great place to start.
Apple’s TVOS gives you complete control over your content, whether working out with Apple Fitness, playing a game on Apple Arcade, or just taking a look at your photos from a recent trip to the ocean. This streaming box goes far beyond just streaming your favorite shows and movies.
For existing Apple TV owners, the improved Siri remote and faster processor make an already impressive streaming box even better.
From its stellar visual and audio output to its ability to combine all of your favorite streaming services and channels into one place, the Apple TV 4K is an excellent option for anyone who takes their movie and TV watching to the next level.
Did you buy an Apple TV 4K and curious about what to watch? Check out our review of Hulu Live.
