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Apple Introduces New Apple TV Set-Top Box with 1080p Video and Updated Interface

Wednesday March 7, 2012 10:17 am PST by Eric Slivka
As expected, Apple today introduced an updated Apple TV offering support for 1080p video, which is now also available through the iTunes Store. The company is also rolling out an updated interface for the set-top box, with icon-based category buttons and large billboard-style artwork for content.


The new Apple TV maintains the same $99 price tag as its predecessor and is available for pre-order today. It launches on March 16th.
“People are going to love streaming movies and TV shows in 1080p with the new Apple TV, and photos look beautiful displayed at the maximum resolution of your TV,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “Apple TV is easier than ever to use with its new icon-based interface and the ability to access your purchased movies, TV shows and music right from iCloud.”
Apple's iCloud services have also been updated to support 1080p video, allowing users to stream their content to any linked device including the new Apple TV. AllThingsD notes, however, that not all studios are participating in the iCloud video streaming, with Fox and Universal having to hold out due to agreements with HBO.

Related Roundups: Apple TV, tvOS 12
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Caution)
[ 225 comments ]


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potatis
90 months ago
To bad a new version of Handbrake was released one week ago. Now have to wait another year for an ATV3 preset.
Rating: 13 Votes
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Blasterzilla
90 months ago
Original Apple released in 2007

After all these 2 years?


Original Apple TV was released January 9th 2007 - according to Wikipedia.
Rating: 12 Votes
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lunarworks
90 months ago
If an A5 chip and 1080p are the only new features, and the new UI is available to me, I'll hang onto my 2nd gen Apple TV for a little bit longer.
Rating: 12 Votes
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zed2
90 months ago
So can we upgrade the older iTV version 2 system to run this new interface? Is the only difference the 1080P?
Rating: 11 Votes
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CmdrLaForge
90 months ago
Now I buy one. Finally after all those years.
Rating: 8 Votes
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DaveGee
90 months ago

PS3 + 1TB internal stacked with video + PMS software + Mac > ATV... still.

Unless Apple has something in that thing which they didn't reveal, it's still not besting the PS3. Pity, but then the PS3 with Playstation Media Server is superb.


Really??

Hmmm

250ish for PS3
100ish for 1TB HD ... Unless the prices have dropped back to the proper levels.
300 or more for a used Mac capable of running windows virtually

SO!

A $650 investment outdoes a $99 box.. Shocking! :eek:
Rating: 8 Votes
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jowie
90 months ago
icon-based interface is definitely paving the way for third-party apps.

WANT
Rating: 7 Votes
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nickelt
90 months ago
Is there no app store for apple tv yet???
Rating: 7 Votes
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Diode
90 months ago
I wonder if the new interface will get pushed to the ATV2.
Rating: 7 Votes
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bobbyz110
90 months ago

I wonder if the new interface will get pushed to the ATV2.


The press release on engadgets site from apple says the new UI is available today for second generation atv's, and only third gen hardware will be needed for 1080p content.
Rating: 7 Votes

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