This new miniature version of the Apply TV is quite alluring and has a number of useful features. A reasonably good airplay makes streaming audio and videos easy for buyers. To add to the bonus points, it comes with Netflix and iTunes accounts. The lightweight device, is far less complicated than the previous versions. However, there are some pitfalls in this new gizmo by Apple. Read on to find out if this device is for you or not.
What is it?
The latest avatar of the Apple TV comes in an all new compact size, the new dimensions are 3.9 x 3.9 by 0.9 inches and it weighs only about 0.6 pounds. The small box with a matte black finish uses the A4 chip processor and is compatible with most high definition televisions. It has all the essential ports, namely Ethernet, HDMI, micro USB jack, optical audio and a power cable outlet. The remote with the all black TV is made of aluminum and has a silver finish, maybe to provide a contrast!
Key features
The television comes with a remote control, power cable, and a small instruction manual. The remote has a thin metallic body and the batteries are replaceable. The unit provides access to iTunes and Netflix. All output outlets have not been provided with this unit, so you will have to use your own audio as well as video plugs. It can be easily connected to a wireless network using a router. However, configuring this new model is real easy and connecting it to a wireless network also does not take much effort. Now, you have to just stream movies and music you want and enjoy the show whenever you want.
Whatâs innovative?
A compact built with a reasonable price make this device worth grabbing. You can stream movies, music, podcasts, etc., on this doodad easily and save up on your satellite bills. In fact, you can even completely do away with your expensive satellite connection with Netflix offering you services for a measly $7.99 every month.
The inclusion of Netflix streaming comes as good news to many. Although, this has been made available in other gizmos like Roku, Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 â the feature comes with a slightly different twist in the Apple TV, it is compatible with iTunes.
Price and availability
This much smaller version of the Apple TV due to the lesser storage it provides has a number of features that could be a hit with consumers. The size has been reduced by almost 50% compared to the previous two models. But this has also brought down the price significantly; it is now a more alluring, $99 a number that strikes a psychological cord with the buyers. The earlier models were priced at $299 and $199.
The up side
You can effortlessly download movies on this device, the streaming is a little slow when traffic is high but the slowdown is tolerable. The playback of the movies is good with pleasant image quality with minimal haziness and voids. The number of movies available with Netflix can spoil any viewer, everything from brand new to age old is available at attractive prices.
The device is a lot less complicated and easy to operate, so other common users apart from tech junkies can also function the machine easily. The small size makes it mobile and it also gives off very less heat. The documentation is brief and hardly requires any application of technical knowledge. The whole television unit is also easy to set up and configure. Another good news is that the gizmo accommodates the A4 chip which can support a host of possibly exciting applications in the future.
The down side
A streaming only with very little storage makes it a hitch for some. Also, the download of music and podcasts is not very smooth. Another hiccup with this system is that the power usage has dropped drastically. The original versions had a 48 watt supply while this model has only a 6 watt resource. No gigabit adapter is provided which comes in way of downloading hi definition videos that run at greater than 100 Mdps.
The bottomline
The device has lowered its price and also looks a lot less complicated. The association with Netflix and iTunes is quite innovative and hopefully will lure customers. However, the whole unit has quite some technical drawbacks like low power supply, average streaming quality, and limited supply of adapters and cables. The technical set up can be improvised probably in the forthcoming models.
