Apple tv 4k games. Management: it couldn't be easier
Apple TV has always been associated with a top device. And now Apple's console has acquired support for 4K resolution. With such parameters, it is able to once again take a leading place in the sales rankings.
Conclusion
Finally, during testing, we received a UHD picture: what we were missing so much in the 4th generation of this device has nevertheless become a standard in Apple TV 4K. At the same time, not everyone will be able to enjoy 4K resolution - in particular, they will feel excluded from the holiday YouTube users and photographers. In terms of the breadth of content selection in App Store and the ease of control of Apple, as usual, and height. True, the same is true with cost - in the case of Apple, it is usually high.
Performance boost for Apple TV
Visually fifth Apple generation The TV has remained virtually unchanged compared to the previous model: the black console is still designed in a minimalist style and fits comfortably in one hand. The changes affected only the reverse side: now there is no previously available USB port Type-C. But since in Apple TV 4 it essentially served only as service port for updates and developer needs, its absence will be noticed by only a few users.
No more USB port: Apple TV 4K now has only three interfaces
The Apple TV 4K has undergone a complete renovation inside the case. To ensure UHD content can be displayed flawlessly, Apple has installed renowned iPad Pro A10X Fusion processor and 3 GB random access memory. The performance has become enough to broadcast video in 4K resolution from the iPhone camera to Apple TV. Also in the list of equipment are a WLAN module of the ac standard and a LAN port.
Finally 4K - in almost everything
Compared to the previous model, the jump to 4K resolution is clearly noticeable when used with the corresponding UHD TVs or 4K projectors. A very noticeable role is played by the new HDR-10 support, which provides natural color reproduction and high contrast. Thanks to this, the differences compared to UHD-Blu-ray are practically erased. Upscaled Full-HD content also looks decent.
In the case of photos that can be downloaded via AirPlay or from iCloud, things don't look so great, of course. Instead of just displaying pictures in highest resolution Accordingly, Apple TV 4K reduces them by downscaling. This fact is especially sad because the iPhone X camera (3840x2160 pixels) is supposedly designed to work with Apple TV. Another disappointment: 4K is still not supported for YouTube.
Streaming features
4K is not available to everyone: YouTube users will not get UHD pleasure from Apple In terms of features related to streaming, very little has changed - but there was no particular need for it. You can still conveniently purchase or rent TV series and films in iTunes Store. At the same time, there are practically no annoying pauses for buffering: after the user selects the desired movie, in most cases it starts right after a few seconds. Alternatively, you will have the opportunity to use well-known streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Instant Video and stream content in 4K - provided you have a fast Internet connection.
During long breaks, you will benefit from the integrated AppStore, which offers numerous games that can, among other things, be controlled using the acceleration sensor built into the remote control or an optionally available controller. For an additional fee, sports fans get access to the content they need through apps for Sky, Eurosport and DAZN. To store data and applications, Apple TV 4K, depending on the configuration, offers built-in storage capacities of 32 or 64 GB.
Management: it couldn't be easier
With the exception of the white border around the Menu button, Apple hasn't changed anything about the remote control. How has this already become common for products from Apple, initial setup is easy to understand and quickly implemented, as they say, “with one left hand.” There is nothing to criticize for the control via the included remote control. In particular, voice control via Siri worked great during testing and commands were executed without problems. But if you look at Siri from a new perspective Apple Watch or iPhone X, it's easy to see some potential for improvement. For example, the Apple TV completely lacks the “Hey Siri!” feature. The voice assistant begins to listen to you only after the corresponding button on the remote control is pressed. In addition, audio feedback from Siri would be practical, for example, if you ask her about the age of an actor - so far in this case the voice assistant remains mute. There is a possibility that Apple will implement these functions only in tvOS 12.
Alternative options
(2017)
The variety of games in the Apple store is good, but despite everything it still moves the Apple TV 4K away from its status game console. Things are somewhat different with NVidia Shield, which is aimed specifically at gaming and streaming. The high-performance media player based on Android TV also boasts convincingly high performance, excellent 4K images (including YouTube) and many software functions. The NVidia Shield costs about the same as the Apple TV.
Amazon Fire TV with 4K Ultra HD and Alexa voice control
The fact that 4K does not have to be expensive for users is proven by the example of the current generation of Amazon Fire TV. By paying almost 70 euros, you get a constant 60 fps here with UHD resolution and HDR 10 support. Voice control Alexa can easily match Siri, and the variety of apps in the store, thanks to operating system, based on Android, is also significantly better than “average”.
The world of Smart TV is divided into 3 categories: WEB OS (already built into TVs), Android TV and Apple TV. When choosing a set-top box for a TV, many people have a question: Android TV or Apple TV. In the first case, everything is clear in principle: classic Android, optimized for use with TVs. Movies, apps, open access on the Internet - a classic. But many people don’t have many arguments for Apple TV, especially for Apple TV 4K. Therefore, in this article we will tell you what Apple TV 4K is, what it is needed for and how to connect it to your TV.
Apple TV 4K is the 5th generation of TV set-top boxes from Apple. This set-top box connects to the TV via HDMI and allows you to access Internet services: a library of applications and films.
Apple TV 4K unlocks 4K HDR technology and adds Dolby Atmos surround sound. The main thing is that your equipment (TV or TV + soundbar) supports these technologies. Dolby Atmos creates a true-to-life sound experience that completely immerses you in the action of the film. HDR (High Dynamic Range) is responsible for a realistic image.
The set-top box comes with a convenient remote control made in a minimalist design. The remote control has a special touch panel. With its help, you can interact with the interface: manage selections, enter text. You can also use your iPhone for control. When you configure the set-top box using a smartphone in the panel iPhone control appears Apple app TV. Through AirPlay you can quickly transfer any content from iOS devices to the TV. Also, if you have a system " Smart House", it can be controlled using a TV (Although it is more convenient to use an iPhone for this task).
What is Apple TV 4K for?
Apple TV 4K adds to regular TV Smart functions TV. However, you can purchase a set-top box even if you already have a built-in smart TV, but for some reason you are not satisfied with it.
Typically, Smart TV is purchased to gain access to services such as Amediateka, ivi, MEGOGO, Netflix. Users pay a monthly subscription and watch TV series, movies or cartoons in high quality. You can also purchase movies from the iTunes Store, but the prices there are not the lowest. In addition to movies, Apple TV 4K provides access to a huge number of applications: from fitness, sports to dynamic games. The set-top box has a powerful A10X Fusion processor, which ensures smooth operation of any supported content.
WITH using Apple TV 4K you can display any media content from your iCloud library: photos, videos or music. This makes it convenient to display vacation photos or give presentations.
How to connect Apple TV to your TV
To connect the set-top box you will need Wifi (or Ethernet cable) And HDMI cable(preferably version 2.0 or higher). The cable is not included, so be sure to purchase it separately.
Connect the device to a power outlet and to the TV. On the remote control, press touchpad to pair it with your TV. Please specify your language.
Select setting: from using iOS device or manually. The first method is the most convenient for everyone who has an iPhone or iPad. The set-top box itself will download all the data from iCloud and perform quick setup. In the second case, just follow the instructions on the screen.
More detailed instructions You can read about installing and configuring Apple TV at.
Do you need Apple TV 4K
The downside of the console is its limitations. The situation is similar to iOS: you have specific functionality that constrains you. On Apple TV 4K, you get access to a huge library of movies and apps, plus an iCloud library. This is where its functionality practically ends. In the same time advantage of Android TV is at least a browser. With a browser, you get access to all content: paid, free, licensed or pirated.
Even if you don’t have a 4K TV, but a Full HD one, you can buy a set-top box, it will work and be fun. Another question is the price: give 15,000 and not use it main function 4K... Here everyone decides for themselves. In principle, if you are planning to buy a 4K TV in the near future, then it is better to immediately buy Apple TV 4K.
Conclusion: Apple TV is for those who are willing to pay for content. If you are ready to buy movies and do not experience financial difficulties with it, take Apple TV. If you're not ready, grab Android TV.
Apple TV Specifications
In conclusion, we provide a table comparing the main characteristics of the 4th generation Apple TV set-top box, which is still available for sale, and Apple TV 4K.
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Perfect for watching movies, TV shows and viral videos, as well as playing video games in 1080p quality and 60fps, this device also has a full-fledged application market, of which there are more and more. Due to the specifics of the device, they are all somehow related to video and visual effects, but many of these programs are very original and non-standard.
We invite you to look at several very interesting, in our opinion, applications for the new set-top box from Apple. Since the device doesn't have a browser, we can't provide links to them in the App Store, but you can always find them by name.
1. Zova
Zova says the app's mission is to “guide and help people consistently be active and healthy image life." They recently launched a version of their fitness app on Apple TV. If in applications for iPhone and iPad it was necessary to manage to position the screen so that you could see something on it during a workout, then a large TV screen will clearly benefit the popularity of the program. All instructors are women, although the training programs are quite varied.
In addition to Siri Remote, the app works with an optional MFi gaming controller, and if you're wearing an Apple Watch on your wrist, your heart rate will be displayed on the TV screen. The solution is excellent, we hope to see this kind of integration in more applications in the future.
You can download Zova in the App Store, additional content purchased within the application.
2.Madefire
Madefire's goal is to “revolutionize the way comics are read and distributed.” This app turns plain text and pictures into something dynamic, interactive, and perfect for your TV screen.
We've seen all sorts of motion comics and books many times before, but Madefire does its job simply... the highest level. The application contains comics from the DC universe (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman), as well as from a bunch of other manufacturers: DW, Dark Horse, Valiant, Titan, Boom, Oni Press, Top Cow, the list goes on for a long time. There are Transformers and even My Little Pony. And more original titles.
Madefire is distributed free of charge, as is some of its content. The rest of the content can be purchased in the app and you can easily read comics on your TV with a full panorama, music, sound effects and all sorts of other things.
3. Artsy Shows
Previously, to see the world, you had to board a ship or plane and go somewhere. Now is the 21st century, and we can finally see the natural and human world in all its diversity on the wall of our living room or on our phone screen. In almost everything. The impressions of a walk through a museum or gallery are still quite difficult to accurately convey.
With Artsy Shows, you can capture that same feeling of moving through space, time, culture and art without leaving your living room. More than 1000 exhibits are available in the application, the list is updated every day. And no ships.
4. Kitchen Stories
The Kitchen Stories app was designed to give you a “unique cooking experience in your home kitchen.” These impressions are created through colorful video recipes with step by step instructions. Anyone who thinks this cookbook format is perfect for the Apple TV is absolutely right, and that's why Kitchen Stores is finally coming to the big screen. The benefits of the app are doubled if you can watch TV from the kitchen.
The app publishes special tricks to improve your cooking skills and, of course, recipes: from classic to original, vegetarian and quick-cooking. And finally, the application is completely free.
5.Mixcloud
Mixcloud intends to win over its listeners with mixes from the hottest DJs and collaborations with cool radio hosts. But why do developers think you will like their product? Perhaps it's aimed at those who don't like it Apple Music, or for those who want something fresh, not constant mixes or radio programs, but somewhere in the middle. Or perhaps for those who just need good radio on Apple TV (and this niche is now almost completely unoccupied).
The obvious advantage of Apple TV is that it connects to the TV's audio system and, due to this, can create the ideal sound background for an evening with friends, or cooking, or working, when the music does not sound from somewhere, but is everywhere.
6. Star Walk Kids
The award-winning app for iOS and iPad comes to Apple TV. Here, however, you cannot raise the device to the sky and get all the information about the stars you are looking at in an augmented reality manner.
The app knows and can tell you about the Moon and planets of the solar system (Pluto, of course, counts), constellations, 700 brightest stars, the International Space Station and the Hubble Telescope. In a very bright and accessible form for children of all ages.
7.Touchpress
Touchpress offers “an unusual way to listen classical music at home” using music visualization technologies such as BeatMap and NoteFall.
Stylistically, the application is reminiscent of indie games in which you need to rhythmically press the keys when notes appear, but in essence it is more of an educational application in a playful way, quite original and smart. The video above shows the app in all its glory.
8. Sing!
Smule has been “connecting the world through music” since the launch of the App Store for iPhone back in 2008. Since then, whenever Apple expanded the range of devices and platforms on which this store is available, Smule immediately came there. Now, with the launch of Apple TV, Smule is releasing a version of its karaoke app Sing for the new set-top box. Oh yes, HDTV karaoke is either very cool or extremely disgusting, for some reason there is no third!
Happy Sing! you don't just sing along to the lines on the screen, you perform, says the developer. You can record yourself on camera and apply effects, sing along with popular artists, search for and follow friends, and even become a real star thanks to the ability to “be discovered”. There are already more than 100 thousand tracks, and there will be even more.
9. Carrot Weather
Carrot is rude. Brian Mueller, the app's creator, is likely a rather caustic person himself, but his creation is much worse.
Carrot for Apple TV brings you Dark Sky-based weather forecasts just like the iOS, watchOS, and Mac apps, with the same funny, cynical commentary. And just like other apps for other platforms, Carrot has an eye-catching design that turns trivial and boring things into unusual and exciting ones.
Applications for new platform are appearing very quickly and we will try to keep you updated. Feel free to share your finds in the comments!
) is a thankless task. And unexpected. What can a set-top box for video broadcasting games from a computer or remote server have in common with a home multimedia processor?
Fact: Shield TV handles any content much better better than Apple TV, but it costs less.
How Android TV beats Cupertino developers?
If you look at the features of each console, you first need to deal with shell software each. Branded TVOS better than android TV only at first glance.
She is incredibly comfortable, beautiful, with intuitive interface. But the ideology of the developers from Cupertino is simple and eternal: “We know better. The user has enough for everything.” Therefore, you can only buy content, and many Russian services not available on the platform.
In contrast, we have full integration into the Apple ecosystem in just a couple of clicks. Enter the password - watch and listen to what you want and where you want. Most importantly, don't forget to pay. It doesn’t matter that in Russia Siri, Apple-recommended Amazon libraries, and Netflix are mostly in English, don’t work on tvOS. OKKO and Tvigle will not be there yet. 
Nvidia Shield works under Android control TV 7.1 based on the corresponding mobile system. What does it mean? Everything is available! If you don’t like this or that online cinema, look elsewhere. If you want, it's paid, if you want, it's free.
What about Apple devices? Shield TV in a couple of moves turns into a universal (!) home service that works with all devices in the house, regardless of their platform. How so?
It's simple - Android TV has a function home server. In addition, you can install well-known software media servers with many capabilities on the Shield: KODI and PLEX. After installation, the user can connect both a desktop on Windows and a smartphone on Ubuntu to the console. Moreover, it will be possible to download and send content from them - like on a flash drive, only in a convenient form. Only a little more complicated than the ecosystem of OS X and iOS.
In count Android software TV is ahead of any other peer platforms. If desired, the console with it can be turned into a desktop PC and solve office tasks. There would be it, this desire.
Multimedia capabilities. How did Nvidia overtake Apple?
However, the holiwar between systems is eternal. Let's try to compare 2 similar devices more objectively.
The new version of the set-top box for fans of Apple products turned out to be very good, as expected: support for new formats, cool image recoding, major changes to the operating system.
But she will not become a leader. Because there is a universal Nvidia Shield TV. This game (streaming) console with the ability to play video or audio turned out to be cooler.
VIDEO: Is Shield TV healthier than Apple?
The most important thing for a multimedia player is the video playback function. With this, the Apple TV 4K is doing great. It can reproduce 4K HDR. More colors, more contrasts - now an image will appear in place of blackness! If, of course, a) the video was recorded in this format, b) its parameters correspond to the parameters of the video sequence.
Besides, Apple console can scale video resolution to the resolution of the TV. And he does it well - but forcibly. But the process does not work in the opposite direction.
Bought a cheap TV last year? Forget about Apple capabilities TV 4K.
Shield TV handles all popular video file formats. Unlike the competitor. Essentially, Apple TV 4K is designed to work only with iTunes and partner services. Therefore, it only works with 3GP, MP4, MOV.
The picture is the same with the playback of containers (the file extension today does not indicate the format of its encoding). The Nvidia set-top box reproduces everything, including 4KHDR10, except for the rather rare Dolbi Vision standard (which only works with LG and TCL). Without Apple's resolution and bitrate limitations.
The “Apple” version fundamentally does not support not only the outdated but popular DivX, WMV9, VC1, MJPEG, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, but also the completely modern VP8, VP9(codec for modern YouTube video streaming). In addition, supported formats have a bitrate limitation.
Fact: If you want to watch YouTube in 4K, Shield TV is your choice.
AUDIO: Stereo vs Multichannel
Playing music files is even more ambiguous. Nvidia Shield TV does not support any of the following popular formats multichannel audio.
But it has a “pass-throught” mode - end-to-end transmission of an audio stream to another device. It could be a TV, a receiver, or a simple music Center. If the end device supports Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, DTS-X, DTS-HD, everything will work.
With Apple TV 4K you don't need such hassles. It just doesn't work with the above standards. Only stereo, only hardcore.
“...The user does not need more than 50 MB!”
PERIPHERAL: Ecosystem vs. Hoarders
The next point of our comparison will be a problem completely unfamiliar to users of conventional multimedia systems: working with peripherals. Since Rocu and the endless Chinese boxes on Android take content wherever the user tells them to, the problem with this seems to be solved.
But Apple TV 4K doesn’t even work with flash drives! If you want to see photos from your camera, throw them into the cloud. Need to scroll through holiday videos from elderly relatives? Turn on your computer, put it in the cloud. External hard drive or a more complex device, and even on an incompatible system, is an impossible task for this media box. Of course, there are no external ports, where should I turn them on?
Shield does a great job with it. There are 2 USB 3.0 connectors on board. Based on work experience - enough. One can always be turned into a hub. Connect an external keyboard or mouse, or any type of storage device. Right down to the CD drive.
STREAMING: who is suitable for Russia?
Search services are actively crowding out other types of content distribution. That's why Apple abandoned hardware support for flash drives or hard drives. True, for Russia this is a somewhat ambiguous step.
Most popular Russian online cinemas do not work on Apple TV 4k. YouTube – only with resolution below 4K. A 360 degree streaming video The prefix does not process at all. The lack of support for modern codecs will prevent the video from being stolen from somewhere else. Well, that’s not what Apple created for – but for its own and partner services. 
Android TV has no such restrictions. Therefore, Shield TV doesn’t care where you play the video from – be it from the application or from their browser. Tegra can handle any video stream. And if suddenly... Then you can install a third-party player and a set of software decoders. Checkmate, Cupertino!
True, the Shield doesn't support AirPlay. And Apple TV - traditional screencasting for Android Miracast technology. And, accordingly, both of them do not work with ChromeCast. But if for Nvidia consoles this is being resolved external devices via a USB interface, the “apple” will remain only for its own forever.
CONTROLLERS: The choice is up to the user
Of course, Apple is always ahead of the curve. They have everything that is most convenient, thoughtful, and of high quality. That's why the Apple TV 4K remote has become a brilliant example of minimalism, convenience and thoughtful engineering solutions.
Basic functions have their own keys. Backlight - for convenient control. Everything ingenious is as simple as this remote control.
Nvidia's controller is much simpler. The remote control is convenient, but not exciting. It makes sense, since the Shield TV's main controller is an incredibly convenient gamepad. Which you can opt out of by purchasing the cheap Shield Remote only option.
Here Apple would win... But the difference in price makes all the difference.
How about playing?
Let's be honest. 50 percent of our readers would not mind playing on TV. Of these, half have a game console - Xbox or Play Station. There is no other way with Apple TV, I agree. What can you run on it? Five branded games? It won't be enough. 
The Nvidia combine is another matter. Video for him is simple nice addition to huge gaming capabilities. Shield supports 3 types of games at once:
- games for Android - any, directly from Google Play;
- a number of games specially ported for the console - among them Half-Life, Doom 3: BFG Edition, Knights of the Old Republic, Resident Evil 5 and even Metal Gear Solid 3;
- ANY PC games - s home computer, and more than 100 games from the collection branded service GeForce Now, specially optimized for streaming.
If with the first everything is completely clear (a lot, but not very interesting), the second and third need to be discussed again.
Ported for Shield games- legends. There are already more than 50 of them, and most are loved by everyone, young and old. Refuse to go through the path of the Jedi or Gordon again on big screen? Personally, I won't refuse. And you too.
With computer hits everything is even more interesting. You can stream any game via Wi-Fi to Shield TV if you have the Nvidia video card. However, there is a limitation - the game is processed on a computer, the console only participates in processing the broadcast video stream. Therefore, you may need a serious system engineer for a good amount.
What's the winnings? There is no need to drag wires, and the computer itself can hum in the closet or on the balcony. Not satisfied? GeForce Now is just for the budget conscious. 
The company's proprietary service allows you to play computer games on remote server, displaying the image on home TV using Shield. No download - just needed stable internet, payment for a monthly GeForce Now subscription and the purchased game. Taking into account the fact that the games there are cheaper than on Steam, the profit is obvious!
Fact: Shield for 13 (without controller) or for 18 thousand (full set) with GeForce Now subscription replaces gaming computer for 50 thousand.
By the way, you can play with any third-party manipulators. However, the original Shield gamepad is incredibly cool, convenient and functional. Separately good controller a third-party brand will be more expensive, and at least a little, but worse.
User convenience versus your own ambitions: instead of conclusions
Nvidia Shield TV easily beats Apple TV in every possible comparison category. Unexpected result in comparison game console and a dedicated multimedia home center.
The American company offers everyone who wants to upgrade their set-top box, the main reason being the ability to play video in 4K HDR quality, which in itself is already quite tempting. However, let's look at all the innovations.
In contact with
Apple TV 4K design
The developers made absolutely no changes in this regard, and there was hardly a need for this. The device is still a square black box with rounded corners, dimensions 98 × 98 × 35 mm and weighing 425 grams. 
Remote controller Siri controls Remote has received minor improvements. In particular, the company replaced physical button Menu to virtual. It is now flush with the touchpad.
Image
Movies, shows, TV series and videos in 2160p quality - now every user of a 4K TV will understand what they paid a lot of money for. And even with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 standards, providing a more saturated picture in which blacks look blacker, and bright colors- brighter. The same applies to photographs, which will be even more pleasant to show to guests on the big screen.
Content
The question “What to watch on the new console?” It doesn’t matter, Apple has turned movies in iTunes from HD to 4K, and this also applies to content that was purchased earlier. Sports fans should say a special thank you to the developers - the corresponding section with broadcasts has finally been acquired human species and now allows you to keep track of all important events.
Apple TV 4K performance
Naturally, the old Apple A8 installed in previous model set-top boxes, were not trusted, equipping powerful processor A10X Fusion and twice as efficient graphics chip.
In addition, the device will need performance to run “heavy” applications, which can already be found in the App Store for Apple TV. During halftime of a football match or between episodes of a television series, the user will be able to enjoy the excellent graphics of console-level games.
Memory and peripherals Apple TV 4K
Like the previous model, Apple TV 4K is offered with two storage versions: 32 GB and 64 GB.
But users were deprived of access to the holy of holies of set-top boxes. Let us remind you that in previous version there was a connector USB Type-C, intended for maintenance and service of the device. It was used by craftsmen for Apple connections TV to the computer, entering recovery mode, flashing, etc. Apparently this was the reason for the abolition of this interface V .
But a faster Gigabit Ethernet has appeared, replacing the 10/100-megabit analogue in the 2015 model, as well as the newly minted Bleutooth 5.0.
Apple TV 4K price and start date
The first deliveries are scheduled for September 22. The new product will cost 2-3 thousand rubles more than the previous model - 13,490 and 14,990 rubles for specifications with 32 and 64 GB of internal memory, respectively.