Apple TV 4K, equipped with TVOS 17, transcends its image as a mere streaming device by integrating deeply into the Apple ecosystem, offering capabilities far beyond what the average user exploits. It's heralded as Apple's best value product, requiring only a deeper understanding of its features to unlock its full potential.
"Apple TV has gone from being an Apple hobby project, to a full-fledged part of the Apple ecosystem."
"Most people are only using about 5% of the capability of what this thing can do."
"All Apple TV boxes that Apple now sells are 4K compatible."
"It's an immensely powerful streaming box, capable of way more than your average TV."
"Once you know what youโre doing with it, itโs an immensely powerful streaming box."
Key insights
Remote Control and Connectivity
The Siri Remote has evolved, offering two primary styles, with the latest version featuring an aluminum body and improved navigation through a touchpad or clickpad. Charging is infrequent, only necessary a few times a year.
iPhone as a Remote: Users can control the Apple TV using their iPhones by adding the Apple TV Remote to the Control Centre, creating a seamless integration with other Apple devices.
Customizing the Home Screen
Users can organize apps into folders, rename them, and customize their layout on the Home Screen, similar to iOS devices, enhancing accessibility and user experience.
Content Discovery and Viewing
Beyond normal browsing, Siri can be utilized to find content across the Apple TV ecosystem, including searches by title, actor, director, genre, or year.
The Apple TV app amalgamates content from different services and iTunes purchases, offering recommendations and simplified access via a single interface.
Watching Content
Various playback controls can be accessed through the Siri Remote or voice commands, enhancing user interaction with content, such as replaying a specific part or turning on subtitles with a simple command.
Additional Functions and Settings
The Control Centre mirrors the functionality seen in iOS, allowing quick access to network settings, Do Not Disturb, audio outputs, and user switching.
Services like Apple Music, Fitness +, and Arcade provide added value, broadening the device's use beyond streaming video content.
Advanced Features
FaceTime on TV: With TVOS 17, users can make FaceTime calls via their Apple TV by utilizing their iPhone's camera, bringing video calls to the big screen.
Extensive Settings Options: The settings menu offers detailed customization options for video and audio output, app notifications, Wi-Fi setup, accessibility features, and more, allowing users to tailor the device to their preferences.
Choosing an Apple TV Model
Both current models support 4K and are powered by the A15 Bionic chip. The primary differences lie in the availability of Gigabit Ethernet and storage capacity, with the more expensive option offering both enhanced connectivity and more storage.
Make it stick
๐ฑ iPhone as a Remote: Remember you can control Apple TV not only with the Siri Remote but also with your iPhone, making it a versatile and convenient option.
๐ฃ Voice Commands for Ease: Use Siri to effortlessly access content, perform searches, or control playback, turning your viewing experience hands-free.
๐ฎ More Than Streaming: Explore Apple TV's other dimensions โ from gaming with Apple Arcade to exercising with Fitness +, and even utilizing the device for impressive photo displays.
๐พ Choosing Your Model Wisely: Consider future connectivity needs and storage when selecting your Apple TV model โ the difference in price might be worth the additional capabilities.
This summary contains AI-generated information and may have important inaccuracies or omissions.