Apple’s latest iteration of the Apple TV marks a significant shift from its earlier versions, transforming it from a simple streaming box to a powerful entertainment hub. With the introduction of the App Store, Siri integration, and an improved user interface, the Apple TV 64GB brings a wealth of new features designed to change the way we consume media at home. Here’s a deep dive into what makes this device stand out.
Design and Hardware
At first glance, the Apple TV’s sleek and minimalist design hasn’t strayed too far from its predecessor. The small black box still fits easily into any living room setup, maintaining the signature compact form factor that Apple is known for. However, what sets this version apart is its hardware upgrade.
The 64GB model offers ample storage for apps, games, and content, which is key to Apple’s new vision for the device. Unlike earlier versions, which focused solely on streaming, this version emphasizes app usage, meaning the extra storage is necessary for downloading and storing larger apps, including more graphics-intensive games.
The Siri Remote is another standout feature. With a touch-sensitive surface and built-in microphone, navigating the Apple TV is more intuitive than ever. Swiping through menus and fast-forwarding through content feels smooth and responsive. The Siri voice commands work surprisingly well, allowing you to search for content, control playback, and even ask general questions without leaving the comfort of your couch.
Hardware highlights:
- 64GB Storage: Perfect for app-heavy users and those who want to download games or store apps long-term.
- Siri Remote: Touchpad for easy navigation and voice control for hands-free searching.
User Interface and Siri Integration
The revamped tvOS brings a fresh look and feel to the Apple TV experience. The interface is clean, modern, and easy to navigate. The added support for Siri takes it to the next level, offering seamless voice control throughout the system. You can ask Siri to find a specific movie, search for content by genre, or even pull up apps. For example, a simple “Find action movies” command will yield results from multiple sources like iTunes, Netflix, and more.
Siri’s contextual awareness is particularly impressive. You can ask follow-up questions like, “Who stars in this movie?” or “What did they say?” which will rewind the content by a few seconds and display subtitles. It’s not perfect, but it’s a genuinely useful feature that sets the Apple TV apart from other streaming boxes.
User interface highlights:
- tvOS: Clean and responsive interface with rich animations.
- Siri Integration: Powerful voice search that integrates with apps and content across platforms.
The App Store and Gaming
One of the most exciting new additions to the Apple TV is the App Store. This opens up a world of possibilities beyond just streaming video content. Now, users can download apps for everything from fitness and education to games and productivity. Apple has pushed hard for developers to create apps tailored for the big screen, and this decision transforms the Apple TV into a versatile device.
Gaming on the Apple TV is a big focus as well. While it doesn’t aim to compete directly with consoles like the PlayStation or Xbox, it still provides a surprisingly enjoyable gaming experience for casual gamers. The Siri Remote doubles as a basic game controller, though for more demanding games, you might want to invest in a third-party game controller that pairs via Bluetooth.
Some popular games like Crossy Road and Alto’s Adventure play beautifully on the Apple TV, taking advantage of the larger screen. The performance is smooth, and the added storage on the 64GB model means you won’t have to worry about running out of space quickly.
App and gaming highlights:
- App Store: Expands the Apple TV’s utility beyond video, adding categories like games, fitness, and productivity.
- Gaming: Supports casual gaming, with additional controller options for a better experience.
Content and Streaming
When it comes to streaming, the Apple TV delivers exactly what you’d expect. It supports major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, and YouTube, along with Apple’s own iTunes library. The iTunes integration is seamless, offering access to your purchased content, rentals, and a wealth of TV shows and movies to buy or rent.
The Apple TV also supports AirPlay, so you can stream content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to your TV. This is particularly useful for sharing photos, home videos, or presentations on the big screen. While the device doesn’t support 4K resolution—something many competitors are already offering—it does deliver excellent HD quality with smooth streaming performance.
Streaming highlights:
- Access to all major streaming services, plus iTunes for rentals and purchases.
- AirPlay for easy wireless streaming from other Apple devices.
Performance
Powered by the A8 chip, the Apple TV handles multitasking, app launches, and gameplay effortlessly. Whether you’re switching between streaming apps or playing a game, the performance is smooth and reliable. The A8 processor ensures that even graphically intensive apps and games run without lag, making it a capable device for all your entertainment needs.
The lack of 4K support is a notable omission, especially for tech enthusiasts with 4K TVs, but for most users, the 1080p output is more than sufficient for everyday viewing. Apple’s smooth animations and quick app launches make it feel fast and responsive.
Performance highlights:
- A8 chip delivers fast, lag-free performance across apps and games.
- 1080p HD output is crisp and smooth, though 4K support is missing.
Price in Australia
In Australia, the Apple TV 64GB model is priced at AU$299, making it a premium option for users looking for extra storage and future-proofing for apps and games. The 32GB model was priced slightly lower at AU$269. While not the cheapest streaming device on the market, the added functionality and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem should justify the price for many users.
Final Thoughts
The Apple TV 64GB is a game-changer for those looking for more than just a streaming box. With the App Store, Siri integration, and gaming capabilities, it brings a whole new level of functionality to your living room. The device is fast, sleek, and filled with potential for further development as more apps are added to the ecosystem.
While it lacks 4K support, the overall experience, from smooth performance to Siri-powered convenience, makes it one of the best streaming devices on the market. For Apple users especially, the seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem—whether via iCloud, AirPlay, or iTunes—makes this an easy choice. If you’re looking for a powerful, flexible media center, the Apple TV 64GB is hard to beat.