Content – Apple TV Hacks https://www.appletvhacks.net Get more from your shiny box of joy: Taking Apple TVs to the next level Mon, 30 Jan 2017 14:37:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Top 8 best Apple TV apps you should try right now https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/30/8-best-apple-tv-apps-try/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/30/8-best-apple-tv-apps-try/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2017 14:37:47 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111067 When Apple released the Apple TV, Tim Cook said that the future of TV is apps. Well, we couldn’t agree more with that, but the truth is that the App Store simply has too many junk apps available. We bet...

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When Apple released the Apple TV, Tim Cook said that the future of TV is apps. Well, we couldn’t agree more with that, but the truth is that the App Store simply has too many junk apps available. We bet that you’ve already deleted many of them just because you rarely use them! So if you’re the type who wants to install the best apple tv apps on your TV, then you need to look for them. Luckily, today we’re going to make this a lot easier for you. In the paragraphs below, we reviewed some of the best apps you can install on your Apple TV. Let’s check them out!

CARROT Weather (Apple TV only)

If you travel a lot or you’re simply interested in how the weather is going to be today or tomorrow, then you need to get the CARROT weather app. What’s great about it is that you can use it in order to store multiple locations. Better yet, it also features some pretty great animations that you’ll certainly like. Whatever you do though, just make sure you don’t poke its ocular sensor!

Wikify (universal)

Wikify (universal)We’re all aware of Wikipedia and we’ve probably used it more than we think. However, having Wikipedia on your TV may seem a little bit weird at first. However, Wikify is more like a travel companion. The way it works is that if you travel somewhere, you can use it in order to zoom on your location. As you zoom, you’ll notice a lot of red pins will start to pop up. Each of those pins actually represents interesting locations that you may want to visit. While this kind of functionality may sound like it’s better suited for a phone, we cannot refute its usefulness.

TVPlayer (universal)

If you have an Apple TV, then there is a chance that it’s plugged into an actual TV that can play live broadcasts. If that’s not the case, then don’t worry about it. Using TVPlayer you can gain access to a lot of TV channels right away. If you want, then you can also pay something extra and access a lot of private channels as well. According to users, this is by far one of the most interesting apps for apple tv, so be sure to give it a shot!

TV Maps (universal)

Many people may scoff at the idea of using maps on their TV. That’s because it’s unrealistic that while traveling, you’ll have your Apple TV with you in your car, trying to zoom up on the highway to find the next gas station. However, you can look at this app in a different way. You can use it in order to explore. TV Maps offers you a three dimensional view of popular landmarks. If you want, then you can also receive directions that you can then send to your mobile device through the TV Maps app. How great is that?

Streaks workout

For those who want to get in shape and never really get to do something about it, Streaks Workout may be the answer they’re looking for. Using this app, you only need some desire to get in shape, a floor, and your Apple TV. In terms of exercising, you can choose the exercises you want to do and how long you want to exercise. With Streaks Workout, you’ll be able to track your workout and see how much fat you burn. Thanks to this great app, you can set weight loss goals and lose fat without having to go to the gym. Just give it a try to convince yourself of how useful it actually is!

Speedtest by Ookla (universal)

best apple tv apps 2016We’ve all used a speed test tool or website at least once, but did you know that they’re generally inaccurate? Therefore, if you have trouble streaking your favorite content on the Apple TV, then you may want to use Ookla to test your broadband speed. Based on its reviews, Ookla is one of the best apple tv apps 2016 and you should certainly install it on your TV. Now when it comes to the internet speed test, it takes about a minute. Once it’s over, you’ll know all about your download and upload speed.

Solar Walk 2 (universal)

Have you ever wanted to explore the solar system? If the answer is yes, then we have good news for you! With Solar Walk 2 you can easily do that! This app is available of the Apple TV and it’s simply amazing. You can use it to explore the Moon, the planets in our solar system and also the moon. There are also infographics which tell you a lot about Earth and the rest of the planets in the solar system. Pretty interesting stuff for sure!

Plane Finder

If you’re an armchair plane geek, then Plane Finder may very well be an indispensable app for you. Using it you can see almost live maps of planes that hurtle through the sky. You can also search for certain flights, filter by company, and even zoom to track specific planes. On the other hand, if you like something more conventional, then you may want to give FlightBoard a try.

If you’re looking for the best apps for apple tv, then now you have them. Check them out and see how much you like them, but don’t forget to let us know about it in the comments section below!

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Apple TV 4 vs. Roku Ultra: Which is better? https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/27/apple-tv-4-vs-roku-ultra-better/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/27/apple-tv-4-vs-roku-ultra-better/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2017 13:06:55 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111061 Roku has been long in the game of set top boxes and now with its latest release, the Roku Ultra, it’s hoping to meet everyone’s needs. This is their best set top box yet and it’s one that many people...

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Roku has been long in the game of set top boxes and now with its latest release, the Roku Ultra, it’s hoping to meet everyone’s needs. This is their best set top box yet and it’s one that many people have already bought and enjoy. As expected, it has the most features compared to all other models in its lineup. That’s not all though: the Roku Ultra also has 4K support. However, a lot of people seem to think that the Apple TV 4th Gen is better than the Roku Ultra. If you’re currently looking to buy a set top box, then stay tuned. Below we’ll compare the apple tv vs roku to see which of them is the absolute best set top box. Let’s see!

Specs and Design

Apple TV:

  1. A8 CPU (dual core)
  2. HDMI output.
  3. 2GB of RAM.
  4. 1080 output resolution.
  5. 32GB or 64GB storage.
  6. 425 grams.
  7. Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi‑Fi, 10/100BASE‑T Ethernet.

Roku Ultra:

  1. 900 MHz Broadcom BCM2836 CPU (quad-core).
  2. Optical audio, HDMI output.
  3. RAM: Unknown
  4. 256MB of built in storage (unconfirmed).
  5. USB port and MicroSD card slot for extra storage.
  6. 4K UHD resolution with High Dynamic Range support (60hz).
  7. Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, 10/100BASE‑T Ethernet.

Specs breakdown

One thing you need to keep in mind is that specs don’t really matter that much. After all, the devices need to stream content and they have to do it well. They may have a powerful CPU and a lot of memory, but if the stream quality is not there, that beefed up CPU and memory don’t really matter that much.

Now, the Roku Ultra does have a more powerful CPU compared to the Apple TV. That’s because it needs extra juice for the 4K content. In terms of memory, 1GB should be enough. The Apple TV has 2GB, while the Roku may have about 1.5GB.

apple tv vs roku

The difference in storage between the 2 is massive. The Apple TV can have up to 64GB of memory, while the Roku only has 256MB. This is because the Roku focuses on streaming everything.

The Roku supports 4K HDR, while the Apple TV can only handle Full HD. There isn’t too much 4K HDR content out there yet, but it’s good to know that the Roku is future proof in this regard.

Remote control comparison

First of all, the Roku Ultra features a physical remote that you can also use as a game controller. Even better, it features a built-in headphone jack, too. This means you can plug in your headphones in the remote (the Roku comes with a free pair) and the sound will be directed directly to your ears (through the remote).

The Roku remote comes with a speaker as well. If you can’t find it, then you need to press a button on the Roku Ultra and the remote will play a sound that allows you to find it easier. Quite useful, don’t you think? Lastly, the Roku offers voice search as well, making it easier to search for your favorite movies, shows, etc.

When it comes to the Apple Remote, you can use Siri, speak into the remote and look for content. As expected, the Siri remote can also be used to command your Apple TV. The Apple TV remote also has a touchpad which is quite useful if you don’t like to press buttons all the time. Better yet, you can easily use it to adjust the volume as well. As such, no longer will you need to worry about having a separate remote for adjusting the volume.

OS and content

The OS on the Apple TV (tvOS) has been updated and revamped. It’s fluid, smooth and it’s very pleasing to the eye. Not only does it have HD screensavers, but it also has a very useful Search feature. You can now use it in order to search through channels, even if you don’t yet have them. This can be pretty useful. This means that if you search for movies with Leonardo DiCaprio, you’ll get results not only from the iTunes store, but also from HBO Go, Netflix, and any other app you may have installed.remote control comparison apple tv roku

The Roku Ultra’s operating system is called Roku OS7. You get about twenty five hundred channels, but that’s not the best part. The best part is the Roku Feed which makes it a breeze to bookmark your favorite movies and TV shows. What happens next is that when one of the channels Roku offers has that movie in it, you’ll be notified. How great is that? This sounds very much like the Apple TV’s universal search, but it’s certainly a lot more useful since it tracks your favorite content and then notifies you when you can watch it.

Apple TV vs Roku: Price and verdict

Trying to come to a conclusion on which of these players is the best is very difficult. In terms of price, the 4th gen Apple TV with 32GB of memory is $149, with the 64GB version costing $199. In comparison, the Roku Ultra costs only $129 which is much cheaper.

For the asking price, you get the amazing Siri remote that has a lot of functionality and can help you enjoy your Apple TV a lot more than the traditional remote. If you love games, then you can safely go with the Apple TV. You can download thousands of games from the App Store and many of them are quite affordable as well. Then again, with the Apple TV you don’t get 4K HDR support, while the Roku Ultra offers it. This year, the popular streaming services, including Amazon Instant Video and Netflix are focusing on 4K content, including HDR, so if you’re into it, then the Roku may be a great choice to consider. If you opt for the Apple TV, then you’ll need to settle with Full HD resolution.

Calling a winner in this battle is definitely very difficult. Our take is that if you want the highest quality content, then go for the Roku. On the other hand, if you’re into games and apps, then go for the Apple TV!

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What You Need To Know About the Apple Tv 5th Generation https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/19/apple-tv-5th-generation/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/19/apple-tv-5th-generation/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2017 16:08:07 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=110977 Apple has decided to remove the old 3rd generation Apple TV from its lineup and this means that now we’re left only with the 4th generation Apple TV. Even so, the latest Apple TV is still far behind the competition...

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Apple Tv 5th Generation Image 2Apple has decided to remove the old 3rd generation Apple TV from its lineup and this means that now we’re left only with the 4th generation Apple TV. Even so, the latest Apple TV is still far behind the competition and if apple wants to still be relevant in this market, they need to come up it a 5th generation Apple TV fast. In fact, various sources say that Apple is feeling the pressure, forcing them to come up with an apple tv 5th generation that will yet again set a new standard in the industry.

Apple is already facing fierce competition

In ’15, most of the first 4K UHD set top boxes emerged for the entertainment technology market. Some of the most popular examples of that time include Nvidia Shield, the Amazing Fire 4K TV box, and also the famous Roku 4. Compared to the Apple TV, they were all sporting much better features and the performance was also greater. But while all these alternatives to the Apple TV were great, Apple’s name and notoriety made it difficult for them to thrive and replace Apple’s set top box. However, in 2016 the same companies released their newest set top boxes which were way above what Apple could offer at the time in terms of performance and features. Almost all of them feature 4K support and some of them even support HDR.

Apple TV lags behind in terms of features

It’s true that over the years, Apple has actually released many generations of the device, with the latest iteration surfacing in 2015. This is when the Apple TV 4th generation was released and featured a lot more power than previous generation set top boxes. Currently though, Apple’s set top box lacks a lot of features compared to what the competition offers. On top of that, it doesn’t have the most modern specs users are craving for. This includes support for HDR and 4K UHD resolution. To make it even worse for Apple, their set top box is not cheap at all. In fact, even though it doesn’t offer HDR and 4K support, it still is a lot more expensive than the Amazon Fire TV box, the Roku Premiere Plus, and the Roku Ultra.

At this point Apple finds itself in a situation where they don’t offer the 3rd generation of their Apple TV for sale, but their 4th generation set top box still lags behind. Fortunately, there are signs showing that Apple may be working on the apple tv 5th generation set top box and if we’re lucky, we could easily see it launched this year.

The fans aren’t happy

While the 4th generation Apple TV was released at the end of ’15 and many people loved it, there were also many complaints about it not supporting 4K. In their defense, Apple claimed that due to the relative scarcity of 4K TVs and content they decided that launching a 4K compatible Apple TV is not feasible.

While in 2016 UHD content was still low in volume, it seems that in 2017 this is about to change in a big way. There are now more and more 4K TVs being released and this means that 4K is becoming more mainstream. In fact, at the end of 2016, about forty percent of all TVs sold in the United States (larger than fifty inches) were Ultra HD TVs.

Apple Tv 5th Generation Remote

As we also previously iterated, there’s also a lot of competition that Apple needs to deal with. As we all know, Apple is regarded as an innovating company that always brings something new to the market. However, their Apple TV 4th generation is currently outdated and people are happy to support the competition because they pay less and also get more. In fact, even Chromecast Ultra (from Google) supports 4K content, while Apple’s TV doesn’t.

The Apple Tv 5th Generation launch is imminent

At this point, Apple is feeling the heat and it doesn’t like it. Since they removed the 3rd generation Apple TV from their website, this is a clear sign that they’re working on something new. On top of that, the 4th generation is also due for a replacement very soon.

By considering all these things, it’s clear that Apple doesn’t want to be left behind. It’s not really about losing sales, since they’re making a killing with their iPhone lineup. Apple wants to be regarded as the best company in the world and wants people to think of it as the only company that truly innovates. So if you’re currently thinking about getting a 4K TV, then you should certainly proceed with getting it, since Apple will release their next generation Apple TV sooner than you think. Once they do that, we’ll also see a sharp decrease in price for their 4th gen Apple TV. Great things are to come from Apple, so stay tuned for more updates!

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How to Delete Apps on the Apple TV https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/15/delete-apps-apple-tv/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/15/delete-apps-apple-tv/#comments Sun, 15 Jan 2017 18:53:45 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111018 As you may know, if you already bought an Apple TV, there are a lot of apps you can use with it and the good news is that new ones are being added often by Apple. If you want though,...

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As you may know, if you already bought an Apple TV, there are a lot of apps you can use with it and the good news is that new ones are being added often by Apple. If you want though, you can also download your very own apps from the TV’s App Store. Thanks to it, you have access to a wide range of 3rd party apps that make your Apple TV experience that much more exciting. For simpler and easier navigation, the TV comes with the new Siri remote that supports voice commands and also features a trackpad.

In terms of operating system, the Apple TV features TVOS. From a first look, it does bear certain similarities to the iOS, meaning that managing apps on the Apple TV is very simple. You can also choose what apps you want to keep using and what apps you wish to delete. In the paragraphs below, we’ll divide our short guide into 2 parts.

Delete Apps Apple TV

One of them will focus on how to delete apps on apple tv and the other on how you can move apps on your Apple TV. Both of these parts imply the use of a 4th Gen Apple TV.

Moving apps on your Apple TV

Once you start downloading apps to your Apple TV, you should take some time to arrange the layout as you like it. By doing so, you’ll have quick access to your most used and favorite apps, including the free apps for apple tv.

Compared to Apple TV devices of previous generations, you can now move applications in and out of the top shelf. In the past, the top shelf was reserved for Apple own apps. Speaking of which, whether you like them or not, you cannot delete them.

Now, in order to move the apps, you need to highlight their icon and then press and hold the trackpad. Do so until you notice the icon starts to wiggle. When it does, swipe across the trackpad and move it to your desired spot. To finalize the move you just have to click the trackpad once.

Deleting apps from your Apple TV

Apple TV Delete Apps

If you want to know how to delete apple tv apps, then that’s simple. In fact, it’s very similar to the command used to move them. Highlight the app icon, press and hold the trackpad to the point the icon starts to wiggle and then press the play\pause button on the remote. Once you do so, you’ll be asked to confirm that you want to delete the app. Once confirmed, the app will be deleted.

Using the Settings app to delete apps from the Apple TV

If you want, you can also use the Settings app to delete apps from your Apple TV. Here are the steps to doing so:

  1. Launch the settings app.
  2. Go to General.
  3. Under Usage heading, go to Manage Store.
  4. Click the trash icon next to any of the apps you’d like to remove.
  5. Confirm the removal by clicking delete.

That’s about it! While the first method is indeed very simple, the second method is very useful if you wish to remove more than 1 app. So which one do you like most?

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How to charge the Apple TV remote https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/13/charge-apple-tv-remote/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/13/charge-apple-tv-remote/#respond Fri, 13 Jan 2017 15:01:50 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111013 Previous Apple TV Remotes featured a coin cell battery which could provide power to your remote for years without having to replace it. The reason this was possible though is because at that time the Apple TV remote had limited...

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Previous Apple TV Remotes featured a coin cell battery which could provide power to your remote for years without having to replace it. The reason this was possible though is because at that time the Apple TV remote had limited functionality. Users would also use the remote in order to select media, play and that’s about it.

Currently though, the Apple TV remote is not what it used to be in terms of battery life. While in the past you would need to replace the battery after a year or two (sometimes even less often than that), now you need to recharge it once every few months. So why did this happen? The answer is quite simple: Apple decided to add more functionality to the Apple TV remote. Right now, the Apple TV includes an App Store where you can download a lot of games, but also a  remote packed with a trackpad, sensors and Siri. Speaking of which, Siri can be controlled via voice commands. As you can imagine, this has a massive impact on the battery, draining it much faster than before.

Apple TV remote charge level

According to Apple, under normal use, you will need to recharge the battery once every 90 days or so. On the other hand, if you’re a gamer and you use the remote for gaming, then you will need to charge it more often.

The good news about this is that no longer will you need to visit your local electronics store in order to get batteries for your Apple TV remote. The latest generation Apple TV remote features a lithium ion rechargeable battery that charges in the same way as your other iOS devices, including your iPad, iPod, and iPhone. So with that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how this new remote works and how to charge apple tv remote.

How to check the charge level on your Apple TV remote

Checking the charge level on your Apple TV remote is simple.

  1. To do this, you’ll first of all need to go to the Bluetooth menu since that’s where the charge level is displayed. If you want to check the charge level manually, then from the home screen, you need to go to the Settings menu.
  2. Here, you’ll need to go to Remotes and Devices.
  3. While you’re in this menu, look for Bluetooth and access this menu.
  4. It’s in this menu that you will see an entry for the default remote. This entry is called Remote and it features a battery indicator that displays how much charge your remote has left before it needs to be recharged.

Recharging the Apple TV remote

Let’s say that you found out your Apple TV remote is low on battery. How do you recharge it? Well, compared to the previous generation of Apple TV remote controls where you had to open the remote to replace the battery, the latest generation requires that you charge it in the same way you would charge any other iOS device.

If you take a close look at the bottom of the remote control, you’ll notice a small lightning port. It’s the same type of port that you can usually find on an iPad or iPhone (latest generation). If you’re not an Apple user that already had a few other Apple devices, don’t worry. Your Apple TV will ship with a lightning cable that you can use in order to charge your Apple TV remote. Be sure to plug the cable into the remote’s Lighting port and the other end into a USB wall charger or port (either from your desktop PC or laptop).

Even if you do actually have a USC-C to lightning cable lying around, hijacking the USB-C port on the back of your Apple TV for the purpose of charging your Apple TV remote isn’t possible. This may be very practical, but it’s simply not possible. That’s because the USB-C port on the Apple TV can only be used for troubleshooting and diagnostic purposes.

Charging time

Now that you know how to charge apple tv remote, you may be wondering how long it takes for the Apple TV remote to actually charge. In our tests, the Siri remote needed about 2 hours and 30 minutes to charge. What we also liked on top of the short charging time is the fact that while the remote is charging, you can still use it.

Apple TV remote charge time

Charging your Apple TV remote may be something you’ll be doing a lot more often with a Siri Remote, but we also cannot disregard that  this minor annoyance comes with a lot of pros as well. First of all, the new and improved Apple TV remote is packed with a lot of useful features. Secondly, you no longer have to worry about going to your local electronics store to get new batteries. Just plug your remote into a USB wall charger and in 2 and a half hours the remote is fully charged!

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What is Apple TV good for and why should you get one? https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/12/apple-tv-device-define/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/12/apple-tv-device-define/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2017 00:01:23 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111073 What is apple TV good for? Well, if you’ve never used an Apple TV before and you’re wondering why you need to get one, then you’re in the right place. First of all, with an Apple TV you gain access...

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What is apple TV good for? Well, if you’ve never used an Apple TV before and you’re wondering why you need to get one, then you’re in the right place. First of all, with an Apple TV you gain access to thousands of TV shows, movies, apps, and a lot of high quality content. Secondly, many apps on the App Store are very affordably priced, so you don’t need to worry about poking your wallet to get some if you really want to. If you never had an Apple TV before, then below we’ll tell you more about it and why you may need to get one fast.

Pros

  1. The Apple TV is a stylish, easy to use and affordable set top box.
  2. It costs $149 and $199 for the 32GB and 64GB variant, respectively.

Cons

  1. The Apple TV ties in to iTunes, which some people may not really like.

What is Apple TV?

Apple TV Buy Reasons

The Apple TV is basically a set top box that give you access to a lot of content, including movies, TV shows, apps, and more. You can purchase them or rent them from iTunes and other services, including Netflix, YouTube, etc. In other words, Apple TV simply takes the content that would otherwise be tied to your Mac, iPad, and iPhone and lets you enjoy it on a bigger screen. In terms of quality, the Apple TV is capable of outputting content in Full HD resolution.

Apple TV channels

One thing you need to know is that the Apple TV doesn’t actually offer you access to free to air channels as it’s the case with a regular TV. On top of that, it’s also not a digital video recorder that can help you record your favorite movies or shows while you’re at work. On the other hand, it does offer you access to channels where you can watch a lot of content based on your preferences. You can also use OnDemand services in the same way you would on your iPad and iPhone.

If you’re in the US, then by getting an Apple TV you can gain access to a lot of useful apps and channels. Some examples include WatchESPN, Lifetime, History, but also A&E, PBS, Disney Junior, Disney XD, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, and more. The good news is that Apple adds new channels quite frequently, so the amount of content you can access greatly increases over time. This is amazing if you’re the type who wants to keep up with the latest TV shows and movies.

Can I use my current TV with it?

One of the first things you need to know if you want to get an Apple TV is whether your current TV is compatible with it. As long as your TV has an HDMI port, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to use the Apple TV with it. Keep in mind that your TV needs to also be capable of 720P or Full HD output at 50/60Hz. While the chance your TV may not meet these requirements is low, there may be expectations. This is usually the case if you have an old CRT TV. Also, in order to access content stores, including the iTunes store, you need to have a broadband connection.

What can you play on the Apple TV?

The Apple TV supports a wide range of file formats, including M-PEG, MPEG-4, and H.264. In terms of audio, it supports Audible (formats two, three, four), MP3 VBR, MP3, protected AAC, AAC, HE-AAC (V1), WAV, and Apple Lossless. In terms of image formats, the Apple TV supports TIFF, GIF, and JPEG images.Apple tv what can it play

One of the most important things you need to know about the Apple TV is that you can use it to turn your dumb TV into a smart TV. You can easily access the likes of Vimeo, YouTube, Netflix, but also iTunes movies and TV programs to enjoy the latest video content. Better yet, you can also view images on Flickr and watch Sky news live.

Verdict

As you can see, there are many things to like about the Apple TV. First of all, it’s simple to use and it’s very well built as well. On the other hand, some people may argue that they don’t really have access to as much content as they would like. If you look at the competition (we’re looking at you Roku!) you’ll notice that there are other options you may want to check out.

Truth be said, there are certain features that will only work with the Apple TV, so that’s also something you may want to bear in mind. All in all, the Apple TV is a great way to access large libraries of content and keep up with your favorite movies and TV shows. If you’re a couch potato or find yourself spending too much time looking for great content on your cable TV, then you may want to switch to the Apple TV as soon as possible. It’s definitely worth it!

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Sling TV now available on Apple TV https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/06/15/sling-tv-now-available-on-apple-tv/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/06/15/sling-tv-now-available-on-apple-tv/#respond Tue, 14 Jun 2016 23:59:57 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=10594   Sling TV announced the debut of its live and on-demand multichannel pay-TV service on Apple TV. Sling’s suite of services, including its single-stream, beta multi-stream, Sling Latino and Sling International offerings, are available to Sling TV customers once they download...

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Sling TV announced the debut of its live and on-demand multichannel pay-TV service on Apple TV. Sling’s suite of services, including its single-stream, beta multi-stream, Sling Latino and Sling International offerings, are available to Sling TV customers once they download the app from the App Store on 4th generation Apple TV.

Sling TV lets Apple TV users watch live and on-demand content, including some of the most popular sporting events, breaking news, TV series, movies and more.

Subscriptions start at $20 per month.

New Sling TV customers have access to an exclusive offer to purchase a 32GB Apple TV for $89 (originally $149) when they pre-pay for three months of Sling TV’s single-stream service or beta multi-stream service.

New UI

Also debuting on Apple TV is Sling TV’s new user interface. The updated UI is said to offer a more customizable and personalized viewing experience and to improve content discovery “of the thousands of hours of programming available on Sling TV.”

In the first phase of the new UI roll-out, Sling TV customers gain access to a new personalization feature called “My TV,” which allows customers to select their favorite channels, resume watching where they left off on select programs and set favorite shows and movies for easy, one-click access.

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Additionally, the new UI includes enhanced content discovery, improved navigation and the ability to easily access content based on genres.

Programming updates

Sling TV also launched 12 Viacom channels across its beta multi-stream and single-stream services, including Comedy Central, BET, Spike, MTV, Nick Jr. and many others.

Sling also added new content from FOX to its beta multi-stream service.

Current Sling TV customers can download the Sling TV app directly from the Apple TV App Store on Apple TV. Similarly, new customers can sign up for a Sling TV account at www.sling.com and then download the Sling TV app on your iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV.

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Amazon Prime Video not coming to Apple TV until Apple agrees to ‘acceptable business terms’ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/06/01/amazon-prime-video-app-on-apple-tv-4-terms/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/06/01/amazon-prime-video-app-on-apple-tv-4-terms/#respond Wed, 01 Jun 2016 09:06:54 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=10532   Last year, Amazon appeared to have confirmed that they were developing a tvOS app for Prime Video, but the second-largest streaming service in the United States is still missing from the Apple TV. Speaking at Vox Media’s Code Conference yesterday, Amazon CEO Jeff...

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Last year, Amazon appeared to have confirmed that they were developing a tvOS app for Prime Video, but the second-largest streaming service in the United States is still missing from the Apple TV. Speaking at Vox Media’s Code Conference yesterday, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said the company wants “acceptable business terms” before it can bring Prime Video to platforms like Apple TV.

We can always get the player on the device, the question is whether you can get it on with acceptable business terms.

When asked whether “acceptable business terms” meant paying Apple’s famous 30 percent cut on in-app purchases and subscriptions, Bezos declined to answer and said that “private business discussions should stay private.”

Last October Amazon pulled both Apple TV and Chromecast from its retail store citing potential customer confusion over which streaming devices support Amazon Prime Video.

It’s important that the streaming media players we sell interact well with Prime Video in order to avoid customer confusion.

Now, it seems that Amazon can bring its video service to the Apple TV and return the set-top box to its store only after Apple offers “acceptable business terms”, which would probably mean agreeing to take less than 30% cut of anything sold within Amazon Prime Video app on Apple TV.

Also read: Starz subscription streaming app now available on Apple TV

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BitTorrent launches BitTorrent Live, a multichannel live TV streaming app for Apple TV 4 https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/05/25/bittorrent-live-tv-streaming-app-for-apple-tv-4/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/05/25/bittorrent-live-tv-streaming-app-for-apple-tv-4/#comments Wed, 25 May 2016 21:57:40 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=10494   BitTorrent has launched BitTorrent Live, a multichannel, live and linear video streaming platform spanning news, sports, music, tech, and youth culture. It is already available for Apple TV 4 and will soon come to iOS, OS X and Android....

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BitTorrent has launched BitTorrent Live, a multichannel, live and linear video streaming platform spanning news, sports, music, tech, and youth culture. It is already available for Apple TV 4 and will soon come to iOS, OS X and Android.

BitTorret Live allows you to watch free streams from 13 content providers. Variety reports that the biggest focus will be on content that warrants live viewing, including news, sports and events.

Powered by the company’s proprietary peer-to-peer live streaming protocol, BitTorrent Live allows for large audiences to view live video with sub 10-second latency and without the need for CDN or pre-provisioning.

With BitTorrent Live, every viewer is also a broadcaster. According to the company, “this allows the video stream to remain strong and for the broadcast to be as scalable as traditional Over-the-Air TV.”

BitTorrent Live Programming

  • AWE: Formerly known as WealthTV, AWE is a 24/7 network devoted to taking viewers on a journey of how wealth is achieved, used and enjoyed.
  • Clubbing TV:  The official media partner of some of the planet’s biggest electro festivals, Clubbing TV offers exclusive, quality electronic music content from artists and labels all around the globe embracing the entire the Dance Music lifestyle.
  • FAST&FUN is a new Television Channel offering an action-packed, adrenaline-including medley of extreme sports, from car racing and motocross to snowboarding and skateboarding; a large variety of disciplines, shows and competitions from all over the world.
  • Fightbox: From MMA and boxing to arm wrestling and sumo, Fightbox is a compilation of the finest combat sports from around the globe all on one channel.
  • Filmbox Arthouse: Every month FilmBox Arthouse also airs special presentations devoted to a particular creative movement (German Expressionism, New Romanian Cinema) or individual filmmakers (The Surreal Art of Salvador Dali, Rossellini’s War Trilogy, etc.)
  • Heroes TV: Delivers what action, adventure fanatics want.  Heroes TV targets audiences with Multiple programming categories to offer the most comprehensive action, adventure line up on TV.
  • Newsmax: Newsmax TV provides the latest news, expert views and live programming from your favorite TV hosts and A-list guests. (conservative programming)
  • NUsicTV:  Delivers the finest new independent artists at the forefront of music in a linear broadcast, allowing viewers to discover the vanguard in music without having to search the internet.
  • OANN: Features political analysis programming and political talk shows, along with network special documentary-style reports; its news coverage attempts to maintain objectivity while its political shows illustrate a stronger conservative lean.
  • One World Sports: It features exclusive, live, world-class sporting events and premier matchups from around the world, with over 3,000 hours of unduplicated sports programming annually. Content focus is on live and same-day action of league, championship and qualification competitions in soccer, basketball, baseball, golf, table tennis, badminton, darts, and more.
  • OpenNews TV: OpenNews TV brings you live video talk shows from the best progressive talk radio personalities.
  • Pursuit Channel: Pursuit Channel is a television network that airs programming geared to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.
  • TWiT: The TWiT.tv Netcast Network with Leo Laporte features the #1 ranked technology podcast This Week in Tech, along with over 20 other top-ranked online shows.

BitTorrent says that additional channels will follow, including subscription based, ad supported, and Pay Per View premium tiers.

Search for “BitTorrent Live” on the Apple TV App Store to download the free app.

[App Store Link]

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NCAA March Madness 2016 coming to Apple TV 4 with split-screen feature https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/03/09/ncaa-march-madness-2016-coming-to-apple-tv-4-with-split-screen-feature/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/03/09/ncaa-march-madness-2016-coming-to-apple-tv-4-with-split-screen-feature/#comments Wed, 09 Mar 2016 13:55:08 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=10267 NCAA announced that it will allow direct access to all the March Madness 2016 games across more platforms than ever before, including the new Apple TV. NCAA March Madness Live app will be available on the Apple TV App Store this Thursday, in time for the...

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NCAA announced that it will allow direct access to all the March Madness 2016 games across more platforms than ever before, including the new Apple TV. NCAA March Madness Live app will be available on the Apple TV App Store this Thursday, in time for the playoffs, which kick off March 15.

The app will come with an exclusive Apple TV feature that lets users watch two games simultaneously via a split screen. You’ll need to be a paying TV subscriber to use this feature.

Pay-tv subscribers will also have unlimited live streaming coverage and on-the-go access throughout the entire championship. NCAA March Madness Live will offer a temporary preview period giving users access to live game streaming before login is required.

Additional content will include “excitement” alerts for big moments throughout the tournament, as well as fan-favorite features including live game scoring, the official bracket and real-time game alerts for their favorite school. Fans will also have direct access to live radio broadcasts.

New for the 2016 NCAA March Madness Live:

  • Platform expansion – This year’s product will expand to 12 platforms – more than ever before –including desktop, Amazon Fire tablets, Amazon Fire TV, iPhone, iPad, Android handset, Android tablet, Windows handset, Windows desktop, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Roku players and Roku TV models.  Exclusively for NCAA March Madness Live, fans watching via Apple TV can enjoy two live games at once with the Split Screen feature.
  • GameCenter – The epicenter of NCAA March Madness Live has been re-engineered to provide fans with an immersive live video experience featuring improved navigation, Google Cast and Airplay support and more curated social content from the Coke Zero™ NCAA March Madness Social arena.
  • Video on Demand – This year’s enhanced video on demand capabilities allows fans to access classic tournament moments, match-up analysis, game previews, top plays, featured videos and more.
  • Capital One NCAA March Madness Bracket Challenge – This year, the official bracket game of March Madness – available via desktop, smartphones and tablets – is upgrading with new game features and more tools to help fans make their bracket picks as well as a chance to enter into a sweepstakes to attend the 2017 Final Four® in Phoenix.  In addition, this is the only bracket game to integrate access to the live video stream of every match-up during the tournament.

For the NCAA Final Four National Semifinals on Saturday, April 2, from Houston, NCAA March Madness Live will provide three distinct live video streams of both games to provide unprecedented viewing options for fans – live streaming of the traditional game coverage provided on TBS, along with “Team Stream by Bleacher Report” coverage or team-specific presentations offered via TNT and truTV.  This year’s NCAA Tournament will include the National Championship airing on TBS, the first time the championship has ever been televised on cable television.

Search for “NCAA March Madness Live” on your Apple TV on Thursday download the app.

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