Nice!  That'll be a handy feature.  I wonder why AirPlay doesn't support 5.1?  Is it a technical limitation?  Hopefully they'll be able to add that in the future.  Really hoping the AppleTV App store comes to fruition too.  That would rock.

This is a cool feature. So will it play on multiple remote speakers? Meaning the ones connected to the hard wired speakers and also an express or two?

Anyone know why the iPad can not AirPlay audio to multiple sources, like say the apple tv and two expresses? Is it hardware related or is it just not implemented yet?

All this fiddling with the periphery seems like something that should be done after the big stuff, and by that I mean an ATV app store. It's such an obvious move it boggles the mind why Apple haven't done it. Then release an ATV4 next year based on the iPad 4 internals (PVR Rogue, Cortex A15) and have something which can run Xbox/PS3 games without compromise.

I think Apple will have to address the price issue too - an Xbox 360 is now £140 for the base model, and it gives access to a pretty solid array of streaming services. (plus it plays high end games). The ATV at £100 for such a limited box just doesn't make any sense. The Roku, also at £100, is only slightly better as at least it has an app store. These little streamers should be £50, tops.

 yay

There have been several times where I wish my Apple TV would send sound to my iPhone so I can plug my headphone in and not bother others. Kind of like reverse AirPlay.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilBoogie 


As the AppleTV doesn't have internal permanent storage anymore what would your request accomplish that iTunes Match can't do for your iPhone?

He could be talking about sound coming from movies or TV shows.

And that is exactly what this new AirPlay speaker can accomplish for people. It sounds great. The ability to output sound form the TV wirelessly to any AirPlay sound system or speaker system is quite significant.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kotatsu 

I think Apple will have to address the price issue too - an Xbox 360 is now £140 for the base model, and it gives access to a pretty solid array of streaming services. (plus it plays high end games). The ATV at £100 for such a limited box just doesn't make any sense. The Roku, also at £100, is only slightly better as at least it has an app store. These little streamers should be £50, tops.

The Roku boxes are $59, $79, and $99 depending on the model.  The ATV is $100.  The new Google ridiculous box is $299.  Sorry- the prices are fine.  $99 for an A5, Wireless N, Stainless Remote, 8gb storage, etc is plenty fine- all they need to do is increase their capabilities/apps (HBOGo, Hulu, etc.)  If you want a huge box and clunky peripherals, get the Xbox.  I would prefer a small tiny box that is unnoticeable- The iTunes streaming most boxes can do- but I need something that streams iCloud and has my Photostream screensaver.... oh ya- and can Screen share with my MacBook air on Mountain Lion.

Apple's box is priced very nicely.  The base Roku is fine for most people who don't have any or very little Apple hardware.  But for an apple-centric household, the Apple TV is the only choice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andysol 

But for an apple-centric household, the Apple TV is the only choice.

And it will become very powerful down along the road, I am sure.