Neil Hughes
Apple on Monday began informing developers who won its Apple TV lottery that their new set-top boxes will begin shipping later this week, allowing them to build applications ahead of the October launch.
Developers who reached out to AppleInsider on Monday indicated that they had been contacted by Apple, informing them that they were selected for the developer program. Those who were chosen must accept and purchase their new Apple TV by Wednesday.
Apple is only charging developers who were chosen $1 for the purchase, to verify their name and address before shipping the unit.
A select number of developers will receive Apple TV units ahead of the device's October launch.
Developers who complete their purchase are informed by Apple that the unit will ship within 1 to 3 business days. With that turnaround, it's possible that some could begin receiving their new Apple TV by the end of this week.
The revamped Apple TV was announced last week, featuring a dedicated App Store with third-party software. Developers will be able to create apps for the new Apple TV just like they do on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
The new Apple TV powers its App Store with an all-new operating system dubbed tvOS. AppleInsider went hands-on with the new hardware and software at last week's event.
Beyond apps, one of the defining features of the new Apple TV is its Siri Remote, which allows users to quickly find and narrow down content by just using their voice. It also features motion sensors and a touchpad for new forms of input and gameplay with titles on the App Store.
When the new Apple TV launches to the public in October, it will start at $149 for the entry-level 32-gigabyte model, while a larger 64-gigabyte variant will cost $199.
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23 Comments
Great! Maybe AI can do an over-the-shoulder review with a cooperative dev so we can get some answers to burning questions of what it possible with the new device.
Just got my email and it's on the way. Woohoo! Now I really need to start figuring out the app I'm going to build.
Great! Maybe AI can do an over-the-shoulder review with a cooperative dev so we can get some answers to burning questions of what it possible with the new device.
Was wondering the same thing myself, but perhaps they're under NDA not to reveal anything? Still, some talk I know, and I am definitely eager to find out everything there is to find out about the device.
Pretty good developer discount there; Apple don't normally do that do they?
Apple on Monday began informing developers who won its Apple TV lottery that their new set-top boxes will begin shipping later this week, allowing them to build applications ahead of the October launch.
But the new hardware doesn’t have a legacy optical audio port so why bother developing for it? I mean no one is going to buy such a crippled piece of junk when millions upon millions of users find it totally useless now. /s