Roger Fingas
Apple on Thursday issued a surprise software update for the third-generation Apple TV, closing several security vulnerabilities in the media set-top.
These include holes that would allow someone to see some iCloud data, or the Wi-Fi networks a person had previously connected to, Apple explained in release notes. Others might allow hackers to run malicious code, or read apps' managed preferences.
The v7.2.1 update can be downloaded automatically for people who have that option enabled, but otherwise must be triggered by launching the update process in the Settings menu.
While the third-gen Apple TV is still on sale for $69, updates for the device are rare, as Apple has shifted its focus to the fourth-gen model that launched in October 2015. The latter offers Siri voice commands and full iOS-style apps, whereas the third-gen model is dependent on remote/iOS input can only run basic apps pushed out by Apple.
The flow of third-gen apps has essentially stopped, which may suggest that Apple will discontinue the model if and when it launches a fifth-gen device, if not earlier.
Charles Martin
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Malcolm Owen
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27 Comments
I have 4th Gen Apple-TV so does not affet me but this is why it's Apple not Anfroid. Besides, my iphone, I also have LG optimus G e970 and those android idiot LG never even upgraded passed their installed OEM OS(JelleyBean) shipped with the phone.What a Shame. Kudos to Apple, customers Moto - "No past devices left behind"...
I wish the 4th gen worked as reliably as the 3rd gen system. I'm constantly pestered with problems that break up the show, flash snow on the screen, and then goes back to the show. Same thing can happen with music, too.
Apple quality has fallen in recent years.
I need my 3rd gen Apple TV to keep working because the 4th gen doesn't have an audio out port! It only has HDMI and I pass sound to my stereo system for much better sound than my TV would give me.
Another Apple disappointment!!
I truly wish Steve Jobs would come back from the dead and KICK some SERIOUS BUTT !!
After having used the ATV4 for several months now in my living room, I fired up one of my three ATV3s that are located in other rooms recently. I had forgotten how snappy and easy to use the ATV3 is compared to the ATV4.