Sam Oliver
The latest Apple software to receive a Jony Ive-led user interface revamp is the company's Apple TV operating system, which sports an iOS 7-style "flat" look with new icons and updated typography in the latest beta.
Each of the default icons has been reworked with a more modern veneer, eschewing the now-defunct iOS "gloss" effects for a matte appearance. The background starburst effect has also given way to gradients that match those found in iOS 7.
The pictographs themselves have also been made more sleek. The "Settings" icon underwent the most radical change, gaining the same nested gears icon found in Apple's newest mobile and desktop operating systems.
In addition, the weight of the typeface is slightly thinner and icons no longer cast reflections. Finally, the "glow" surrounding the currently-selected icon has been tightened up to include a more defined white ring offset by a small black margin.
Overall, however, the Apple TV user interface paradigm remains largely unchanged from its debut in 2007. Rumors of an all-new Apple TV have been circulating for years, and picked up steam in 2011 following the publication of Steve Jobs's autobiography in which the late Apple CEO was quoted as saying he had "finally cracked" the television problem.
Those rumors came to a head in early 2014, as numerous media outlets suggested that a refresh was imminent, though none materialized. More recent reports have signaled that Apple's new set-top solution has been stalled as negotiations with content providers drag on.
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84 Comments
I'm not a fan of Computers" being a button/channel. I have an iTunes Server that I always access with my Apple TV but I have to jump through extra steps to get there. Just let me put my iTS Movies and iTS TV Shows channels on the main page.
Is this still 3rd Gen only?
Is this still 3rd Gen only?
All previous updates have been 2nd AND 3rd gen. There is no reason to believe this won’t be the same.
Finally! Once they get around I hope they'll open the new content store for old units. There are so many Apple TV's out there it's a mystery they haven't pushed it more..
The @TV interface has become more and more annoying to use.... it was cool seven years ago when first introduced, but it now looks pathetically dated. (For instance, I wish there was simple way to press and hold a button in the remote to turn the damn thing off.)
The main thing going for it is that it only costs $99.