Mikey Campbell
Apple made good on a promise to ship out Apple TV development kits to select developers this week, as some who were selected to take part in the early access program received their kits on Tuesday.
Developer Caleb Thorson posted a picture of his Apple TV dev kit to Twitter in what is expected to be the first of many unboxings, first looks and comprehensive rundowns of Apple's next-generation streamer. An unboxing video somehow hit the Web last Wednesday, just hours after Apple announced the device onstage at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco.
Apple only yesterday informed developers selected to take part in the early Apple TV access program that their units would begin shipping later this week. The dev kits are being parceled out to facilitate quick turnaround on Apple TV apps ahead of the set-top box's public launch in October.
The chosen few were charged a $1 fee for the opportunity.
Introduced at Apple's special event last week, the new Apple TV sports runs a specialized operating system called tvOS that features a dedicated App Store, streamlined user interface and advanced search functions. With a powerful A8 SoC and included touchpad Siri Remote, the diminutive black box also integrates voice control. The remote boasts motion sensors for gaming and intuitive control over third-party apps.
Apple's fourth-generation Apple TV launches sometime in October with a starting price of $149 for an entry-level 32GB model, while a 64GB variant will cost $199.
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30 Comments
This might be a really stupid question so forgive me if it is: Will there be demo units in Apple Stores to try out? Or maybe at a retailer like Best Buy? I find myself more on the fence about getting one, where previously I wasn't so sure. I'd really like to play with it first before spending $200.
Make us proud.
[quote name="Suddenly Newton" url="/t/188257/developers-receive-first-apple-tv-dev-kits-promptly-post-pictures-online#post_2777013"]Make us proud.[/quote] I wonder what game developers think of Apple's reversal regarding game controllers? The new requirement is every game must support Apple's remote. No games will be allowed that require a third-party controller. It kind of makes me wonder why Apple didn't just design it's on game controller? I have a hard time seeing people play console quality games with the Apple remote. http://tinyurl.com/opmkoak
Probably depends upon what Apple means by support. It only makes sense that some basic operations ge compatible with the remote. I highly doubt that Apple expects 100% functionality with the remote.
Interesting! Id love to see a tear down and maybe info on processor performance. The other thing, does anybody know if these units work well not connected to the net. I have a use for one where all i want to do is broadcast over WiFi to a unit hooked to a TV. No need for internet connections.