Mike Wuerthele
The new Apple TV 4K is getting faster network connectivity with the addition of a Gigabit Ethernet port, but the company has also removed the USB-C port previously used for troubleshooting and screenshot capture.
The fourth-generation Apple TV had a trio of ports — HDMI, 10/100 Ethernet, and USB-C. It is unclear what Apple will do to supply direct connectivity for developers and device managers going forward, but network loading of software and configuration profiles seems probable.
This isn't the first time Apple eradicated ports from the Apple TV. Analog component connectors departed the unit during the shift from the first to second generation, and the optical audio connector was killed when the fourth generation Apple TV debuted.
The Apple TV 4K was shown briefly during Tuesday's array of announcements. The device is powered by the A10X processor, as found in the refreshed iPad Pro.
HDR 4K content will be available from Apple in short order. Users with films from six major studios, minus Disney, will get free updates to 4K movies if they have purchased those movies from Apple in the past.
The Apple TV 4K will be offered alongside the existing fourth-generation Apple TV from September 22, with pre-orders starting September 15. Two different capacities will be offered, with the 32-gigabyte model priced at $179, and the 64-gigabyte version at $199.
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38 Comments
Dolby Atmos not supported.
Exterminates? Are the Dalecs involved. Will Doctor Who save the port? Such a word for such a mondane thing.
I thought you needed HDMI 2.1 or higher to get full 4K video transmission. Or is 2.0 sufficient? Since this is a new product, surprised in any case that it's not 2.1.
1) I noticed the GigE and the missing USB-C port. I had wondered if USB-C was just omitted from the images because it's for diagnostics only.
2) Has anyone noticed a need for more than 32GB in their Apple TV?
Exterminate.. Exterminate.... EXTERMINATE! Only the Doctor can save the Apple TV now. On a real note... how are we going to manually install apps such as Kodi, screenshots/recordings, and factory restore without the USB-C port?