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Apple TV, What We Know About It: Pros and Cons

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August 19, 2020

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Apple TV, What We Know About It: Pros and Cons

Most of our Apple product-loving audience tend to ask about the company’s flagship lines: iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks… And even when something less popular does come up in someone’s letter, it is often put in a less-than-flattering way. Like, for example, in this question about Apple TV, received by us today. Its author actually wants to know why anyone would buy the Apple TV at all. Nevertheless it appears that there is some hope for this much-put-upon device yet, because the very same questioner is, nonetheless, interested about, and we quote, “what can it do”. So let us see whether we can make a case for the not-so-household (so far) Apple name. Because yes, there are some things it can do. So here goes.

1. Firstly, it can stream. And so it does. When placed between your Internet-connected computer and your TV, it can access Hulu, Netflix and other similar services with its programs, specially designed for this goal, so you can easily send their shows to your TV screen. And not just their shows: thanks to its AirPlay technology, it allows you to send Youtube videos from your browser (on whatever Apple device) to the TV screen as well. But, admittedly, it could do the very same thing without being so, shall we say, over-equipped for the task. It doesn’t need so much RAM, so powerful a CPU, so sophisticated an OS (iOS, to be precise) and a touchpad-sporting remote. Which means that you could pay noticeably less for the same effect… almost.

Why not exactly? Because – and that’s what you might not know, which would be a shame – the Apple TV also boasts a less-touted, but potentially even more sought-after capability: namely, it can download a multitude of apps from iTunes. Yes, it is accessible to the Apple TV (so buying songs and renting movies is within your reach as well). This fact is just not as widely advertised as the streaming side of the device.

apple tv what we know about it pros and cons stream - Apple TV, What We Know About It: Pros and Cons

When placed between your Internet-connected computer and your TV, Apple TV can access Hulu, Netflix and other similar services with its programs, specially designed for this goal, so you can easily send their shows to your TV screen.

And there is a potential for something more: Apple TV also includes its own gaming platform, called Apple Arcade. So, should the Apple’s own developers do one little upgrade and port the company’s games, currently meant for iPad only, to the Apple TV as well, this “streamer” would instantly become a gaming console as well. Yes, we know, shoulda, coulda, woulda… but it still can happen. So, there are two existing reasons to buy and a potential one, to boot.

2. Not only does Apple TV stream – it stores, too. You can place films, videos and photos from iPhone, Macs and iPads on it and watch them whenever you want.

3. Its interface is more intuitive than most. There is something to be said for ease of operation, after all. And at the same time it manages to look rather sleek, beautiful even. That might be a shallow consideration, but by some reason, we do prefer pretty to mundane-looking.

4. It synchronizes its work easily with any other Apple device. Not much of a surprise, as Apple always sees to it that all its devices would act in harmony, but it’s still worth mentioning that such things as Mirroring and password entry is just as seamlessly available on Apple TV as it is on your iPhone, iPad et al.

apple tv what we know about it pros and cons sync - Apple TV, What We Know About It: Pros and Cons

It synchronizes its work easily with any other Apple device.

5. There are quite a few free TV channels you can view through the Apple TV, on top of the paid services.

6. Another lesser-known facility of the device is its own HomeKit, a hub which can automate your home. And it is partly automated itself: it switches on and off on its own.

7. We are yet to hear about any glitch, lag or other work-interfering problems from any Apple TV owner. It appears to be an incredibly reliable and long-lasting little box. (Of course, it also means that it won’t give you a sound enough reason to splash on a new version).

8. Don’t forget that Apple is about to enter the streaming TV field in full throttle. If Netflix (Hulu, Amazon, YouTube, etc.) can do it, then Apple is not the one to be left behind. And when it becomes a true, full-sized competitor to all of the above, it’s reasonable to think that you would want an Apple TV to watch the entirely-Apple content.

apple tv what we know about it pros and cons content - Apple TV, What We Know About It: Pros and Cons

Don’t forget that Apple is about to enter the streaming TV field in full throttle.

So… there is, after all, more than one reason to set your eyes on Apple TV. But those still don’t change the consideration of price. And those who complain about the excessive powers of the device making you dive into your cookie jar deeper than, perhaps, you should have for that (and this is the Apple crowd, which is more than accustomed to loosening their purse strings for each new toy, mind) also have a point. And, when deciding whether to add an Apple TV to your iPod, iPhone, iPad, Mac and (not to be forgotten) your mighty TV set and AV receiver, the question you should ask yourself is, in fact, how much are you willing to invest in the future, and whether smooth synchronization, reliable and uninterrupted streaming and iTunes on big screen are worth paying extra for you.