Apple TV (2015) – Hypertext

The three keys

TVOS

. Photo: Ariana Escobar

The new operating system is a fork of IOS. While this may sound disappointing, it has a huge advantage: the ease with which developers can create applications or adapt those already published. For users is a very familiar interface and operation.

For the user, perhaps not more than the same as before with the obvious news. But indirectly, it is much more. A familiar interface with “all” the possibilities of iOS through the work of developers

The new interaction

. Photo: Ariana Escobar

Remote Siri, the new controller, power two ways to control the Apple TV unpublished until now: the touch control and voice. The touch control works perfect, not a complaint. If anything, the brief training will be done during the first few times until you get used muscle memory and can always handle it well at first. Siri also works surprisingly well, even if not approaching the knob to the face. For something has dual microphones, one on each of the control.

This results in key command as to say “What did he say?” and fifteen seconds backward in the series we’re looking to understand what we have lost. Or ask him to take us to the forty minute film that we have started. O take the union voice with powerful search engine , which allows mixing various levels in the same question. Such as …

• “Show me Woody Allen films”.
• “Show Me movies Woody Allen comedy”.
• “Show Me comedy films of Woody Allen, eighties “

More examples can you say to find content and actions:

• “. Show me movies Ben Stiller “and then” only the dramas “.
• ” Show me movies to watch with children “.
• ” What weather at Barcelona “.
• “Who won the final of the Superbowl”.

And nails it!

Siri Remote with an iPhone 6s so you can appreciate its actual size.

. Photo: Ariana Escobar

On the other hand, the control itself is a pleasure. As simple as the above, but with rechargeable via Lightning and added both Siri and the multitouch surface. This surface not only applies to glide through the menu, but also the timeline of videos or songs, or play. And having accelerometer and gyroscope, it can be used as steering wheel, bike, arm extension, etc. By the way, the control does not recognize the taps as touches, but only the clicks . Who have a MacBook or trackpad Apple will understand better. Pressing need not touch.

The App Store

The metaclave. In it we find apps of all kinds, the biggest difference between the previous and the Apple TV. Some highlights:

• Plex . If you have your own mounted for storing content, or have access to the libraries of other server.
• Netflix . Was there any doubt?
• Asphalt 8 . The best game we currently driving for the Apple TV.
• crossy road . Simple, addictive, now also includes multiplayer. As it should be on a TV.
• Streaks Workout . To exercise guided from the living room. However, there are several alternatives, such as Zova .
• Alto’s Adventure . A great game of iOS with a magical aura that comes to the big screen.
• Rayman Adventures . He played with the Remote Siri is boring, but with a remote for games, is like coming to the PlayStation.
• YouTube . Sure.
• Kitchen Stories . Appetizing recipes clearly explained step by step video and basic cooking guides.
• Madefire . Ideal curious to read comics on TV. Not static but dynamic, with visual and sound effects.

In any case, if you buy one, best thing to do is to access the “Purchased” tab on the App Store . In it the apps you have already downloaded and will appear support

For lovers of movies and series

There is no better for consuming platform series and films. On one side is iTunes, ideal for rent or purchase content fairly recent. On the other hand, Netflix. And if you live in a region to support it, or you use the trick of the DNS or VPN, the ability to add Hulu Now HBO, Showtime, etc. The applications, their design guidelines are simply beautiful. And in the case of the contents of iTunes, as well as any search that indexes do, it is very comprehensive: context, overview, technical data, sharing information of each actor, extra content such as deleted scenes and interviews …

A good thing is that searches including those made by Siri, cover all content potential than we have in the Apple TV. If we have Netflix and Hulu, search results will show us in them, and not only in iTunes.

Games. Let us open the melon.

The idea of ​​playing on Apple TV makes you suddenly find two paths. Games casual , simple, fast games, vs games elaborate, long, with a history of concentration. They are the two main branches, and how to interact with them makes a difference. We assume that Apple prohibits developers to publish games that require a command of a third . If published in the App Store, is because it can be played with Siri Remote.

This makes two experiences have games completely different in the game itself. Play Asphalt 8 to Oceanhorn or Rayman Adventures with Remote Siri is satisfactory to some extent, although not directly recommend doing in the case of the latter two, for example. There are automated actions, such as running and jumping, because the serial command given to giving. With a command of a third, the experience is much more complete, satisfactory, and close to the game as such.

And speak control. SteelSeries has a couple of them, certified and marketed by Apple. But the best is undoubtedly the Nimbus: has better feel and grip, is charged by Lightning instead of batteries. And even it is cheaper.

In any case, I think the greatest potential is in social games, play with friends or family on a Friday night. The same style that underpinned the success of the Wii. Games Scattergories, Trivial, Monopoly, Wii Sports, dance style or even taking advantage of the accelerometer and gyroscope Remote Siri. On the other hand, to use an iPhone as Remote makes it even more interesting in that field: anyone who does come home and be able to play, you do not have ready commands. And if we add him to any console currently except the Wii U has that focus on local multiplayer, the Apple TV gains whole.

Manticore Rising

Rayman Adventures

Shadowmatic

Guitar Hero

Transistor

considerations

• The limited space . Except in certain types of games that obviously required (see next item), applications can not weigh more than 200 MB. This explains better than the 32GB model is enough for almost anyone.
• Download low demand . A very heavy game like, say, the Asphalt 8. The basic download just have the key files for it to start showing initial content and go. From there, it will fetch files as we move forward in the game. It is a new way to lose weight as far as possible the burden of applications and games.
• The new settings . When started for the first time the Apple TV, you only need to bring the iPhone with Bluetooth enabled automatically sync with our Apple ID and password of your home WiFi network. Faster. A detail.
• HDMI-CEC . With this technology, we’re pretty close to not need just the remote control of the TV itself, but with Remote Siri we serve. Thanks to her, we can change the volume, turn on the TV next to Apple TV, and off. If you only use your TV to view TV content Apple certainly you do not ever need the command of it. Much more comfortable and composed, especially considering how much higher is the Siri Remote controls for use in the design, simplicity and functionality.