After a couple of weeks’ worth of delay, the much-publicized Take 2 update for the Apple TV has finally been released. Now that everyone can get their hands on a much-improved Apple TV, we have to ask: was it worth the hype/wait/purchase? Let’s take a closer look.
Interface. The Apple TV has received a visual overhaul. Now, all of the main screen navigation will be done over a two-paneled, floating, box in the middle of the screen. And when you go browse the iTunes Store, you’ll find a visual overload as artwork will immediately begin flooding your HDTV. By the way, Apple also added support for 1080p resolution, in case you were wondering.
iTunes Access. Apple finally corrected some of the errors it made with the Apple TV — errors that stopped it from achieving true success — by freeing it from having to rely on a computer for media access. The Apple TV can now browse and download iTunes media from the comfort of your own couch. Also, any purchases made can be easily be synced back to your Mac — so there should be no worries of confining your media.
HD Rentals. Besides access to the regular movie section of the iTunes Store, the Apple TV also has an exclusive HD rental portal. These HD rentals aren’t the same quality as from an HD movie disc, but it’s really close. I downloaded the dark tale of “Mr. Brooks”, and was definitely amazed in some scenes because of the quality displayed. iLounge took an in-depth look at the HD rentals, and compared it with other formats — they also concluded that Blu-ray does look better, but that the Apple TV version of an HD movie doesn’t fall back behind by considerable amount.
Podcasts. The Apple TV also has access to iTunes’ podcast collection. Something you may notice is the ability to stream the podcasts directly off the internet, thus, not wasting valuable hard drive space in the Apple TV (in case you own the petite 40GB model, like me).
Photos. Besides the usual photo access to any collections found in local computers, the Apple TV can now access web galleries from .Mac and Flickr. Another welcome addition.
And… Last, but not least, the Apple TV now also has an AirTunes option (like the AirPort Express). Enjoy!
Galley on February 15th, 2008 at 7:05 am says:
I would’ve preferred that the ?tv could act like an AirTunes client, so I could stream the audio to my AirPort Express upstairs.
Frank on February 15th, 2008 at 9:48 am says:
Now that Apple has shown the initiative to make the Apple TV a better device, maybe in the future we can expect more updates that’ll add small features like that one. I would definitely like to see a modified Safari for the Apple TV.