By SARA CASLER
In recent months, Apple has been the center of the technological world, from the iPhone 4 to the iPad released on April 3, this past year. It was only a matter of time before Apple tried to revolutionize the world of television as well. The Apple crew is at it again with the second generation of Apple TV. Unfortunately, the newer version has fallen short of expectations in comparison to previous successes.
The Good- Although this new device is not flawless, it does have some user-friendly features that sets it apart, such as its size. The new Apple TV box is only four inches by four inches, about the size of a small jewelry box, and weighs a half pound. Along with few wires required to operate the system (a power cable and HDMI cable to connect to the screen), this device is highly portable and can be placed anywhere within wire’s reach.
Apple TV also comes with new ways to enjoy everyday media on a home television. It can connect to and play anything on the owner’s home computer through ones iTunes library. Apple TV can also stream media through programs such as Netflix or the iTunes store.
Apple TV allows the operator to view photos, listen to pod casts and browse the Internet. There is also an application that can be purchased through the iTunes Store, allowing users to control the TV though their iDevice. Said application works like a remote control for a Digital Video Recorder, allowing one to pause, rewind, fast forward and record favorite shows and programs.
The price is another part of this device that makes it worth purchasing, as it’s only $99. That is half as much as the Nintendo Wii, and a third of the price of the Play Station 3 or XBox 360.
The Bad- Apple TV still has quirks that inhibit it from being a forerunner in the world of the all-access pass television. First off, its Web searching is limited. Apple TV does not support popular music streaming sites, such as Pandora, or video sites, like Hulu. Users who want to see a re-run of their favorite show will have to either purchase it from the iTunes store or check the local channel guide.
Also, in its valiant attempt to be aesthetically appealing, Apple TV failed in certain areas of practicality. For instance, its new remote only has seven buttons on it. Because it does not have a built in QWERTY keyboard, it is a pain to use when trying to type in a web page address.
Fortunately, Apple does plan to alleviate this problem by introducing AirPlay, an application that will allow users to stream media straight from their iPod or iPad onto the television through Apple TV. According to apple.com, this will also mean they can use the controls on their iDevice to play, pause, rewind and fast forward flicks and music, eliminating one’s need for the remote.
Apple TV also fell short in the application department that they are so well known for. It was not designed to be iOS based, which means it does not have the same setup that iPods and iPads use for applications, gaming and web browsing, so it is not a touch screen device and is not compatible with iPod and iPad applications.
The Bottom Line- Most of what it does can be done on a modern-day gaming system such as a PS3 or XBox 360 with an Internet connection, or even on a Blu-Ray player. It does, however, offer a stepping stone for bigger and better things in the future, such as more advanced applications and Web usage. For now, Apple TV has a ways to go before it hits revolutionary.