Apple TV teardown finds 8GB of storage, 256MB of RAM
A look inside the newly released Apple TV has discovered that the device, powered by Apple's custom A4 processor, includes a small 8GB of onboard storage and the same 256MB of RAM found in the iPad and fourth-generation iPod touch.
iFixit wasted no time digging inside Apple's set top box upgrade Wednesday, and offers a peek inside the hardware, which is a quarter the size of its predecessor. Inside, they found its limited storage capacity, much smaller than its predecessor due to the streaming-centric nature of the new Apple TV.
The new Apple TV uses a Samsung K9LCG08U1M 8GB NAND Flash chip, which is the same part found during the site's iPad teardown. The memory is likely used to cache content that is being streamed.
"This is a pretty remarkable amount of storage for a $99 device," the solutions provider wrote.
Interestingly, logic board on the hardware shows solder pads that would fit an iPod 30-pin dock connector, perhaps implying what could come in future versions of the hardware.
"This Apple TV seems to be a couple of connectors shy of a full-on computer," they wrote. "Perhaps this logic board will be used in future iPads?"
Other findings from the teardown:
The A4 processor is marked K4X2G643GE, which is identical to the processor found in the first-generation iPad and fourth-generation iPod touch. The iPhone 4, however, has a different chip with 512MB of onboard RAM.
The internal Wi-Fi board is from Panasonic, which might be the first time the company has supplied a Wi-Fi board for an Apple device. Panasonic is, however, usually responsible for optical drives in the Mac maker's notebooks.
The Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip is the same part found inside the iPad: BCM4329XKUBG 802.11n. It also includes an FM radio, which is not used by the device.
iFixit graded the new Apple TV with a score of 8 out of possible 10 for ease of repairability. The one mark against it is that the electronics are housed on one singular board.
iFixit wasted no time digging inside Apple's set top box upgrade Wednesday, and offers a peek inside the hardware, which is a quarter the size of its predecessor. Inside, they found its limited storage capacity, much smaller than its predecessor due to the streaming-centric nature of the new Apple TV.
The new Apple TV uses a Samsung K9LCG08U1M 8GB NAND Flash chip, which is the same part found during the site's iPad teardown. The memory is likely used to cache content that is being streamed.
"This is a pretty remarkable amount of storage for a $99 device," the solutions provider wrote.
Interestingly, logic board on the hardware shows solder pads that would fit an iPod 30-pin dock connector, perhaps implying what could come in future versions of the hardware.
"This Apple TV seems to be a couple of connectors shy of a full-on computer," they wrote. "Perhaps this logic board will be used in future iPads?"
Other findings from the teardown:
The A4 processor is marked K4X2G643GE, which is identical to the processor found in the first-generation iPad and fourth-generation iPod touch. The iPhone 4, however, has a different chip with 512MB of onboard RAM.
The internal Wi-Fi board is from Panasonic, which might be the first time the company has supplied a Wi-Fi board for an Apple device. Panasonic is, however, usually responsible for optical drives in the Mac maker's notebooks.
The Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip is the same part found inside the iPad: BCM4329XKUBG 802.11n. It also includes an FM radio, which is not used by the device.
iFixit graded the new Apple TV with a score of 8 out of possible 10 for ease of repairability. The one mark against it is that the electronics are housed on one singular board.
Comments
Edit: And apps are coming, either through jailbreak or an official app store. I can't wait to see what the developers come up with.
Now, here's the question-- Apple obviously didn't design the thing to accommodate jail breakers, so what's all that memory for, in a streaming only device? Seems like total overkill for buffering, and we know the iOS footprint is minimal.
So what?
K4X2G643GE is designation of Samsung DRAM die inside A4 module.
8 gigs of onboard memory would seem to put to rest the idea that even a jail broken Apple TV would have nowhere to put any additional stuff.
Now, here's the question-- Apple obviously didn't design the thing to accommodate jail breakers, so what's all that memory for, in a streaming only device? Seems like total overkill for buffering, and we know the iOS footprint is minimal.
So what?
it takes into account that quality of the videos will improve in the lifecycle of the device : 2-3 years.
8GB is what you would need to stream 1080p.
8 gigs of onboard memory would seem to put to rest the idea that even a jail broken Apple TV would have nowhere to put any additional stuff.
Now, here's the question-- Apple obviously didn't design the thing to accommodate jail breakers, so what's all that memory for, in a streaming only device? Seems like total overkill for buffering, and we know the iOS footprint is minimal.
So what?
Is it really excessive? HD video creates large files and I'd assume there is some ability to fast forward and fast reverse in your rented movie or TV show.
8 gigs of onboard memory would seem to put to rest the idea that even a jail broken Apple TV would have nowhere to put any additional stuff.
Now, here's the question-- Apple obviously didn't design the thing to accommodate jail breakers, so what's all that memory for, in a streaming only device? Seems like total overkill for buffering, and we know the iOS footprint is minimal.
So what?
They're obviously going to do an App Store at some point. Even the iPhone didn't launch with one.
They probably get a pretty good price on 8 GB chips too, considering how much they buy (3GS, touch, nano). Outside of the shuffle and iPad (although the iPad could use two 8 GB chips), it is basically their go to "low" capacity option.
8 gigs of onboard memory would seem to put to rest the idea that even a jail broken Apple TV would have nowhere to put any additional stuff.
Now, here's the question-- Apple obviously didn't design the thing to accommodate jail breakers, so what's all that memory for, in a streaming only device? Seems like total overkill for buffering, and we know the iOS footprint is minimal.
So what?
Clearly you're lobbing one up with that question. The memory is there for Apps!!!
They placed solder points for a dock connector in there that aren't necessary for this iteration of the device, they did the same when specifying the memory. 8GB isn't necessary for what they are doing now, but with Apps...There will be a need for more.
I really like the Plex App on my iPad. How cool would Plex be on an AppleTV?
"This Apple TV seems to be a couple of connectors shy of a full-on computer,"
<ba dah bump>
ok, jailbreakers, here is your best iOS platform yet! the world's first $99 desktop computer.
8GB should be more than enough for apps only.
Anybody have any thoughts on whether the USB port can finally be put to use, and if so for what?
The USB port will probably never be used "officially", just like the old AppleTV.
Such a missed opportunity. The new Roku boxes are leagues ahead of this, as are most HDTVs- loaded as they all are now with Yahoo widgets etc.
The USB port will probably never be used "officially", just like the old AppleTV.
You're probably right. I just checked the 'tech specs' on Apple's website, and it says: "Micro-USB (for service and support)".
8gb won't allow much for apps, should they ever be allowed, and there'd certainly be no room for this as a gaming device.
Such a missed opportunity. The new Roku boxes are leagues ahead of this, as are most HDTVs- loaded as they all are now with Yahoo widgets etc.
Enjoy your Yahoo widgets on your HDTV and your leagues-ahead Roku, then! We'll enjoy this one. Everybody happy, no?
Need a real media GUI for home streaming.
I couldn't care less about iTunes store streaming.
what's preventing apple from releasing a 16,32 or 64GB version?
They may as apps are introduced. There is an empty slot for another flash chip. 8 GB is more than enough to start with though, I think I only have 2 GB worth of apps on my iPhone.