Apple seeds tvOS gold master to developers as launch of fourth-gen Apple TV nears
Apple on Wednesday released the golden master of tvOS to developers, paving the way for the launch of the fourth-generation Apple TV next week, with orders officially beginning Oct. 26.
The company offered no other details about the software at its Developer portal. As a result it's not clear what changes may have been made, but the software is identified as build 13T396.
Developers will, however, want to download the GM in order to test their apps on the shipping tvOS platform.
The fourth-generation Apple TV, starting at $149, will be the first model to support native iOS-style apps like games, instead of just thin interfaces for streaming video and audio. On top of this, the device will support things like motion gestures, Siri voice commands, and universal media searches that cover multiple platforms, not just iTunes.
To match this Apple has developed an all-new remote, upgraded to an A8 processor, and expanded storage with 32- and 64-gigabyte options.
The company offered no other details about the software at its Developer portal. As a result it's not clear what changes may have been made, but the software is identified as build 13T396.
Developers will, however, want to download the GM in order to test their apps on the shipping tvOS platform.
The fourth-generation Apple TV, starting at $149, will be the first model to support native iOS-style apps like games, instead of just thin interfaces for streaming video and audio. On top of this, the device will support things like motion gestures, Siri voice commands, and universal media searches that cover multiple platforms, not just iTunes.
To match this Apple has developed an all-new remote, upgraded to an A8 processor, and expanded storage with 32- and 64-gigabyte options.
Comments
So what is the criteria to determine if one should buy 32GB or 64GB?
Simple. Unless price is the determining criteria then always buy more memory.
So what is the criteria to determine if one should buy 32GB or 64GB?
If you plan on playing a lot of games, or waiting a long time to upgrade again, consider the 64GB.
Otherwise, the 32GB is probably fine.
So what is the criteria to determine if one should buy 32GB or 64GB?
I am wondering if Apple's pending streaming service will rely on available space for DVR-like functionality. If this is the case, I think 64GB may be the better option. If not, 32GB should be plenty big, even for those who will be downloading a ton of apps. Also, does anyone know if you can sync the new Apple TV with iTunes (like other iOS devices and the 1st ? TV)?
If you plan to use it for gaming you'll probably be best served by the 64gb model.
Curious what apps the GM ships with...I'm assuming just Movies, TV Shows, Apple Music, Photos, App Store, Computers, and Settings.
There's been much speculation about that "Computers" app...all the way from whether there will actually be one to how it will work.
In a few weeks, all will be revealed.
Apple TV will sync to iCloud not to your computer for sure due to the device installation that could prevent connection to computer.
Huh? Why couldn't you sync it over wifi via iTunes like other iOS devices (and the 1st gen Apple TV)? This would be a great feature for those who want to travel with the new Apple TV and bring all their movies or TV shows with.
There's been much speculation about that "Computers" app...all the way from whether there will actually be one to how it will work.
In a few weeks, all will be revealed.
The Computers app that allows for home sharing (like on current apple tv) is most definitely there:
It's the same Computers app that's in the current Apple TV. You can play audio and video from computers running iTunes.
I doubt any units have left the factory aside from review units. They have the rest of the week to install the Gold Master.
I doubt any units have left the factory aside from review units. They have the rest of the week to install the Gold Master.
Also, just because the GM was released to developers today doesn't mean that it wasn't ready prior to today and already being installed on units getting prepared to ship.
So fucking excited about this, I'm giddy!
Can't wait to give it a whirl and find out about how it works, such as:
1) what's downloading of apps like?
2) does it download only from iCloud for apps greater than 200MB, or can it download resources it needs from your iTunes library?
3) what core apps are included and how will they work?
4) when does the app store launch?
5) what apps will be available when it launches?
6) when is the Steelseries Nimbus launching?
Most exciting new product from Apple since the launch of the mini (for me anyway).
Does this mean that on initial booting, the new AppleTV will download the most recent tvOS? It seems strange that they are presently shipping those units by plane around the world, with the most important part (OS) not even completed!
What? Downloading a Day 1 patch for brand new hardware is pretty common. The Xbox One was basically non-functional without installing a Day 1 patch. The Wii U was severely crippled without installing a Day 1 patch.
But that aside, the hardware has not shipped yet. Orders don't open till Monday and will ship "later [that] week".
OK, my bad. Just got the impression that pre-orders started this Friday, and possible to buy in store on Monday... but now I see it's pre-orders on Monday. No biggie.
If you plan on playing a lot of games, or waiting a long time to upgrade again, consider the 64GB.
Otherwise, the 32GB is probably fine.
I wish they had a 16GB one instead of the 32GB one...