The Apple TV is not an actual TV as the name would suggest, it’s rather a media player device to watch videos, listen to music, play games, display internet content and use other types of apps from the Internet on your smart TV.
The company introduced two models; Apple TV 4K and HD.
The Apple TV 4K comes with higher picture quality, with 4K Ultra HD and HDR video support and other high-end features. It comes in 32GB and 64GB variations, which are sold for 179$ and 199$ respectively.
On the other hand, Apple-TV HD supports 1080p HD picture quality and retails for 149$.
Common features in both Apple TV 4K and HD
- Dedicated TV app store: which offers guidance and search capabilities across various apps
- Voice control through the virtual assistant Siri
- Remote control with swiping touchpad which can be used as a motion controller to play compatible video games, volume and other buttons, Bluetooth
- Compatible with third-party controllers
- Can be paired with Apple AirPod and AirPod Pro headphones
Apple TV functions
stream Videos
Apple TV has its own digital videos platform; on top of that, you can stream videos on various digital platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu, YouTube, etc.
Apple launched its own streaming service, Apple TV+, in 2019, which you can subscribe in for 4.99$ a month.
By buying Apple TV 4K, you will get a free year subscription in this service.
This means that you have to have an account in a streaming service, whether free or paid, to be able to watch content on your Apple TV.
If you want to check the availability of a certain streaming content provider on Apple TV+, you will have to Google it; as the company doesn’t have a list of the supported apps.
You can also subscribe in a cable/satellite package, to access shows from specific networks.
Related Post: 6 Reasons Why to buy an Apple Homepod
Stream Audio
Apple TV supports Apple Music, and comes with built-in Pandora and Sirius XM apps.
However, you will need the Airplay feature to stream music from other music streaming services.
Playing games
You can download various games from the Apple-TV App Store, and enjoy your favorite game on a bigger screen even using a third-party controller.
Using various Apps
Through Apple TV you can download and use various apps, whether it’s social media, photo sharing, shopping and/ or weather.
You can even stream Video and Audio from a Mac, iPhone or iPad. Or you can use the Airplay feature on your Apple device to mirror streaming video and audio content to your TV through Apple.
Mirror Your iOS Device’s Screen
Also, if you want to stream any other content from your device, you can use the Airplay feature to mirror whatever on your phone or iPad on your TV.
You can check your email, browse a website on TV screen or others.
Bottom line
Generally Apple products come with a high price tag, and may come with less features than other similar products in the market.
The Apple TV was late to supporting 4k and HDR content, it supported this kind of content after a year from Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Google Chromecast did.
Apple doesn’t support a USB port unlike its competitors.
On the other hand, the AirPlay feature is easier to use than similar Android features. Although, you have to have an Apple device to use it.
And we can’t go without mentioning how Siri does a great job in voice control, especially when it comes to spelling words and numbers in text fields.
Of course, having an Apple TV would be a perfect addition to your smart devices if you already have an Apple ecosystem.
If you are looking for other options in the market, we recommend checking Amazon Fire TV or Roku streaming devices. Those two come with a lower price and a punch of other features that are not in the Apple.
How to set up your Apple TV
The setting up process is easy, and takes just a couple of minutes.
- Connect the Apple TV to your TV and plug it in.
- Switch the input on your TV for the port you’re using.
- Connect the Apple to the Internet.
- Connect to the content providers you want to stream from.
