Apple has announced the second generation of the Apple TV 4K (Gen 2) streaming player. Which comes with new remote control, has undergone a technical upgrade, and has tons of new features!
Apple TV 4K is a category in its own right, leveraging deep integration of Apple hardware, software, and services. Which provide a massive upgrade to any TV for the best cinematic experience,” said Bob Borchers, Apple vice president of marketing.
Design and features Apple TV 4K (Gen 2)
The second-generation Apple TV 4K 2021 is visually identical to the first from the distant 2017. The size (98 × 98 × 35 mm) and weight (425 grams) remained unchanged for the console. But the new aluminum Siri Remote has a completely redesigned button layout. Finally, there is a control wheel with a touch surface in the style of an iPod. It greatly simplifies navigation through menus and streaming applications, understands circular gestures (jog control). The new power button can also turn off / on the power of the connected TV. The Siri voice assistant button is now on the right side (like on the iPhone), and a mute button has also been added.
Technical Stuffing
The technical stuffing of the updated Apple TV 4K (Gen 2) model is based on the powerful Apple A12 Bionic processor. (with support for content in 4K resolution and High Frame Rate) and 3 GB of RAM. This is a significant improvement over the previous version of the A10X SoC. Based on the announced specs, the new Apple TV 4K uses HDMI 2.1 but outputs a maximum of 4K @ 60Hz with HDR. The 120Hz image display can be turned on later as soon as suitable video or game content is available.
Network Communications
The network communications of the set-top box in 2021 are represented by the maximum for today. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with MIMO and 2.4 / 5 GHz frequency, Gigabit Ethernet (LAN), and Bluetooth 5.0 module. AirPlay 2 and Wi-Fi Thread are supported.
4K HDR HFR, auto-calibration, and more
The new Apple supports all the features of previous versions of the TV box. Including video up to 4K resolution and Dolby Atmos sound. The tvOS operating system offers proprietary services to the company. Also include the video service Apple TV +, Apple Music, Apple Fitness + and others. Games can be played from Apple Arcade. And the tvOS 14.5 updates will include support for PS5 DualSense and Xbox Series X / S game controllers.
The first major improvement is the ability to display a 4K HDR high frame rate (HFR) video for the first time. That is, the user will be able to play videos up to Dolby Vision at 60 Hz on Apple TV 4K (Gen 2). The company is working not only to bring relevant content to its Apple TV +. But also supports the streaming service Paramount +, NBCUniversal, and other services that are starting to stream HDR video at high frame rates. In addition, the beta version of tvOS 14.5 sees support for both as many as 24 and 23.976 frames per second.
The second major feature added to the 2021 Apple TV 4K is automatic color calibration via the iPhone. During setup, a silhouette appears on the TV screen to align the iPhone 12 camera. “The set-top box uses the light sensor in the iPhone to compare color balance with industry-specific specifications. Which filmmakers use around the world. Using this information, Apple TV automatically adjusts its video output to provide more accurate colors and improved contrast, “the company said.
Apple TV 4K 2021 pricing and sales Date
The second-generation Apple TV 4K will have the same prices as before. Users are offered configurations with 32 GB ($ 179 or € 199) and 64 GB ($ 199 or € 219). The package includes the player itself, a new Siri remote, a power cable, and a Lightning to USB cable. The set-top box can be ordered from Friday, April 30. The second half of May will be the start of full-fledged sales in more than 30 countries around the world.
The updated Siri Remote is compatible with previous generations of Apple consoles and can be purchased separately for $ 59. In addition, the old Apple TV HD media player is still on sale for $ 149 and will be bundled with the new Siri Remote.
