The new TV has a bunch of new features that are enough to make me upgrade from my older model. A faster A12 Bionic chip inside supports speedier frame rates when watching HDR content and a nifty color calibration mode that works with your iPhone. I’m deeply tied into the Apple ecosystem to the point where some might call it a dependency. I own TV shows and movies that I bought through Apple more than a decade ago, so I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest from Cupertino.
Catching Up With the Competition
The most significant change to this year’s Apple TV is the upgrade in the CPU to the A12 Bionic chip. This chip means a big jump in the maximum supported frame rate, which should make the picture look a lot smoother. The previous Apple TV supported 4K HDR video at 30 fps (frames per second), which has now been boosted to 60 fps. Since the Apple TV now supports HDR video at 60 fps, if you have an iPhone 12, you’ll be able to stream to the box in the highest-possible quality. Some TV shows also may be broadcast in high frame rates, making watching them a lot more immersive. Another trick that the new Apple TV 4K has up its sleeve is that it can use the sensor on your iPhone to calibrate your TV picture. This feature could help you get better picture quality on your TV. There are two models available of the new Apple TV 4K, as there were with the last-generation model. The 32GB version costs $179, and the 64GB is $199. The prices are higher than the competition, but you get more bang for your buck.
Retro Remote Hearkens Back to iPod
Call me shallow, but my favorite feature of the new Apple TV isn’t the increased horsepower, but the neat-looking remote control. I’m remote-challenged and was glad to see that Apple gave its clicker a total makeover. The new remote has a sleek look that resembles early iPods. It’s got an iPod-style scroll wheel, a five-way click pad, touch controls, a mute button, and a power button that can turn your TV on and off. Note that the new Siri Remote will be available separately for $59 and is compatible with the previous-generation Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD. I’m thankful that Apple has done away with the touch surface on the previous controllers in favor of the touch-enabled click pad. Apple also has upgraded the remote to Bluetooth 5.0, which means it should last longer on a charge, a pet peeve of mine on the previous generation. The scroll feature is a nostalgic trip back in time to the first-generation iPod, and should allow you to scroll smoothly through menus in a way that I found frustrating with previous Apple TV controllers. The design worked brilliantly on the iPod, so I have high hopes that it will be a significant improvement on the remote.
