Apple has used an overnight media event to announce details of a range of new products including the next generation of Apple TV 4K.
The new Apple TV 4K now comes with an A12 Bionic chip that provides a significant boost in graphics performance, video decoding, and audio processing.
Apple TV 4K now supports high frame rate HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Dolby Vision video, enabling fast-moving action at 60 frames per second (fps) to play more smoothly and appear more lifelike.
Apple is working with video providers around the world, including FOX Sports (US), NBCUniversal, Paramount+, Red Bull TV, and Canal+, as they begin to stream in high frame rate HDR. And with high frame rate support in AirPlay, videos shot on iPhone 12 Pro can be displayed in full 60-fps Dolby Vision on the new Apple TV 4K.
The new device also comes with a redesigned Siri Remote which features a new clickpad control that offers five-way navigation for better accuracy, and is also touch-enabled for the fast directional swipes.
The outer ring of the clickpad supports circular gestures that turns it into a jog control — perfect for finding a scene in a movie or show. And with its one-piece aluminum design, the new Siri Remote fits more comfortably in a user’s hand.
The new Siri Remote also has a power button that controls a TV’s power, and another for mute.
Using Siri, customers can easily search for specific shows or movies, control smart home accessories, check sports scores or the weather, and much more.
The new device also features a new TV colour correction feature. Apple TV uses the light sensor in iPhone to compare the color balance to the industry-standard specifications used by cinematographers worldwide. Using this data, Apple TV automatically tailors its video output to deliver much more accurate colors and improved contrast — without customers ever having to adjust their television settings.
“Apple TV 4K is in a category of its own, leveraging a deep integration of Apple hardware, software, and services that delivers a massive upgrade to any TV for the very best cinematic experience,”
said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
“With the A12 Bionic and the all-new Siri Remote, Apple TV 4K lets customers enjoy their favourite shows, movies, and more in the highest quality, with simple and intuitive controls. And of course, Apple TV 4K offers easy access to Apple services, along with thousands of apps on the App Store for even more entertainment options.”
The new Apple TV 4K will be available starting at RRP A$249 inc. Customers can order the new Apple TV 4K beginning Friday, 30 April, with availability beginning in the second half of May.
Apple TV HD with the new Siri Remote will be available for RRP A$209 inc. GST.
The new Siri Remote will be available separately for RRP A$79 inc. GST, and is compatible with the previous-generation Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD.
For a limited time, eligible customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV, or Mac can enjoy one year of Apple TV+ for free and three months of Apple Arcade for free.
