Apple TV Review
The Good: Main menu is customizable so each user can arrange their most used apps first for easy access.
The Good: Main menu is customizable so each user can arrange their most used apps first for easy access.
The Bad: Apple TV
Remote has the same design as one of the first generation iPods. It is so small
that you often lose it in the couch. Also, keep it away from beverages.
The Bottom Line: Before
you purchase, make sure you can actually use it. Most apps like HBO Go, Netflix
and Hulu require an account to have access.
Introduction
Around 2007, Apple released their approach to TV. Not surprisingly, they called it Apple TV. They realized that as long as there was demand for streaming online content, people would want that content on their television. The Apple TV does just that. It is an HD streaming box that connects through your Internet wirelessly and allows you to play all of your favorite online programs on the TV.
Around 2007, Apple released their approach to TV. Not surprisingly, they called it Apple TV. They realized that as long as there was demand for streaming online content, people would want that content on their television. The Apple TV does just that. It is an HD streaming box that connects through your Internet wirelessly and allows you to play all of your favorite online programs on the TV.
Design
The Apple TV has without a doubt the best design out of all streaming boxes. The sleek, black square with a small white light on the front when it’s on give the product a sophisticated look.
The Apple TV has without a doubt the best design out of all streaming boxes. The sleek, black square with a small white light on the front when it’s on give the product a sophisticated look.
Connections
are all around the back, HDMI, optical audio output, Micro-USB (for service
only), and Ethernet.
The remote
is also simple and resembles and early iPod Shuffle. With only a navigation
button, an ok button, a menu button and a play/pause button, there isn’t much
to mess around with. This gets complicated though, as the remote is extremely
water sensitive and also incredibly small, perfect for disappearing in couch
cushions.
Audio/Video Services
Along side of including audio/video services such as Netflix, YouTube, MLB.TV, NBA.com League Pass, NHL GameCenter Live, iTunes, HBO Go, Vevo, Hulu Plus, Flickr, Sky News and Vimeo, Apple TV also allows AirPlay. AirPlay allows the user to stream content from their laptop, iPad, iPod or iPhone onto their Apple TV.
The variety of apps ensures that there is something for everyone to watch. The Internet capabilities of the Apple TV are also impressive.
Along side of including audio/video services such as Netflix, YouTube, MLB.TV, NBA.com League Pass, NHL GameCenter Live, iTunes, HBO Go, Vevo, Hulu Plus, Flickr, Sky News and Vimeo, Apple TV also allows AirPlay. AirPlay allows the user to stream content from their laptop, iPad, iPod or iPhone onto their Apple TV.
The variety of apps ensures that there is something for everyone to watch. The Internet capabilities of the Apple TV are also impressive.
User Interface:
After
recent updates, the Apple TV’s main menu contains bright colors against a slate
background and sort of resembles an iPad. The main icons are stretched across
the top, right under an array of new movies available on iTunes. Further down,
you can see all the remaining icons, which are also movable so the user can
arrange them however they wish.
The customizability of the menu page is helpful but the fact that the icons that are not used cannot be deleted makes the home page long and overly full.
The customizability of the menu page is helpful but the fact that the icons that are not used cannot be deleted makes the home page long and overly full.
iTunes Store:
When the user accesses the
iTunes Store, they can purchase and rent movies, songs and TV shows at the
touch of a button. This allows for another option for streaming. Conveniently, prices
range from $2 to $20.
The iTunes Store also has trailers available for every movie, along with the option to rent or buy. If you're not in the mood to watch something, though, the Apple TV also has iTunes Radio available for your listening purposes.
The iTunes Store also has trailers available for every movie, along with the option to rent or buy. If you're not in the mood to watch something, though, the Apple TV also has iTunes Radio available for your listening purposes.
Third-Party Services:
Alongside
all the online streaming options, Apple TV has also gotten a little bit of help
from various networks. This includes: ESPN, Disney, KourTV, ABC, NBC, HBO and
many more.
Specifications
Release date
Release date
- 1st generation: January 9, 2007
- 2nd generation: September 1, 2010
- 3rd generation: March 7, 2012
- 3rd generation Rev A: January 28, 2013
Connectivity: IEEE 802.11n
Functions: Content streaming, Internet video playback, Digital video playback, Digital audio playback, Digital photo playback
Internet Streaming Services: Netflix, YouTube, MLB.TV, NBA.com League Pass, NHL GameCenter Live, iTunes, HBO Go, Vevo, Hulu Plus, Flickr, Sky News, Vimeo and many TV stations.
Remote Control Technology: Infrared
Power Consumption Operational: 6 watts
Manufacturer Warranty: 1-year warranty
Manufacturer: Apple
Height: 0.9 inches
Height: 0.9 inches
Width: 3.9 inches
Depth: 3.9 inches
Weight: 0.6 lbs
Depth: 3.9 inches
Weight: 0.6 lbs
Interface Slot Type: HDMI/Ethernet
LAN Connection: Wireless/Ethernet
Wireless Standard: Wireless N
LAN Connection: Wireless/Ethernet
Wireless Standard: Wireless N
Conclusion:
All in all,
Apple produced a sleek, simple streaming box that allows for everyday use. With
all the options for viewing, users will never get bored, so long as they have
subscriptions to all the necessary services.
However, if users do not have subscriptions to these services, the Apple TV can be a little unnecessary with all the little options it holds.
However, if users do not have subscriptions to these services, the Apple TV can be a little unnecessary with all the little options it holds.
Genre: This does give you all that would be expected from the genre. purpose, size and price. that's really all you need and it seems to be all that you have.
ReplyDeleteOrganization: you do have that the remote could be lost in the couch and also liquid sensitive twice, but you may have done that on purpose. I think that all of the bullet point information (specifications) could go at the end so that all of the paragraphs are placed together. The information in the bullets are for audience members that are going to answer a question, so I think it would be easy to find what you are looking for if its at the end.
Voice: The voice is in third person, but it is also very relatable when it talks about the remote and things that could/ would go wrong. there are also many examples of apps that can be used on the device for all ages and genders. This makes it relatable to all audience members.
Headings: I think that you could make the paragraphs as block paragraphs so that the headings stand out more. Otherwise I think that they all have a purpose and help the flow of the review.
The visuals are nice, but maybe have a picture showing how small the apple tv actually is, like how much (or little) space it will take up on a tv stand. Though the dementions are there, not all audience members want to do that math. As for hyperlinks, i am unsure of what you would link to beside that apple website where you can order the apple tv.
First hand use: it is very obvious that you have used the apple tv. but you also did not seam bias which is great! also giving examples of app that im sure you dont use kept the review balanced.
Great job :)
I would develop each of these sections in more detail. And no indenting. Discuss not only what's available but evaluate it -- compare it with other things? Overall this feels pretty descriptive. Remember to evaluate!
ReplyDeleteGenre: This looks great to me! This is everything I'd want to know about a TV, especially one with unique specifications such as the apps.
ReplyDeleteOrganization: The review is very well organized. Everything is separated clearly and it's easy to understand
Voice: The voice is easy to understand and consistent through the whole review. It's not necessarily casual or conversational, but simply informational. It seems very appropriate.
Headings: The headings are all very clear, easy to read and relevant. They're all the same size and font. The create a scannable website. I do agree with the comment above about making them into block paragraphs so the headings are easier to read.
Visuals: I think you could add a photo or two more. Especially if someone doesn't know what it means to have the apps on the TV, having a visual of that might help.
First Hand Use: It's clear that you used this product and I knew that after I heard about losing the remote in the couch cushion, haha. You wouldn't think of that unless it happened to you.
Overall this is great! Just fix a couple spacing issues in the "Specifications" section and maybe change the paragraphs into blog paragraphs and you should be golden (:
Awesome review! Good organize; headings/subheadings. Provides all the info I need. Good visuals, didn't see any links(doesn't mean they aren't there)
ReplyDeleteThe tone was casual professional which works for the product. Nice fist hand knowledge input.