Apple TV 2012

Key Features

1080p vdeo playback

Apple TV 2012

While the new Retina Display touting new iPad (are people still going to call it the iPad 3?) may have stolen the headlines at Apple's big announcement do tonight but arguably as tasty a proposition was the new Apple TV that snuck out early un in proceedings. Here's the low down:

The new Apple TV's headline feature is its support for 1080p video playback. While the previous model was commendable for its petiteness and ease of use, its limitation for 'only' 720p HD video meant it simply couldn't be considered a true AV enthusiast's tool. Now, though you'll be able to download and play or stream from your Apple devices Full HD 1080p video content. The quality still won't be quite a match for a Blu-ray as the bitrates won't be as high but for the most part the new box will get you all the HD goodness you could want. That is if you still want to do things the Apple way only.



The new Apple TV 2012 is still tiny and cute with the minimum of connectivity.

As with the previous Apple TV, the latest version is very much a device for playing content bought or delivered through Apple's eco system, so if you have an extensive ripped Blu-ray collection or a collection consisting or a number of different file types, you may still find the new box isn't for you.

The key to the Apple TV's appeal, though, is the way it uses Apple's AirPlay service. Using either a mobile iOS device or a Mac PC you can very easily stream your videos, or even play games.



The box itself is exactly the same size as its forebear, which is to say tiny, so if obscurity is a priority it should be right up your street. Round the back are its connections which consist of an HDMI output to hook up to your telly, optical digital audio output for tying into an AV receiver, an Ethernet port for your wired network, power and a microUSB port for servicing and support. In the box you also get the classic aluminium Apple remote.



The new Apple TV 2012 uses a single core A5 processor at its heart.



The other key update to the new Apple TV is its new interface. Simplicity is the name of the game with a very basic grid layout getting you access to your films, music, tv programmes and other services. It's slick, fast and very easy to use.



The new interface is slick, simple and easy to use, despite what our poor quality photo may suggest.

Key to the box's likely success, though, is that it will only cost £99, which although not throw away change is relatively cheap for a box that can add a heck of a lot of functionality to your Apple device ecosystem.




Pre-orders open today and availability should be towards the end of the month. Keep an eye out for our full review in the coming couple of weeks. In the mean time let us know your thoughts in our comments.