Apple TV 4K has always been more than just a streaming device. The tiny, aesthetically designed box seamlessly blends any TV, smart or not, with Apple’s eco-system while also allowing users to stream high-quality content and play games. The Apple TV 4K is nearly 4 years old, and after a long wait, Apple has finally announced its successor. Apple says the new Apple TV 4K 2021 creates its own category. It promises major performance improvements and deepened software integration for the very best cinematic experience.
The Apple TV 2021 supports 4K HDR for natural colours along with greater levels of details. There is support for both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, but the newest, differentiating feature is the high frame rate HDR. The device offers twice the frame rate for high dynamic range video, thanks to its HDMI 2.1 port that can deliver 60 frames per seconds. Apple says this makes fast-action sports look smoother and nature documentaries come alive.
The Apple TV 4K requires a compatible 4K television to display content at a 4K resolution. Apple also recommends customers to have a minimum connection speed of 25Mbps to stream 4K content from iTunes, Netflix, etc. If an internet connection isn’t fast enough for streaming 4K content, the Apple TV downscales the video quality.
The second-generation Apple TV 4K is equipped with the Apple A12 Bionic CPU, the same chip used in the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. Apple claims the new processor allows you to play games smoothly, while also making the overall user experience fluid. For storing games and downloaded content, the Apple TV 4K is available in either 32GB or 64GB storage options.
There is also support for Wi-Fi 6 on the Apple TV 4K 2021. It offers improved performance, lower latency, better power efficiency and coverage. The device also has built-in Thread support, a low-power networking technology that offers a mesh-based system for connecting Thread-enabled smart home devices. You can take advantage of this feature while connecting Apple HomeKit accessories to the Apple TV 4K.
There are no design changes on the 2021 Apple TV 4K. It has the same simple black box design that measures 3.9 inches on each of its four sides. The device is just 1.4mm in height, and it weighs nearly 400 grams. There is an HDMI 2.1 port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a power plug at the rear. Their rear port placement allows for a clean and neat looking setup.
Though there are no changes to the box, Apple has completely re-designed the Siri Remote to make navigation easy. It now comes with a touch-enabled click pad with gesture support. A single click lets you select a show or movie, while a swipe scrolls through long lists of content. The outer part of the click pad can be swiped across for fast-forwarding or rewinding the content. There are also Home, Back, Play/Pause and a set of volume buttons. Apple has also added a dedicated Siri button, so you can sit back and play your favourite content using voice commands. The new remote is larger, and it has an aluminium body for durability.
You can also pair a PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo controllers to the Apple TV 4K for gaming purpose. Apple Arcade subscription gives access to a plethora of games so users can have a console-like gaming experience with the Apple TV. You can also pair the device with a Bluetooth Keyboard, and even search for content using your iPhone or iPad.
The Apple TV 4K 2021 runs on the tvOS operating system to offer an easy-to-use experience. Apple says the UI now has a simple design that highlights content from a range of content providers. The TV app is the hub for shows and movies on Apple TV, but other streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar are also present. There’s an integrated Up Next feature that keeps track of your shows, and it even notifies when new episodes are released.
Apple has also introduced an iPhone-based colour balance feature for the Apple TV 4K to improve the overall picture quality. It uses the iPhone’s light sensor to compare colour balance to industry-standard specifications, and automatically adjusts the Apple TV’s video output to deliver more natural colours and accurate contrast.
The Apple TV 4K 2021 allows users to enjoy their favourite shows, movies, and more in the highest quality, with simple and intuitive controls. The Apple TV 4K 2021 is soon going to be available for pre-order at www.reliancedigital.in, and you can also visit your nearest Reliance Digital store for more details.
