The range of network players on the market is almost a jungle, there are so many devices.
Google Chromecast, Magenta TVOne, waipu TV Stick, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Xiaomi TV Stick – to name just a few competitors. The Network player Our choice is and remains Apple TV 4K.
First of all, the integration into the Apple ecosystem is of course an advantage that should not be underestimated for all those who already use various Apple products privately and/or in the office. Now some people complain that there hasn’t been a hardware update for a long time. So why is Apple TV 4K still a purchase?
From our point of view, the answer is relatively simple: The implemented software, especially the new software version tvOS 17, which Apple has just released for everyone to download, is the biggest argument in favor of Apple TV. We are therefore taking another closer look at tvOS 17.
tvOS 17: The best innovations
The new update for the Apple TV 4K devices makes it possible for the first time to use the FaceTime video chat software directly via the television. The TV screen is also optimized for video conferences on Zoom, WebEx and Microsoft Teams. The corresponding updates will arrive step by step in the App Store.
FaceTime on the Apple TV takes advantage of camera handover and connects wirelessly to the iPhone or iPad. It then accesses the device’s camera and microphone and brings all participants together on the TV. The decisive plus is the so-called Apple TV follow mode. Everyone participating in the room stays perfectly in the picture, even if they move. You can spice up the calls with new gesture-based reactions. Effects can be created on the Apple TV, which can be hearts or fireworks. This makes the call even more entertaining.
Control center with individual profiles
With the introduction of Split View on Apple TV, you can watch a TV series or movie with friends during a SharePlay session. You can see all participants in the FaceTime call at a glance.
Apple has also brought a control center to the Apple TV. This allows you to create individual profiles. Everyone looks at their profile exactly what they like and doesn’t see the recommendations that are given for other users. The control center shows the system status, plus the time and active profile.
tvOS 17 helps find the Siri Remote
Have you ever misplaced your Apple TV’s remote control? She’s pretty small! No problem with tvOS 17. The software can now locate the Siri Rmeote via the iPhone’s control center. As you approach Siri Remote, a circle on the display enlarges, leading you closer to the target.
What else we like
The stylish new screen savers on the Apple TV 4K are always a feast for the eyes. And the best sound is also ensured thanks to Dolby Vision 8.1, and you can now Improve dialog when Apple TV 4K is paired with a HomePod (2nd generation). To do this, the dialogue is separated from the background noise and brought to the foreground via the middle channel.
Also exciting: Apple TV now also supports third-party VPNs thanks to tvOS 17. This makes the network player even more worthwhile, because you can also get regional offers from streaming services, e.g Netflix USAeasier to retrieve.
The question remains whether it is still worth purchasing the current Apple TV 4K? The clear answer: yes. It is rumored that a hardware update will not be available in the next few months. Apple TV 4K is becoming more and more attractive thanks to constantly improving software. This is also shown by the price development that the price comparison portal idealo.de analyzed for January to September 2023. The result: demand was consistently high in August and September. The price development shows that Apple TV 4K 2022 is currently even cheaper to buy than in February and March of this year.
