Apple today released a new 299-dollar Apple TV 4K streaming device, equipped with an upgraded chip and integrated with the updated version of Siri AI for content discovery. It also comes with a microphone, allowing users to issue voice commands directly without using a remote control.
This updated Apple TV 4K model is equipped with an upgraded A19 chip to support a variety of AI functions. In terms of hardware, this new streaming media box is fitted with three far-field microphones, allowing users to converse with Siri without the need for a remote control or paired HomePod.
The company stated that users can now enjoy a four-speaker surround sound experience by combining Apple TV with HomePod and either mini 2 or HomePod speakers.
The remote control has also received a popular update: it now comes with a small built-in speaker. This makes it easier for users to find the remote control when it falls into the gaps of the sofa or corners, or when it gets left in another room while doing household chores. In 2023, Apple added the functionality to locate the remote control through Siri and Find My, but at that time, the direction had to be displayed within the app, rather than emitting an audible sound.
As Siri AI is now being launched on all Apple platforms, Apple's focus is on using it for better personalization and content recommendations. On Apple TV, viewers can ask questions such as "Which Apple TV shows won Emmy Awards this year?" to search for content, or they can get more information about a show by asking questions like "Where was Pluribus filmed?"
In recent years, Google and Amazon have also added AI functionality to their content recommendation systems.
Compared to Apple's other hardware products, this device does not receive frequent updates; it has been four years since the last 4K upgrade of this device. Bloomberg reported that the company had hoped to launch this new device in 2024, but due to the delay in the release of Siri which features AI, Apple was also forced to postpone the release of this new home device.
Consumers can now reserve the new Apple TV 4K device, which will be available on the market on November 13th.
