Reports indicate that Apple has revamped both its set-top box as well as the remote control. This was revealed prior to the launch event that the Cupertino, California-based tech giant has scheduled for September 12. Among the features expected on the new remote is haptic feedback. Currently the Apple TV remote possesses a touch surface which is similar what is found on MacBooks. However it lacks the ability to vibrate or respond to presses, onscreen activities or taps.
Activation of the touch-based feedback feature of Apple TV can be done by accessing Home screen, browsing through menus and using Siri. Haptic feedback is also available on iPhones after it was introduced in 2015. Other Apple devices running on iOS as well as its Mac desktops had been using haptic feedback for much longer.
New Apple TV
Regarding Apple TV, some of the new features expected on the streaming device include support for 4K. Some reports also indicate that the streaming device will have 3 gigabytes of Random Access Memory and an A10 Fusion processor that is 3-core. Additionally, the next version of Apple TV will have support for Dolby Vision and HDR. Updates will consequently be made on the iTunes Store in order to offer 4K HDR content.
The Apple TV leaks comes in the wake of reports that Apple is investing in original programming as online video streaming gets in vogue. Apple has already dabbled in original video content though on a small scale. Earlier in the year the Cupertino, California-based tech giant launched two new shows ‘Carpool Karaoke’ and ‘Planet of the Apps’ and they both got mixed reviews.
Hollywood ambitions
According to analysts Apple TV could become more competitive if it came with original content.
“If Apple wants to be competitive, they have to go all in … With a new Apple TV, original content is a box you need to check to be taken seriously,” said consumer tech analyst at Creative Strategies, Carolina Milanesi.
As evidence of its original video content ambitions Apple has also hired former executives at Sony. The iPhone maker has also reportedly been shopping for space at a movie studio renowned for such hits as ‘The Matrix’ and ‘Gone with the Wind’.
