Apple TV has been getting quite a bit more attention from Apple of late, and with the announcement of iOS 8 back at WWDC, we also knew that the software running on the set-top box would also be subject to enhancement. Today, the company has rolled out a new beta of Apple TV’s alternative iOS software, which features some aesthetic tweaks in-keeping with the appearance of the wider product line-up.
With the recent price-drop across several major markets and the abundance of new content channels being added on an almost weekly basis, it’s clear that Apple is paying much more attention to its little black box, and even though Apple essentially threw it out to market as a token gesture, it’s a lot more than that nowadays.
The new beta doesn’t really offer anything game-changing, although as you’ll notice in the images below, the whole interface is quite a bit easier on the eye. After iOS 7, which signaled the radical, unceremonious death of skeuomorphism, a similar design language then manifested itself in the just-announced OS X 10.10 Yosemite, and given Apple’s continued ethos for parity across the board, it was somewhat inevitable that Apple TV’s UI would follow suit.
(Image credit: iLounge)
(Image credit: Daniel Perez (Twitter))
With this beta update now in full swing, attention will naturally turn to whether Apple plans on releasing any new hardware in Apple TV’s regard. For the past couple of years, we’ve heard that Tim Cook and his team have been plotting a fourth-gen edition, but while reports have even gone so far to suggest MFi gaming support and a dedicated App Store, there’s been precious little evidence that an upgrade is in the offing.
Perhaps, with iOS 8 and the customary update to Apple TV’s software, we’ll at least get a refresh to bump the processor and increase functionality, although given the length of time since the last release and also, the multitude of new products that Apple is said to be rolling out, we’ll still be hoping for a much-improved new version over the next few months.
In the meantime, Apple appears to be dedicating a small portion of its busy schedule in enhancing the look of Apple TV, and should we hear of any more interesting details, we’ll be sure to keep you guys informed.
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