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Apple Releases Apple TV Software Version 5.0 with Updated Interface

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Following today's introduction of the new 1080p Apple TV with an updated user interface, Apple has now pushed the 5.0 software update to existing Apple TV set-top boxes.

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While the update obviously doesn't add 1080p support to the older boxes, it does bring the new icon-based user interface and other enhancements such as support for direct Netflix billing to their iTunes Store accounts.

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Top Rated Comments

B
Bevz
188 months ago
Looks to me like Apple are finally preparing for an ATV app store... The new look essentially separates all the distinct sections into app icons and there is an awful lot of space when you shift the screen down... I recon (well, mostly hope lol!) that an ATV app store will be part of developer seeds by the WWDC in a few months... Fingers crossed!
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nagromme Avatar
nagromme
188 months ago
Yet another example of Apple bringing new features to old devices—an example which, as always, will be forgotten in time for the next nonsensical round of “Apple always wants to force you to upgrade by withholding XYZ feature for no reason!” :p (As though that’s been the trend... and as though Apple would truly want to damage their core reason for success—user experience—in trade for “forcing” some small fraction of people to upgrade a product.)
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
slicecom
188 months ago
Niccccccccccccccce!

I have no need for 1080p on my 720p TV, and I'm not upgrading until Apple makes a TV. ;)
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
M-O Avatar
M-O
188 months ago
personally, I liked the old look.

I wish I could rearrange the icons and hide the ones I never use... I'd like Netflix to be on the top row, and the sports icons to disappear.
I have found that long pressing the home button puts it to sleep. I don't know if this is a new feature, or one I just never came across before.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
N
newagemac
188 months ago
From the screen shots it looks like the music menu has returned :D

That was the only reason I didnt replace my atv1



So can you now select music from an iTunes library without having to push it to the atv using AirPlay?

Well you held out for the wrong reason then. You never had to use Airplay. The second generation Apple TV puts music, movies, tv shows, photos, iTunes U, podcasts, and any other content that's in your iTunes library under "Computers" and it is shared to the Apple TV using the Home Sharing feature.

Airplay is an option but it has never been required to get your music in your iTunes Library on the Apple TV. Also, the Music icon is for iTunes Match which is another way to get your music. The main benefit with iTunes Match on the Apple TV, you don't need an iOS device or a computer running iTunes.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
K
kainjow
188 months ago
Looks to me like Apple are finally preparing for an ATV app store... The new look essentially separates all the distinct sections into app icons and there is an awful lot of space when you shift the screen down... I recon (well, mostly hope lol!) that an ATV app store will be part of developer seeds by the WWDC in a few months... Fingers crossed!

Agreed. Definitely a step closer to custom ATV apps.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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