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Apple TV Refresh to Be Stealth Update, Will Not Affect Product Features

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An Apple spokesperson spoke to The Next Web about the new Apple TV model disclosed in FCC filings yesterday.

The company explained that the changes are strictly internal, and there won't be any new features or other changes. The Next Web is also reporting that the new Apple TV will use Apple's A5X processor from the third-generation iPad, and an upgraded Broadcom BCM4334 wireless chip, as was reported last night. The external size of the device will also remain the same.

Newappletv

“We sometimes make component changes which require an updated model number for regulatory approval,” an Apple spokesperson told TNW. “The component changes we made don’t affect product features and Apple TV customers will continue to have the same great user experience.”

The new Apple TV will not be marketed as a new version, and it appears the only way to distinguish the old from the new is via the model number.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater

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Top Rated Comments

8
8281
175 months ago
Then iOS 7 better be spectacular...There's so much you could do with the Apple TV, and Apple has just sat on it for years.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
J
jlasoon
175 months ago
What hasn't been a stealth update in the past 5 years?
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
L
lunarworks
175 months ago
Interesting that Apple wouldn't want to at least put a "upated" banner on them or something. Why not take the nearly free marketing where you can on something you spent some engineering time on?

Because if they put an "updated" banner on it, hordes of internet complainers will spill out onto the net and complain that there's no new features.

So really, a stealth update is fine.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rbrian Avatar
rbrian
175 months ago
Will an upgraded wireless chip enable it to stay connected to Home Sharing for more than 5 minutes without disconnecting (while two iPhones, an iPad, two Macs, and Windows PC stay connected in the same place)?
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B
bitWrangler
175 months ago
Dimensions?

Wait, so this update says that the dimensions will be the same, but yet the dimensions shown are smaller than the current ATV? So what's up with that?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
P
prowlmedia
175 months ago
Will an upgraded wireless chip enable it to stay connected to Home Sharing for more than 5 minutes without disconnecting (while two iPhones, an iPad, two Macs, and Windows PC stay connected in the same place)?

Odd not have any issues with my ATV2 or 3 and home sharing. Connection stays put 24/7
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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