Here's a review of the new Apple TV 4K, released on May 21st.
To be honest, unlike the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, it's not a "product that everyone buys." There are many things that can be similar. On the other hand, I feel that there is no device whose "what I find convenient" changes so much depending on the user.
So, let's take a look at the evolution of the latest model with (no, really) eyes that have used all past Apple TV models.
2021 Apple TV 4K (Amazon.co.jp)
The hardware is "renewal according to the time", but it is suitable for the times
I think the hardware called Apple TV is "slowly changing generations" when compared among Apple products. As for this "Apple TV 4K", the previous model came out in the fall of 2017. It's been four years since I've used IT equipment, and I feel like I've been absent.
Then, I think that the function has changed dramatically in four years, frankly, "not so". Many of the evolution points described below are improvements to the OS tvOS, so they can also be used in the 2017 model. The processor has changed from the 2017 model "A10X" to "A12X", and although the performance has improved by about twice, it is not always clear that the difference is clear. It's also true that if you "connect to a TV and watch video distribution," you won't feel that much difference.
Then, if you don't need this model, that's not the case.
It's hard to feel the difference when you compare it to the previous model, and when you compare the Apple TV to other video distribution viewing devices, the 2021 model is "overwhelmingly more comfortable than the others." It is also a fact that it exists. It runs fast, runs a variety of apps such as games, and can be a hub for smart homes.
Compared to 2017, the use of video distribution is progressing to the extent that it is incomparable to that time. Not only overseas but also in Japan. In 2017, the number of people who "watch 4K video distribution" was really limited, but now it's completely different. It's normal to see what you see on TV, not broadcast. The era of "just watch on your smartphone or PC" or "just connect your smartphone or PC to your TV" is gone.
But it's a little hard to keep selling the 2017 model now and in the future. It is very important to renew the performance etc. so that it can be used even after several years without changing the design and to provide it to the current market.
Therefore, the "box" has changed significantly from the 2017 model. On the back, the logos of the video distribution services that can be viewed are lined up, and the introduction of the linked devices is written. Even if the Apple TV hasn't changed, the surroundings have changed and it has caught up, so the reality is that "a product that suits the current situation has come out."
Since it is multifunctional, its value seems to change considerably depending on the user, but that is also a beauty.
Easy setting by linking with iPhone, also for home network
So what makes it different from other TV-connected devices (set-top boxes, hereafter referred to as STBs)?
First, it's horribly easy to set up. However, it is limited to iPhone users. The problem with setting up TV-connected devices is the difficulty of setting up. This is because it is difficult to input characters with the remote control.
But it's pretty simple for iPhone users to use the Apple TV. All you have to do is bring your iPhone closer to the Apple TV and press the "Set" button on the iPhone side. With this, most of the process from Apple ID to Wi-Fi settings will be completed automatically. If you want to use non-Apple video distribution, you still need to download and configure each app, which is difficult, but still simple among many STBs. There is no difference.
If the home network settings are already available from the iPhone or iPad, they will be inherited as they are. With the addition of the Apple TV, it will become the centerpiece of the device at home, and it will be possible to send commands and operate it from the outdoors. The simplicity of this area is another advantage of the Apple TV.
On the other hand, the essential movement is also fast. The UI has changed slightly with the latest tvOS update. However, the fact that you can register an app and do various things with it, and that switching is fast and fast, can be said to be the same beauty as in the past.
In the case of the latest tvOS, it is also a point that you can use the "color balance" adjustment function in combination with the iPhone. This is a feature that can be used with both the 2017 model and the new 2021 model, but an iPhone with Face ID "iPhone X or later" is required.
Simply put, it uses the iPhone's Face ID and proximity sensor to measure screen colors, and from that information, changes the tint output by the Apple TV to create a more appropriate color balance. Although it is inferior to the image quality adjustment function of recent high-end TVs, it is an effective function when used on low-priced TVs, slightly older TVs, and PC displays.
The Apple TV feels like a well-made STB in that it has all these elements.
Especially in the 2021 model, I am grateful that the remote control has been improved.
Since the conventional model was operated with a touch pad, it was difficult to do it unless you were accustomed to "stopping with the icon you like." The touchpad is good for quick operation, but sometimes you want to use the buttons accurately.
The new remote control becomes a button, and when you stroke the button, it works as a touchpad. The benefits of both are alive and comfortable. It's also nice to be able to "mute" without using the TV remote, making Siri's buttons easier to use when using voice commands on the side.
The greatest added value is the variety of support for games, etc.
That said, the Apple TV has its drawbacks. The price is high.
Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K costs 6980 yen, Google's Chromecast with Google TV costs 7600 yen, while Apple TV 4K starts at 21,800 yen. The price is quite different.
There are functions such as speed of operation and "color balance" adjustment function of TV, but there should be an idea that "it is cheap because you can see the image". It cannot be denied.
On the other hand, the variety of "apps" can be given as an added value that is superior to other devices. Since tvOS is an evolution of iOS, there are many apps for TV. Recently, the number of apps such as fitness is increasing, but the most attractive thing is probably "games". You can use AirPlay to display the screen of your iPhone or iPad on your TV and enjoy the game, or you can enjoy the game that runs on tvOS itself.
Especially now that there is a flat-rate game service "Apple Arcade", the range of games that can be played is expanding. Many attractive games such as "FANTASIAN", the latest work by Hironobu Sakaguchi, who is known for developing the Final Fantasy series, and "CLAP HANZ GOLF" developed by CLAP HANZ, the developer of the "Everybody's Golf" series. There is.
Most of them will be enjoyed with a "game controller" instead of the attached remote control. The latest tvOS supports not only Apple products but also "DUALSHOCK 4" for PS4, "DualSense" for PS5, and "Xbox wireless controller" for Xbox One / Series X | S / PC. There is. It's easy to use because the setting method appears on the screen.
I think some people already have these. In such a case, it feels like one more game console will be added along with the video distribution, so the cost performance will improve. Above all, the availability of a familiar controller is important for playing games.
However, one thing to note is that even if you use the PS4 controller, the enter button on tvOS is basically "x". It is not a "◯" decision. It's a shape that fits the world wide, so please keep that in mind.
2021 Apple TV 4K (Amazon.co.jp)
High Speed HDMI Cable (Amazon.co.jp)