Apple Launches Apple TV On September 18

The Apple TV offers you to stream all the video content in the iTunes Store to your HDTV, even from the stored content in the cloud. Other online media services like Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO Go are available with music, videos, and photos which can be streamed from iOS devices using AirPlay. AirPlay Mirroring helps you stream any Web video to the Apple TV. Apple TV's user interface is one of the best interface available compared to others.

Sleek Design :

The Apple TV comes with the best design of any streaming video box. Easy to use and wonderful looking black box with a small white light on the front that illuminates when it's in active use. Available connections include HDMI, optical audio output, Micro-USB and Ethernet with an built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi for connecting to your home wireless network. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi. Limitation is that it has only video connection available and that is HDMI, so you can't use old TVs.

Apple TV comes with a built-in power supply so no need for separate AC adapter. The remote is sleek and look just like an Apple product comprising of navigation circle at the top, a Menu button or Back button and a Play/Pause button.

User Interface :

The Apple TV user interface has got an awesome look which shows more app-centric design that you TV will look like a giant iPad. Apple's own services are pinned to the top, including rotating cover art for top TV shows and movies. Here is a list of other apps you can organize according to your need. Icons work fine but the only issue is that it asks for "app store" for the Apple TV to continue.

iTunes Store:

iTunes Store is available on different Apple products till date but  it's in the best state it's ever been in while on Apple TV. TV shows are $3 for HD, $2 for SD (depending on the video) movies are $5 to rent in HD and it ranges between $10 and $20 to purchase.

AirPlay :

AirPlay is an excellent feature which will definitely encourage Apple fans. It streams any music, video, or photo from your iPhone/iPad to your TV. It works with every third-party app, so you can load up Spotify on your iPhone and have to tap on the AirPlay button and it will stream straight to your Apple TV. It works when your phone is still used for control. It also works with your personal media browsing photos or videos you captured on your smartphone can be seen on Apple TV.

Release Date :

Apple is not promoting Apple TV with new software for its Web video box. But it’s still coming next to the technology world. Users familiar with the company’s plans say Apple TV is expected to be launched  on September 18th, the same day Apple releases its iOS 7 mobile operating software.

New feature includes Apple’s Airplay system. The new software will allow people who have purchased content from Apple’s iTunes store to play that stuff on other people’s TVs, via its Airplay system. The main part is that Apple TV box can stream the media directly from the iCloud or cloud service. It requires users to  download stuff to their iPhones and iPads and streaming them to the TV. It works similar to Google’s new Chromecast device.

Tim Cook never mentioned any comment on the event recently held. They only promoted its new iPhone device with the new iOS7 software. From different sources, it also foudn that Apple has been increasing the amount of content available on its current $99 Apple TV set-top box. But for the moment, we have to wait till Apple announce further updates on it.  

Competitors :

Roku 3 : Roku 3 is one of the competitors in streaming boxes. It has more channels which include Amazon Instant and a Time Warner Cable app. This provides an excellent cross-platform search and the remote with a headphone jack for private listening to media. 

Check out for Roku 3 Streaming Player if you want to experience now.

Google's Chromecast : Coolest thing about Google's Chromecast is its low $35 price in streaming boxes. Limitations will be the only support for two dedicated apps (Netflix and YouTube). Android users get access to Google Play Music and TV & Movies.

Check out for Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player  if you want to experience now.

Conclusion :

Overall it is an excellent streaming box and priced at $100 which is worth.You can make use of the paid apps in iTunes content and the rest of Apple's ecosystem of content. Other than Apple TV if you are keen on extensive content offerings and taking advantages of it then Roku 3 would be better option.