Apple TV hands-on reviewers praise 'revolutionary' remote

But the streaming box does not have enough new features to make it a must for gamers or TV enthusiasts, reviewers say

Apple TV

Alongside two new iPhones, a bigger iPad and a couple of new watch accessories, Apple used last night's event to relaunch its television streaming box, Apple TV. Apple claims that it is a "revolution in television", but some early reviewers were underwhelmed, suggesting that the device might struggle against competition from Google and Amazon.The new unit looks much like its predecessor, only slightly taller. The main change is to the remote and interface. The remote itself "has a lot going on" says The Verge in its hands-on review."A touch-sensitive glass surface serves as the primary means of input, but the remote also supports Siri as Apple pushes its voice assistant deeper across its product portfolio. It can also be turned sideways and used for gaming," the site notes. "Other buttons include Menu, Play / Pause, TV, and a volume rocker."Reviewers say that the remote takes some getting used to, but is very powerful once you know how to use it. Apple hopes that the sophistication of the remote could make Apple TV a credible alternative to gaming consoles such as the Xbox and PS4. Players will be able to use it like a Wii controller, waving it around to hit tennis balls, drive a car or play rhythm games such as Guitar Hero.

So will it resonate with gamers? From last night's presentation it is far from clear, says Metro.co.uk. "How much impact this really will make on the traditional games market is hard to say, but until now Apple TV has never been a massive hit. But likewise Apple has never seemed as invested in games as they are now."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
To continue reading this article...
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us