Hello Apple TV 4th Gen, goodbye Xbox One! [Review]

People have different needs. This is why saying one piece of technology is better than another is subjective. The Xbox One, for instance is a more powerful device than the new Apple TV. It has, by far, superior hardware and can do more things. And yet, if you do not need that raw processing power, and prefer casual games to expensive console-grade games, Microsoft's console may be too much. In other words, it doesn't make sense to spend the money on Xbox One if you only need it for streaming media. Sure, it can run Halo 5 and play Blu-ray movies, but I really don't want those things and I am sure there are others like me too.

Enter the Apple TV. I bought this little 4th generation box for $200 despite owning plenty of devices that can already handle streaming media. Why? because of its potential. You see, with access to Apple's App Store, the future will be really bright for it as a media machine, but more importantly, a gaming console. Yes, the Apple TV is a Trojan horse in a sense -- it comes into your home disguised as a run-of-the-mill media streamer, but becomes the future of gaming too.

Specs

• Processor: A8 chip with 64-bit architecture
• Storage: 32GB or 64GB
• HDMI 1.4
• 802.11ac Wi‑Fi with MIMO
• 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
• Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology
• IR receiver
• USB‑C for service and support
• Built‑in power supply

Unboxing

Impressions

Taking it out of the box, I was surprised by its small size. From the pictures I saw online, sitting next to the old model, it looked very tall -- not so. It is still amazingly tiny despite its increase in stature. It is still black, plastic and unassuming. The front is home to an IR receiver, while the rear has a power connector, Ethernet, HDMI and USB Type-C. The USB port is only for service as of today, but Apple could open it up in the future.

Unfortunately, there is no HDMI cable in the box, but that was OK -- I literally have dozens. Sadly, there is also no USB power brick, so you must use an existing one to charge the included Siri remote. A lightning cable is included, but not a Type-C variant, so you cannot charge the remote from the Apple TV.

Using one of my existing HDMI cables, I hooked up the Apple TV to my bedroom LG TV. I then plugged it into the power outlet and was off to the races. Don't ask me how, but the Siri remote instantly controlled the power and volume on my LG TV. Is LG maybe the default preset manufacturer? Who knows, but it was like magic.

The real magic, however, was setting up the Wi-Fi. Rather than go through a clunky interface, the on-screen instructions told me to hold an iOS device near the Apple TV. I picked up my iPad mini 4, placed it near the box, and bam! Like that, using low-power Bluetooth, a connection was made. I approved everything on my iPad, and the Wi-Fi settings were transitioned to the Apple TV. It was literally the easiest setup -- the company obviously put much thought into this.

Once setup, the first thing I did was go to the App Store. I downloaded some games such as Beach Buggy Blitz, Rayman Adventures, Mr. Crab, and Crossy Road. All of the games looked wonderful and loaded quickly. Best of all, they all worked well with the included Siri Remote. It supports clicking, swiping and even motion controls like Nintendo's Wii If you prefer; however, you can buy a more conventional gamepad -- something I plan to do.

All of the aforementioned games are the casual, pick-up-and-play variants, and this is exactly what I want. Is a game like Halo 5 or Fallout 4 more impressive graphically? Sure, but many people, such as myself, do not want to spend $50 or $60 for one video game. Even if we did buy the game, we do not have time to commit to finish it. Apple has created a gaming console for those of that have too many responsibilities, and work too much, to play games for hours upon hours. Apple TV is the console for the rest of us. Most importantly, the games are fun.

While the Siri Remote works well with games, it truly shines with navigation and media. The top, you see, is a large clickable trackpad. To navigate, you just glide your finger in the direction you want. When you want to select, you click the trackpad. Want to go back? Hit the menu. Want to go home? Hit the home button. It is extremely easy and intuitive. You can even use voice (Siri) to search for content. You can ask Siri for things like weather too.

Even fast-forward and rewind is a breeze. When watching a YouTube video, for instance, you can click to bring up the seek bar and then swipe back or forward. Again, it is very intuitive -- something Apple is well known for. Beside YouTube, you can apps for popular services such as Netflix and Hulu. Sports fans will have plenty of content to add too -- I particularly like the NFL app. Hell, I even saw a QVC app for you shoppers!

As an Apple Music subscriber, I was very happy to see an app for that too -- yes, the interface is wonderful. You can even use it to play music in the background. If you have an HDMI stereo receiver, you can definitely use the pass-through to the TV for optimal quality. If your TV has analog or optical out, you can listen to music this way too. In my case, I just use my TV speakers, as it is mounted on the wall without any added audio equipment. This works perfectly fine for when I am getting ready for work in the morning, but I wouldn't use it to host a party.

So, am I planning to say goodbye to my Xbox One? I am undecided, but probably. Microsoft's console is wonderful, but I just don't have time for the hardcore games and I am not buying Blu-ray movies anymore. Not to mention, it is huge -- the gaming console is a bit of an eyesore. My bedroom TV is mounted on the wall and I have a little shelf under it with my cable box. Xbox One on top of the cable box is not only ugly, but blocks vents too. Apple TV is just cute and adorable, fitting in with my bedroom decor.

Overall, Apple TV is a joy for both Apple users and non-Apple-users alike. If you need a device to stream media to your TV, this is the one to get. The 1080p video looks beautiful, while the interface is a dream. At $149 for 32GB and $199 for 64GB is is more expensive than a Roku or Fire TV. With that said, you get what you pay for. The Siri Remote and overall experience trumps competitors, while the App Store brings it to another level -- the sky is the limit. Highly recommended.