GAME NEWS:
Today was the big day for Apple's fall event, and with it came news of the newly redesigned Apple TV.
The device comes packed with an ethernet port, 802.11n, HDMI, optical output for audio, and USB ports. The device is set to only stream rentals, no purchases, and will allow users to pick up television rentals at $.99 per episode, and $4.99 per movie rental. Apple has announced plans to support the Netflix online service as well, something that's been incredibly popular for their iPads and, most recently, iPhones.
Steve Jobs announced that the device will ship in roughly four weeks, with a price tag of $99. Apple has reached license agreements with ABC (owned by Disney, who Jobs has a history with) and Fox. Licensing talks are still ongoing with NBC and CBS.
The device will also be able to stream from the iPad, once the portable device receives its upgrade in November to the new OS. The new OS, also announced today, will enable the iPad to use AirPlay (replacing AirTunes), which allows the user to stream video and music over a WiFi connection. Those two devices will work hand-in-hand to give the living room that much more of a 'personal' feel, which is exactly what Apple says they were targeting.
Apple events have a reputation for being incredible, and although todays felt a bit underwhelming, the new Apple TV will be a welcome addition to any home that prefers watching television on their own time, without having to pay hefty cable bills for channels they have no interest in. As long as the remaining big networks sign on, Apple TV could be poised to rival Google and their upcoming television release.
