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“If you’re entrenched in the Apple eco-system, the Apple TV just makes sense. You can stream anything from your desktop iTunes account to your Apple TV, including photos, music and videos,” Ha reports. “When AirPlay launches in November with the iOS 4.2 update, you or your friends will be able to share content from an iOS 4.2 device to your Apple TV, so long as they’re on the same network. Apple will be opening it up to third party developers, so who knows what will be capable later on this year.”
“Apple currently only has deals with the BBC, Fox and ABC, which includes Disney. This will eventually change but it’s something to think about. With that being said, I care more about the movie selection and the ability to tap into other means of content like Netflix and YouTube. Movies are available day and date with DVD/Blu-ray releases and I have something called a DVR, so I don’t mind that the TV show selection is scant. If you’re not a cable subscriber, I honestly don’t think you’d be missing out by owning just an Apple TV,” Ha reports. “If you’re really keen on watching something from a network that hasn’t signed on for rentals, you have the option of purchasing whatever you want that’s available through iTunes on your desktop and streaming it your Apple TV.”
Ha reports, “What will differentiate the Apple TV from the competition will be AirPlay and the revamped Remote App. For instance, you can control your desktop music library from your iPad and stream it to your Apple TV simultaneously. I think you’ve got some competition, Sonos. You can play them independently or at the same time. The fact that you can have friends come over and share videos or photos from their iOS 4.2 device is killer. The bottom line is that the new Apple TV is easy to use and incredibly convenient for disposable content consumption.”
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