New Apple TV slated for September, streaming TV service will take longer

By Kris Wouk Published July 31, 2015

In the months leading up to Apple’s WWDC event this year, countless reports stated that a new Apple TV would debut at the event, alongside a new streaming TV service similar to Sling TV and Sony’s PlayStation Vue. Shortly before WWDC kicked off, those plans changed.

Now it seems that a new Apple TV will debut in September, according to a report from BuzzFeed. Many of the features announced earlier this year will indeed be present, and the product as a whole will be “more polished” according to BuzzFeed’s sources.

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The chassis will be smaller than the current-generation Apple TV, and the system will be powered by Apple’s A8 system on a chip. The new touchpad-equipped remote we reported on earlier this year is said to be included as well. There is no word on whether the new remote will support Touch ID, though it doesn’t seem likely.

Not all the changes in the newest Apple TV relate to the hardware — software plays a significant role as well. Not only is Siri voice control support said to be built in, but a full-fledged App Store will be present as well. And it was further was confirmed that the Apple TV would serve as the hub for HomeKit.

If you’re familiar with Apple’s product announcements, you probably know that September is a month usually reserved for the announcement of new iPhones. Nobody is expecting Apple to break from tradition here, so if the new Apple TV is announced in September, it will likely have to share stage time. This makes it seem like the Apple TV initially was supposed to debut at WWDC, but Apple decided to devote some more time to developing the new box.

One thing that won’t likely be making an appearance at the September event is Apple’s long-awaited subscription Internet TV service. Problems with licensing deals have plagued every company that has tried its hand at one of these services, and it seems things are no different for Apple. “Late this year — maybe, but more likely next year,” said one of BuzzFeed’s sources.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…

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A native Android Apple TV app is now in the Google Play store

The Apple TV app on a Samsung Android phone.

It's been five years since the Apple TV app was launched, and we're now getting a version for Android devices -- built from the ground up for native Android integration -- in the Google Play store that will have the same Apple TV+ functionality as the Apple ecosystem version. The new app means users with Android OS 10 or later will finally have the ability to sign up for Apple TV+ on their Android-based phones and tablets to watch shows and movies like Severance, Silo, Killers of the Flower Moon, and CODA. There will be no difference in pricing on Android compared to Apple.

This should enable seamless interactivity across platforms for features such as Continue Watching -- which keeps track of where you are in a show or movie and allows you to pick up from that spot when you return, regardless of the device you watch on. Customer's Watchlist will be kept up to date across devices as well, and since purchases are linked to your Apple account, all the content you own will be accessible on any device with the new updated app. One thing missing at launch, though, will be the ability to cast Apple TV content from your Android device.

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Apple TV 4K vs. Google TV Streamer: Which streaming device is superior?

An Apple remote sits on top of an Apple TV 4k.

Choosing one of the best streaming devices for your home is more complicated than ever, thanks to the breadth of options available today. While you can access the most popular streaming services through each individual app, these streaming set-top boxes deliver a home entertainment hub that lets you watch everything from one place, along with checking out connected home functionality, different apps, and even games. There are plenty of different options worth checking out, but today we're comparing two of our favorites, Apple TV 4K and Google TV Streamer.

Both of these streaming devices feature an intuitive user experience, that's streamlined and designed to get you watching within minutes. However, that doesn't make it easier to choose between them. Apple TV delivers access to a variety of apps, games, a free three-month subscription to Apple TV+, connects to Apple Smart Home devices, and you can even connect your AirPods for private jam sessions.

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How to watch the FireAid benefit concerts on streaming services

Billie Eilish performs in Toronto in 2024.

In the wake of the devastating fires that continue to rage in the Los Angeles area, dozens of the music industry's biggest names, including Billie Eilish, No Doubt, Green Day, Olivia Rodrigo, Katy Perry, and Alanis Morissette, have banded together in support with FireAid, two huge benefit concerts happening simultaneously on Thursday, January 30th at two LA venues. But if you can't be there in person, the concerts will be available to watch on various streaming services, and we've got all the details for you below.
What is FireAid?
Focused on helping to rebuild the communities affected by the wildfires that have spanned 45 square miles of densely-populated LA County and that have, so far, killed 28 people, FireAid's proceeds will go towards "short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters,” a rpress release stated.

The dual FireAid benefit concerts will be held at two Inglewood, California venues that have been unaffected by the fires -- the Intuit Dome, beginning at 6:00 pm, PST, and the Kia Forum, which will start at 7:30 pm PST. Concertgoers will have to select the venue/show they wish to attend.