The new Apple TV operating system, in depth

Yes, we can finally watch videos at 1080p with the new Apple TV, something that was at least necessary. But that’s not all, since the OS of the device has undergone an interesting redesign bringing it even closer to iOS devices. Everything (apart from the obvious distances) is trying to get closer to an aesthetic very familiar with the iOS environment , and the truth is that it’s appreciated since everything is much easier and can be found at a glance on the screen.

The old interface, although largely preserved throughout the different sub-menus of the device, has changed completely in its general presentation. Now the different sections that we can access are ordered in order of relevance in the form of icons that inevitably remind the screen of any iOS device . In the first row we find “Movies”, “Music”, “Computers” and “Settings”. While the first row is based on the iTunes Store, which has an increasing number of offers in Spanish, with “Music” we can connect our Apple TV to iTunes Match through iCloud. Both “Computers” and “Settings” will continue to perform the same function, connecting to our iTunes library and configuring the device.

After this first line, with an upper part where we will have quick access to the content of the libraries we have connected, we will be able to access the different services that have been added by default on Apple TV for some time, with some additions. Youtube, Vimeo, Flickr, Mobile me and now the addition of Photo Stream . Another device to be added to the computation of devices that can interact with iCloud.

The truth is that as an Apple TV 2 owner, with no possibility to play FullHD movies, you have to do a little exercise of resignation and get used to downloading HD movies, but the interesting thing in my opinion is yet to come. Although soon I intend to make an entry trying to explain ways to organize when dealing with iTunes to manage audiovisual content (something essential if you do not want to make Jailbreak to the device). Apple’s next cat, Mountain Lion will bring a number of features that promise to be juicy for Apple TV owners.

AirPlay Mirroring , will have to allow us to dump videos without worrying too much about whether the codec is encoded, and we certainly haven’t seen it all yet. First of all, this new version of Apple TV has brought some interesting new features that, in my opinion, together with its price, make Apple TV stop being Apple’s hobby.