The new remote for the APple TV, for instance, features Wii Remote like acceleremoters and gyroscopes, and uses those inputs to allow for gameplay on the big screen.
Despite rumours of a team-up Nintendo themselves are not involved in the new Apple TV device, but there’s no questioning where Apple got the idea for its new controller. Plus, you’ll be able to search for a movie or TV show across several services, including iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and Showtime all at once. “The future of TV will be defined by powerful hardware, modern operating system, new user interface, great developer tools and an app store”, chief executive Tim Cook said on Wednesday before calling a top executive from the Apple TV team to explain the new product.
Apple TV comes with a redesigned remote control that can be used for advanced gaming features, and supports multiplayer gaming. In fact, rumors this week suggested that Apple would make the new Apple TV a games console in its own right, even positioning it as a rival to the PS4 and the Xbox One. Airbnb is working on an app that will allow users to book rooms through the TV. It will launch in late October in two configurations: 32GB for $149 or 64GB for $199. The bigger news is a new remote: this version has a glass-covered touch surface, a microphone for Siri, and motion sensors onboard.
Now, that’s not to say that there aren’t some really good mobile games. The controller features a menu button for instant navigation, but this will likely only work with the Apple TV.
Those rumors also stated that the next-generation Apple TV would be announced today at Apple’s press conference, where the company was also expected to show off new iPhones and a new iPad as well.
Of course, to play those games in their intended manner, Apple TV owners will have to invest in an MFi controller that’s not included in the box. More major game developers expressed their intentions to bring more titles for this platform, and John Carter of Harmonix announced that the company will come with an Apple TV exclusive, called Beat Sports, which will combine music rhythm and party games with sports.
As developers create new apps for the TV, users can expect to see the gaming capabilities transform and improve as the weeks and months go on.
An announcement, which was perhaps more anticipated than the iPhone – a much needed for the rather neglected Apple TV.