Apple has yet to confirm the release of the fifth Generation TV, but if rumors are to be believed, the company could be releasing it in line with its 10th "birthday" next year. Apple has been updating their TV much less often than their other products, so fans are expecting a sophisticated 5th Generation Apple TV with dramatically improved features.
Meanwhile, the most recent Apple event unveiled their new TV app called the "TV", alongside the new Macbooks and despite high hopes of an actual TV being revealed. The app allows users to immediately access a video stream, bringing all TV shows and movies into a single browsable location.
"We want Apple TV to be the one place to access all of your television," Apple CEO Tim Cook said during the most recent event, Forbes reported. "That's one place to access all of your TV shows and movies. One place to discover great new content."
"TV" does not only work with the Apple TV; it can also be accessed using the iPad or iPhone. While it brings together tons of video content providers, it is missing two of the most popular video streaming sites: Amazon and Netflix.
Amazon's absence did not come much as a surprise because it has never been with Apple TV since its inception. Netflix' absence, however, puzzled many fans, having been part of almost all streaming boxes because of its popularity.
"I can confirm we are not participating and evaluating the opportunity," Smita Saran, Apple spokesperson, told Wired. It looks like "TV" will have limited streaming choices with the absence of Netflix, but it offers other platforms such as CBS, Starz, Hulu, HBO and Showtime.
To date, the "TV" app is only available as an update for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV in the U.S. While many live streaming channels are available through the app, many services still require a user's login information. This boils down to the fact that although it adds convenience, it must not be perceived as a TV replacement.
Here is a first look at the new Apple TV app: