The new Apple TV: A hobby or a passion?

Apple’s ‘One More Thing…’ announcement at it’s Music Event this month was the introduction of a new Apple TV. Since it’s release in 2007, it never really has revolutionized watching and downloading content on your television.  Now with the new ‘streaming-only’ Apple TV – will Apple be able to turn this product from a hobby into a passion?

The new Apple TV focuses all of it’s assets on streaming, and as such, features no on-board storage, the device itself has received a re-design, and is now just a quarter of the size of the original Apple TV, features an Apple A4 Chip and all the usual features that were present in the previous edition, minus it’s dedicated component outputs.

US customers (when the device ships) will be able to purchase 720p HD rentals of shows from FOX and ABC and of course Movie Rentals from all the major networks. TV Show Rentals are just 99 cents – but with first run 720p HD films being $4.99, it’s a little less appetizing.

With the new software, you’ll also be able to stream YouTube, Flickr and MobileMe content, as well as your Instant Queue from Netflix.

And, with the new iOS 4.2 software due to debut in November, you’ll be able to make use of the new AirPlay feature, which allows you to stream any content from your iOS device (whether it be Music, Videos or Photos) and play them on your Apple TV.

Across the pond however, UK customers don’t get such a good deal – we won’t have access to TV Show rentals or Netflix, so this means (at this current time) we’ll only be able to rent Movies and stream other content from our computer. In addition, while the US retail price is $99 (Before Taxes) the UK price is £99, which is 28% more than what customers in America pay.

Apple has also announced that the original Apple TV will not be receiving any updates to add additional features, such as AirPlay.

As an owner of the original Apple TV, I have to say that the new model doesn’t appeal at all to me. When I want to watch some content on my television, I don’t want to have to boot up my computer, and that’s what I see as the real benefit of the original model, the fact that it seamlessly syncs your new content over automatically and it’s stored permanently on it’s drive. The new Apple TV goes against that – as with no on-board storage, the need to stream everything is rather apparent. It’s hard to tell whether the new Apple TV is going to be a success or just remain as a hobby – either way, in my opinion it’s a huge deal breaker that we don’t (yet) have TV Show Rentals.

The Apple TV is due to ship in Late September for $99/£99.

Reader Challenge:

We want to know if you have pre-ordered or will be purchasing the new apple tv once its on the market. We would also like to know what you think it is ‘missing’ and please feel obliged to say it is perfect. Remember people that everyone is entitled to their own opinion!