Apple TV PS4 Xbox One: Has announcement left Microsoft and Sony quaking in their boots?

The Apple TV enters the gaming market versus the PS4 and Xbox One

APPLE have announced their all-new Apple TV device, hoping to bring a revolutionary experience to the living room based on apps and games built for the television, could it prove a legitimate competitor to the Xbox One or PS4?

 

The new hardware includes a Siri Remote, while the Apple TV runs the specially-designed tvOS operating system, based on Apple’s iOS.

Apple hope the new operating system will help enable iOS developers to create innovative new apps and games specifically for Apple TV and deliver them directly to users through the new Apple TV App Store. 

“There has been so much innovation in entertainment and programming through iOS apps, we want to bring that same excitement to the television,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. 

“Apps make the TV experience even more compelling for viewers and we think apps represent the future of TV.”

The new Siri Remote uses a glass touch surface adding touch to Apple TV, while also boasting built-in accelerometer and gyroscope.

This combination could give rise to a new range of games, with the upgraded device also including a new A8 chip and iOS technologies including Metal graphics and Game Center, to play and share games with friends.

Apple have also confirmed that their new device will support some third-party controllers, including MFi-based controllers and SteelSeries line, while iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches will also serve.

 

Games that have been confirmed include mobile hit Crossy Roads, Guitar Hero Live, Skylanders SuperChargers, and Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved for Apple TV.

The new Apple TV will be available at the end of October in a 32GB model and a 64GB model from Apple.com, Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorised Resellers.

It seems likely that the new Apple TV will go a long way to keeping the audience the tech giant have already captured but probably won’t be giving Sony or Microsoft any sleepless nights.

The idea that gamers would switch from consoles because of what was announced today doesn’t seem likely as the Apple TV at this time lacks the firepower and gaming library.

Apple were touted to be ready to launch a serious competitor to today’s gaming regime but seems more akin to the Amazon or Nvidia Shield tablets that are available.

Apple TV The future of television. http://t.co/tWse6NuCsk pic.twitter.com/aFgWQS0rLj

— App Store (@AppStore) September 9, 2015