The Accountant (2016)

If you love Ben Affleck, then you may want to give The Accountant a shot. Ben plays Christian Wolff, a math savant that seems to have a great affinity for numbers compared to most other people. He has a small town CPA office, but that is just a front for the darker operations he’s conducting. Christian is actually an accountant for some of the worst criminals you can imagine. One day the Crime Enforcement Division from the Treasury Department decides to investigate Christian since his activities attract unwanted attention. In order to appear as legit as possible, he gets a legitimate client. This client is actually one of the top robotics companies in the country. However, soon enough an accounting clerk realizes there’s a massive discrepancy when Christian starts to transfer millions of dollars between various accounts.

Manchester By the Sea

This is a very moving and highly acclaimed movie that will impress you not only through its story, but also its cinematography. After working as a janitor in Boston, Casey Affleck suddenly becomes the sole guardian of his nephew who is only sixteen years old. At the same time, he is trying to accept his past and the fact that his wife (Michelle Williams) is no longer with him. This is an extraordinary story of hope, sacrifice, community, and love that you certainly need to see.

Arrival

If you love movies such as the Aliens franchise and basically any movie that involves aliens, then Arrival is a must-see. When 12 mysterious spacecraft land in various parts of the world, an elite team of scientists is summoned to enter one of these ships and investigate it. Pressure is mounting fast as the governments of the largest countries in the world feel threatened by the ships. To prevent an all-out war, the scientists need to find out what the aliens want and whether they’re a danger to Earth or not. The movie is very intense and is by far one of the best movies of the year.

Trolls

For those of you who loved the Shrek series, you will certainly love Trolls. This is a DreamWorks animation that is funny, smart, and is basically a story about how far some people are ready to go to find happiness. You will be transported to a wondrous, beautiful, and colorful world while watching Trolls. What’s funny about the trolls is that they always have a song on their lips and a dance in their steps. There’s also the Bergens who seem to only be happy once they have Trolls in their stomachs.

After Troll Village is invaded by the Bergens, the happiest troll to be born (Poppy) together with Branch go on a journey to save their friends. As you may expect, this is going to be a journey that’s full of mishaps and adventure, since the 2 characters are very different from one another and need to learn how to tolerate each other. The movie’s narrative is furthered by music produced by Gwen Stefani and Justin Timberlake, on top of the classic hits from the sixties to the eighties.

John Wick

When professional assassin John Wick (played by Keanu Reeves) is mercilessly beaten by a gang of young thugs, a very bloody war is about to begin. Wick embarks on a journey through the bullet-riddled city of NY to hunt down those who killed his dog and almost killed him in order to make them pay for their actions. It’s a very violent movie that reveals a new side of Keanu that will surprise and also impress you. Highly recommended!

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

This is an action packed movie where Jack Reacher is back to enforce his breed of justice in this action filled sequel based on the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. When Susan Turner (army major) is falsely accused of treason, Reacher soon finds out that she’s actually the target of a government conspiracy. With the help of a strange ally and Turner, Reacher defies deadly traps and risks his life to bring down the organization responsible for this.

Deepwater Horizon

Deepwater Horizon is actually a movie that’s inspired from real life heroes and it’s one you’ll have a hard time forgetting. For the 126 workers aboard the offshore oil right, April twentieth ’10 started like any other day. However, before the end of it, one of the largest disasters in US history was about to begin. This movie is about the courage of all the men and women on the rig who risked their life to bring everyone else to safety.

Whether it’s Friday night or any other weekday and you want to watch a movie that will impress you with its story, cinematography, and overall special effects, these are some of the best titles you should consider. Now all you have to do is make sure you have the popcorn ready and a few beers and movie night can begin. Enjoy!

The post A List Of The Top Movies You Can Watch On The ATV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

The App Store discovery doesn’t work as it should and give the fact that you cannot link applications on the web doesn’t help boost the ATV’s popularly either. However, in the past 2 weeks we went on a download spree and got to play a wide range of games on the ATV. If you’re an Apple TV gamer and want to know more about the best titles you should check out, then you’re in the right place. Below we’ll take a better look at the Best apple TV games that we think every Apple TV owners should play. Let’s check them out!

1. Galaxy on Fire: Manticore Rising

Space shooters seem to be enjoying a lot of success on the Apple TV and Galaxy on Fire: Manticore Rising is certainly a title that deserves your attention. The game is fun to play, has great art and we believe that its shortcomings in the voiceover department can be overlooked. Why? Well, because the developers just gave us first look at how the Siri Remote may be used in the development of future Apple TV games.

In terms of control, it’s limited and your ship will automatically attack enemy ships. Using the motion controls is fun and exploring the vast space is an experience in itself given the great graphics. If you’re into space shooters and want to play a slick title that perfectly fits the genre, then you may want to give Manticore Rising a shot.

2. Oceanhorn

Do you love The Legend of Zelda and think it’s an amazing game? Well, we also think the same. Even more, we want to let you know about Oceanhorn which is a sort of Zelda clone. What we love about this title, aside from its resemblance to Zelda, are the top notch graphics. These actually give you a glimpse of the ATV’s capability as a gaming console for less derivative games. Overall, the game is really fun to play, yet it’s not a masterpiece by any means. However, it does prove that titles such as it may be a convincing leap to a bigger screen.

3. Alto’s Adventure

If you have an iPad or an iPhone, chances are that you may have already played Alto’s Adventure. This is a very fun and interesting game to say the least. Not only that, but it features smooth animations, stark colors, amazing environments, and minimal artwork. All of these combined result in a world that captivates you and makes you want to play more. As you’ll zip down the slopes, all you have to do is jump. You can also hold the button to perform backflips, so playing the game is very simple. If you’re into very simple games that you can play either on the subway or at home while having a cup of tea, then Alto’s Adventure is a title you should certainly not miss.

4. Bean Dreams

Bean Dreams is probably one of the funniest games we’ve ever played on the Apple TV. In the game you’ll play as a Mexican bean that simply can’t stop itself from jumping. This means that you just need to use your thumb to move the character right or left. When playing it on the Apple TV, you can either use a controller or the Siri Remote to enjoy it. Overall, Bean Dreams resembles Mario a lot and it’s a fresh take on the game that we think you’ll love. We’ve also had a lot more fun playing it with the Siri Remote rather than a third party controller, but your mileage may vary.

5. Skylanders: Superchargers

If you never thought that cramming a 10 GB game on a console is impossible, then you’re wrong. Skylanders Superchargers managed to do just that and you can now play it on the Apple TV. What makes this game special is the fact that it uses the app thinning technique on the tvOS to stream various parts of the game on the fly. Better yet, since it also features iCloud Saves, you can literally play this game anytime and anywhere as long as you’re connected to the internet.

If you want to play the game, you also have the option to purchase a 75-dollar starter pack, a vehicle, 2 figurines, and a controller. If you don’t want that, then rest assured. You can have just as much fun by opting for the in-app purchases. Have fun!

The post Top 5 games to play on your Apple TV right now appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

There are only a few steps you need to take to update your Apple TV 4th Generation. Once the apple tv update is complete, you’ll be able to access new features and of course, benefit from many performance improvements.

How to update your Apple TV 4th Generation

One of the things you’ll love about the latest Apple TV is that you can easily update it via the Over the Air mechanism on the TV itself. To do that, you’ll have to take the following steps:

Turn on the Apple TV ad then go to the Settings application and then navigate to System. Here you’ll need to look under Maintenance.

You will see a menu called Software Updates. Click on it and then go to Update Software. Once you click on it, the Apple TV will start looking for updates. If it finds an update, then you’ll be prompted to install it.

Once you’re prompted to install the latest tvOS update, you have to click on Download and Install. Upon doing so, the installation process will begin and you will be able to see the progress on your screen. Usually the update takes a minute or more, depending on your internet connection. After the installation is completed, the Apple TV will automatically restart.

How to update your Apple TV 2nd and 3rd Generation

If you have a second or maybe a third generation Apple TV, then the update process is rather similar. This is how to update them:

1. Turn on the Apple TV, go to the Settings app on it and then go to General. Once you’re here, you have to click on Software Update.
2. Click on Update Now and the update process will begin.

Again, it’s important to bear in mind that the update process will depend largely on the speed of your internet connection. The faster your internet, the sooner the update will complete.

If you want, then you should know that there is also another way you can consider to update your Apple TV. You can do that through iTunes by going through the IPSW. For this, you’ll need a computer and a USB cable. This approach though is a bit more complex and it’s rarely used. However, if possible, then you should always go for the Automatic update features on the TVOS.

The good news is that many of the Apple TV devices do have updates available to them. This is especially the case if they have not yet been used or if they’re now. If you just bough your Apple TV, then you have to check and see if there are any updates you can download for it. If there are, then download them at once to benefit from a wide range of useful features and performance improvements.

About updating ATV software

Keep in mind that once you initiate the Apple Update process, the TV will start downloading the update files in the background. During this process you should not disconnect the TV from the internet.

Once the download and installation process are complete, the TV will restart. You may also notice that the status light will slowly flash during the installation process, so don’t panic. This is normal behavior. All in all, by keeping these tips in mind, applying the latest apple tv update should be a breeze!

The post How to check for updates and update your Apple TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

1. Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved

The Apple TV has great potential for gamers and it’s no wonder why there are so many gaming geared apps available for it. Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved is by far one of the first games you should play on your Apple TV. With its amazing three dimensional vector graphics and awesome electronica soundtrack, this shooter will keep you up for days. What’s great about it is that you can also play it on other iOS devices. With Geometry Wars the fun never stops no matter where you are. You can easily have your saved games uploaded to the cloud so you can therefore play the game wherever and whenever you want.

2. Lumino City

If you like to play more relaxing games, then State of Play’s Lumino City will blow you away. Excellent gameplay, a jaw-dropping visual style and a dreamy soundtrack make this an irresistible title. Unlike other games these days, Lumino City was made with motors, lights, cards, and paper. The backdrops are ultra realistic and overall the game is extremely exciting, creative, and fun to play. You play as Lumi, a little girl whose grandfather was kidnapped and now she has to find him at all cost. Overall, this is a great game and given the fact you can also play it on iOS devices makes it even better!

3. Shoot The Zombirds

Shoot The Zombirds is a classic iOS shooter that will make for a great experience if you play it at night or on Halloween. The game is available on tvOS for a very modest price, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get it. Better yet, it looks gorgeous on larger screens and works on both tvOS and iOS devices. In Shoot The Zombirds you play as pumpkin header archer who needs to do his best to make sure that his baby pumpkins are protected from the spooky birds flying around them. Of course as you may have gauged, you need to practice your archery skills. It will take a while until you get used to the controls. Other than that, this is no doubt a game you absolutely need to try!

4. 7 Minute TV Workout

Do you want to get in shape, but don’t really want to leave the living room? Well then, it sounds like you need to get your hands on Roman Shevtsov’s 7 Minute TV Workout. As the name suggests, this is an app that basically helps you get back in shape. 7 Minute TV Workout helps you cycle through twelve exercises that they claim to be scientifically proven. By the end of the workout, you’ll have lost quite a few calories. The app includes explanations for each workout, how it helps you get in shape, its benefits etc. You also get a Progress Calendar that allows you to see how much impact your workouts have had on your body since you started training. There aren’t too many apps of the kind available on the Apple TV. However, 7 Minute TV Workout is breaking the ice by helping people get in shape from the comfort of their own home.

5. Netflix

As you may already know, this is by far one of the best apps you can use with your Apple TV to access millions of videos, movies, TV shows, you name it. On day 1, the app looks a bit underdeveloped, yet over time it’s certainly going to include pretty much every other feature currently available on other platforms.

6. Rayman Adventures

Excellent gameplay and jaw-dropping production values make this action filled game a must for any gamer. What stands out about it is that you can only play it by using the Siri Remote. All you have to do is control the interactions, punches, and jumps in order to complete each area and advance to the next. If you want, then you can even use an analog stick or D-pad to gain control of Rayman’s movements. If we are to judge by looks alone, this title looks very much like a console game. Just keep in mind that if you want to play it, you can only play it on the Apple TV. Rayman Adventures has been exclusively released for the tvOS platform.

7. Jetpack Joyride

Ever since it was released on the iOS, JetPack Joyride has seen great support and updates. In fact, the Apple TV version is probably the best so far. When you first start playing the game, you’ll start to slowly appreciate the soundtrack which in our opinion is excellent. For this purpose you’d better have some good quality TV speakers or maybe some good headphones. With a Back to the Future theme, JetPack Joyride lets you live your Delorean fantasies and step into a world where adventure and fun is your only cup of tea.

8. YouTube

If we judge it by interface alone, YouTube on the Apple TV is visually sparing. On the other hand, it’s packed with free and high quality video content. While in the early days of YouTube there wasn’t too much content to enjoy, things have now changed dramatically. In fact, there’s a lot of professional content you can watch on the platform. From movies to professional quality videos, YouTube is certainly an app that you definitely need to install on your Apple TV.

9. Asphalt 8: Airborne

Are you into car games? If the answer is yes, then you have to give Asphalt 8: Airborne a shot. Developed by Gameloft, this is a sharp looking 3D driving game that you can enjoy playing on your Apple TV. The game not only looks great, but also has an impressive soundtrack, a lot of unlockable content, and it’s overall very fun to play. What we didn’t quite like about it are the long loading times. If you’re willing to put up with that, then Asphalt 8: Airborne is definitely a keeper!

These are the top Apple TV apps you should download on your Apple TV 4th generation. Try them and don’t forget to let us know more about your favorite one in the comment section below!

The post 9 Apps You Should Download On Your ATV4 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Use an iPhone or iPod Touch to set up your Apple TV

If you’re wondering how to turn on apple tv without remote or how to control apple tv without remote, wonder no more! You can easily use your iPod Touch or iPhone to control your Apple TV. To wirelessly set up your device to use them, you’ll need to boot your Apple TV until the language screen pops up. Turn on Bluetooth on your device and place it on your Apple TV. Once you do that, a screen will appear where you have to sign in to your iTunes account.

Note: If you plan on buying content from iTunes, then you may want your Apple TV to remember your sign in credentials. This way, the next time you want to buy something you won’t have to enter your Apple ID and password again.

At this screen you also have the option to choose whether you’d like to help Apple improve user support and products. You can help them by agreeing to send info to Apple about how you use your Apple TV. If you don’t wish to do that, then just select No Thanks.

The setup process will then continue on the Apple TV. The device will use your access point to connect to the internet. The access point is provided automatically by your iPhone or iPad (whichever you’re using). Also, entering your router’s access point isn’t necessary, since the iOS device will handle that for you. At this point, your Apple television is fully activated. To access the iTunes Store, you’ll now just have to use your account information and login. Once you do that, you’ll see the home menu and can proceed to using iphone as apple tv remote. You can also use your iPad, depending on which device you paired with the Apple TV.

Note: In case your apple tv siri remote not working or you lost it, then you may wonder how to turn on apple tv without a remote. Well, doing so is simple and you just have to use a Bluetooth keyboard. This way, you don’t have to worry about ordering a replacement remote for apple tv anytime soon.

Setting up your Bluetooth keyboard

If you want, then while here you may also go to Settings, General, and then navigate to Bluetooth. By doing so, you can pair a Bluetooth keyboard to your Apple TV. It’s certainly going to come in handy whenever you need to type in any text.

Set up your Apple TV by using a Bluetooth keyboard

To do this, you’ll first of all need to turn on apple tv. At the language screen, you’ll also be informed that you can use a Bluetooth keyboard with your Apple TV. Pairing it is simple and all you have to do is turn on the keyboard and bring it close to the Apple TV.

A pairing code will appear on the screen. Enter it on the keyboard and then hit Enter. Your attempt may not be successful at first, so if that’s the case, be sure to try again. Once you manage to pair your keyboard with the Apple TV, you can use it to step through your menus. You’ll find it to be a lot more convenient, especially when searching for things online.

If you’d like to advance to the next screen, hit Enter. Now when it comes to the Wi-Fi screen, selecting your desired Wi-Fi access point is easier than ever and can be done by using the arrow keys. Once you select your desired Wi-Fi, you have to enter the password for it. Since you have a keyboard, doing so is a lot easier.

Again, you’ll be asked whether you want to send info to Apple to helps improve its user support or products. Click OK if you agree or No Thanks if you don’t want to send such data to Apple. Once you do that, you’ll be taken to the home screen menu.

Note: You still have to set up your iTunes account. To do that, go to Settings and then navigate to iTunes Store.

Controlling your Apple TV with an Android device

If you’d like to use your Android device to control your Apple TV, then you need to download an android apple tv remote app. This app is called Air Remote and you can easily download it through the Google Play Store. The interface is easy-to-use interface and the app works great.

Now that you know how to connect to apple tv without remote, you don’t have to worry about buying a new remote if you damaged or lost yours. Just follow our simple tips and you’ll be able to enjoy your Apple TV just as much with or without its original remote!

The post Can You Control Your Apple TV Without The Remote? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Setting up your Apple TV

The first thing you need to understand is that if you want to connect your Apple TV to your TV, then you need to do so by using the HDMI port. This port is used for delivering both video and audio. Before setting up the Apple TV, check the ports on your TV and be sure you have the required cables.

1. You will need an HDMI cable to connect your Apple TV to your home theater receiver or TV.

2. (Optional) You may also need an optical digital audio cable. This cable can be used if you’d like to connect your Apple TV to a receiver.

Connecting the cables

At this point you’ll need to connect the cables. Using the HDMI cable, connect one end of it to the back of the TV. The other end should be connected to the appropriate port on the back of your Apple TV. Some people may use an optical digital cable for audio. If that’s the case for you, then be sure to connect one end of it to the appropriate port on your Apple TV (optical digital audio) and the other end to the audio input on your TV or receiver.

Note: The Apple TV features 802.11 Wi-Fi technology, allowing it to connect to your network automatically and wirelessly. However, if you have an Ethernet based network, be sure to use an Ethernet cable to connect your Apple TV to it.

Connect the power cord

One end of the power cord needs to be connected to a power outlet and the other to the power port you’ll find on the back of the Apple TV.

Note: You should never place any objects on top of the Apple TV. Doing so may result in bad signal. Placing the Apple TV on top of electronic equipment is also not recommended.

Turn on your TV and select the input

Since this is the first time you’re using the Apple TV, you’ll be greeted by a screen where you have to select your language and network. However, if the only thing you see is a black screen, then don’t worry. All you have to do is check whether the input setting selected on your TV is the same as the input you connected the cables to on your home theater receiver or TV.

Configuring your Apple TV 3rd gen

If you want to connect to iTunes, then you’ll be very happy to know that the Apple TV can help you configure your wireless network to do so. With iTunes, you can watch and listen to a lot of high quality content from the iTunes library.

Configuring your Apple TV

When configuring your Apple TV, you need to have your Apple Remote, but also your network pass and name ready. The path between the Apple TV and the remote should also be clear. Keep in mind that if you’re on an Ethernet network, then the Apple TV will detect your network automatically. If you’re on a wireless network, then the Apple TV will help you connect to it.

Using the Apple Remote, make sure to enter your network name or select it from the list and then enter the network pass (if you’ve set one).

Entering your IP address along with your DNS address, router address, and subnet address may be necessary if you do not connect using DHCP. Be sure to follow the onscreen instructions to complete the network connection.

How to connect to iTunes

If you’d like to use your Apple TV to access the content of your iTunes library, then you need to have the latest iTunes installed (recommended). Any version earlier than 10.5 won’t work so be sure to keep that in mind. If you do have iTunes, but you’re not sure if you have the latest version, then update it. You can do this by using Software Update (if you’re on a Mac). If you’re using a Windows machine, go to iTunes Help to update the software.

How to set up home sharing

Once your network connection is finally set up, you have to set up your Apple TV and iTunes so you can share your iTunes library. To do so, you need to use Home Sharing on both the Apple TV and iTunes. If you’d like to set up Home Sharing in iTunes, then you need to open iTunes, go to Advanced, and there you’ll see Turn On Home Sharing. You’ll now need to enter your Apple ID and your password. Next, click on Create Home Share.

Now, if you’d like to set up Home Sharing on your Apple TV, then you first of all need to go to settings and then to Computers. Here you’ll see an option that says Turn on Home Sharing. Click it and again, enter your Apple ID and pass (the same ones you entered on your laptop or computer).

As you can see, setting up your Apple TV 3rd generation is not hard at all. Just follow these tips and you’ll be able to watch your favorite videos, movies, shows, and also listen to your favorite music in no time!

The post How To Set Up Apple Tv 3rd Generation appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

1. tvProximity

If you’re an app developer and work with beacons, then you will absolutely love this app. If you don’t know what a beacon is, well, beacons are basically a small Bluetooth emitter that makes it possible for you to track people’s phones and based on their location, send them real time updates. Beacons are actually used in a wide range of industries, mainly for the purpose of helping people find great deals on products and also use coupons. Once you install tvProximity, your TV will act as a beacon which you’ll find very useful for application testing.

2. Bitcoin Monitor

Those who trade Bitcoin need to have this app installed on their Apple TV right away. Thanks to Bitcoin Monitor, you can view the real time price of Bitcoin, but also its price across different exchanges. The current rate is displayed in a very large font, meaning you can easily see it from across the room. You’ll also be able to gain access to a graph that details BTC volatility over the past thirty days. BTC rates are updated every 5 seconds or so.

3. Real Kick Soccer Pro

Who doesn’t love football? If you’re also a football fan, then you may want to get Real Kick Soccer Pro from the apple tv app store as soon as possible. This is a great app if you want to practice your freekick and penalty skills in the comfort of your own home. Swinging towards the goal to shoot low, high, hard, chip shots, and curve balls is simple and you do that by using the Siri Remote. Sure enough, this is not FIFA 2017, but it’s the closest to experiencing a match of football in the comfort of your own home. Give it a shot and we guarantee you’ll love it!

4. iBooks StoryTime

Have you ever wanted to bring iBooks to the big screen? Well, now you can! We’re not saying that you can now use your TV to read books off of it. However, you can give your friends and family a new way to experience books. The Read-Aloud function features excellent illustrations and narration that makes for a very unique experience. Use it once and we guarantee you won’t go back to simply reading books anymore.

5. Lara Croft GO

Square Enix Montreal is probably one of the most popular game developers in recent history. In fact, if you played the Hitman franchise, then you know for sure who these guys are. Thanks to the massive success they had with Hitman, Square Enix decided to also start working on the latest Lara Croft title. Lara Croft GO is currently available on the Apple TV and it’s very much fun to play. You’ll play the famous Tomb Raider who explores forgotten and lost worlds in a very fun, creative, yet also addictive turn based puzzler.

6. Minecraft: Apple TV Edition

The Apple TV edition of the building block sensation has just reached your living room. You can now play Minecraft on your Apple TV and boy is it so much fun! Discover amazing things, build new worlds and put your creativity to the test with the latest Minecraft edition for your Apple TV. You can get unlimited resources if you play in creative mode or if you want to put your Minecraft skills to the test, then go for the survival mode. Fend off the dangerous mobs by crafting armor and weapons and show your might in one of the most played games of the decade!

7. Tiny Wings TV

Check out the apple tv apps store for the Tiny Wings TV app and start having fun! This is a very engaging game that features twenty five hand designed levels, a split screen multiplayer function, but also a Flight School mode. Better yet, thanks to iCloud, you can easily sync your progress across the iOS and Apple TV. How great is that?

8. Amazon

The Amazon app is one of those apple tv 3rd generation apps that will give the competition a run for its money. Well, at least when it comes to reach. Amazon is simply everywhere, including on your tablet, mobile phone and now it’s in your home as well. With the Apple TV version, you can now shop directly from your Apple TV. Browsing Amazon can be easily done by using Siri voice search. However, if you’d like to enable 1 touch purchasing, then you’ll have to use your Prime login details. Those who don’t have Prime won’t be able to purchase products, yet you can still browse Amazon by using the Apple TV app version.

9. Tinder

If you had it on your mobile phone, but thought that wasn’t enough, rest assured. You can now download and use Tinder on your Apple TV as well. This is one of those apps on apple tv that you’ll certainly be surprised to find you can use it on your Apple TV. After all, we’re used to using it on a mobile device. Even so, with Tinder you no longer need to worry about going out to meet people since you can do so by using the app. You can use the touch surface of your Apple TV remote to swipe left or right which is rather fun. Just give it a try and you won’t be disappointed!

10. Zova

If you gained a few pounds in the last few weeks and would like to get in shape fast, then you may want to download Zova. This is one app on our apple tv apps list that you don’t want to miss, since it helps you burn off extra calories like crazy. One of the things you’ll love about it is that it helps tailor workouts to meet your specific fitness goals. On top of that, it will only suggest workouts that you can do in front of your TV from the comfort of your own home. Talk about customer satisfaction!

These are the hottest Apps for the Apple TV that you absolutely need to have. Download them now to take your Apple TV experience to the next level!

The post 10 Apps On Apple TV You Should Download Right Now appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

CARROT Weather (Apple TV only)

If you travel a lot or you’re simply interested in how the weather is going to be today or tomorrow, then you need to get the CARROT weather app. What’s great about it is that you can use it in order to store multiple locations. Better yet, it also features some pretty great animations that you’ll certainly like. Whatever you do though, just make sure you don’t poke its ocular sensor!

Wikify (universal)

We’re all aware of Wikipedia and we’ve probably used it more than we think. However, having Wikipedia on your TV may seem a little bit weird at first. However, Wikify is more like a travel companion. The way it works is that if you travel somewhere, you can use it in order to zoom on your location. As you zoom, you’ll notice a lot of red pins will start to pop up. Each of those pins actually represents interesting locations that you may want to visit. While this kind of functionality may sound like it’s better suited for a phone, we cannot refute its usefulness.

TVPlayer (universal)

If you have an Apple TV, then there is a chance that it’s plugged into an actual TV that can play live broadcasts. If that’s not the case, then don’t worry about it. Using TVPlayer you can gain access to a lot of TV channels right away. If you want, then you can also pay something extra and access a lot of private channels as well. According to users, this is by far one of the most interesting apps for apple tv, so be sure to give it a shot!

TV Maps (universal)

Many people may scoff at the idea of using maps on their TV. That’s because it’s unrealistic that while traveling, you’ll have your Apple TV with you in your car, trying to zoom up on the highway to find the next gas station. However, you can look at this app in a different way. You can use it in order to explore. TV Maps offers you a three dimensional view of popular landmarks. If you want, then you can also receive directions that you can then send to your mobile device through the TV Maps app. How great is that?

Streaks workout

For those who want to get in shape and never really get to do something about it, Streaks Workout may be the answer they’re looking for. Using this app, you only need some desire to get in shape, a floor, and your Apple TV. In terms of exercising, you can choose the exercises you want to do and how long you want to exercise. With Streaks Workout, you’ll be able to track your workout and see how much fat you burn. Thanks to this great app, you can set weight loss goals and lose fat without having to go to the gym. Just give it a try to convince yourself of how useful it actually is!

Speedtest by Ookla (universal)

We’ve all used a speed test tool or website at least once, but did you know that they’re generally inaccurate? Therefore, if you have trouble streaking your favorite content on the Apple TV, then you may want to use Ookla to test your broadband speed. Based on its reviews, Ookla is one of the best apple tv apps 2016 and you should certainly install it on your TV. Now when it comes to the internet speed test, it takes about a minute. Once it’s over, you’ll know all about your download and upload speed.

Solar Walk 2 (universal)

Have you ever wanted to explore the solar system? If the answer is yes, then we have good news for you! With Solar Walk 2 you can easily do that! This app is available of the Apple TV and it’s simply amazing. You can use it to explore the Moon, the planets in our solar system and also the moon. There are also infographics which tell you a lot about Earth and the rest of the planets in the solar system. Pretty interesting stuff for sure!

Plane Finder

If you’re an armchair plane geek, then Plane Finder may very well be an indispensable app for you. Using it you can see almost live maps of planes that hurtle through the sky. You can also search for certain flights, filter by company, and even zoom to track specific planes. On the other hand, if you like something more conventional, then you may want to give FlightBoard a try.

If you’re looking for the best apps for apple tv, then now you have them. Check them out and see how much you like them, but don’t forget to let us know about it in the comments section below!

The post Top 8 best Apple TV apps you should try right now appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Specs and Design

Apple TV:

1. A8 CPU (dual core)
2. HDMI output.
3. 2GB of RAM.
4. 1080 output resolution.
5. 32GB or 64GB storage.
6. 425 grams.
7. Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi‑Fi, 10/100BASE‑T Ethernet.

Roku Ultra:

1. 900 MHz Broadcom BCM2836 CPU (quad-core).
2. Optical audio, HDMI output.
3. RAM: Unknown
4. 256MB of built in storage (unconfirmed).
5. USB port and MicroSD card slot for extra storage.
6. 4K UHD resolution with High Dynamic Range support (60hz).
7. Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, 10/100BASE‑T Ethernet.

Specs breakdown

One thing you need to keep in mind is that specs don’t really matter that much. After all, the devices need to stream content and they have to do it well. They may have a powerful CPU and a lot of memory, but if the stream quality is not there, that beefed up CPU and memory don’t really matter that much.

Now, the Roku Ultra does have a more powerful CPU compared to the Apple TV. That’s because it needs extra juice for the 4K content. In terms of memory, 1GB should be enough. The Apple TV has 2GB, while the Roku may have about 1.5GB.

The difference in storage between the 2 is massive. The Apple TV can have up to 64GB of memory, while the Roku only has 256MB. This is because the Roku focuses on streaming everything.

The Roku supports 4K HDR, while the Apple TV can only handle Full HD. There isn’t too much 4K HDR content out there yet, but it’s good to know that the Roku is future proof in this regard.

Remote control comparison

First of all, the Roku Ultra features a physical remote that you can also use as a game controller. Even better, it features a built-in headphone jack, too. This means you can plug in your headphones in the remote (the Roku comes with a free pair) and the sound will be directed directly to your ears (through the remote).

The Roku remote comes with a speaker as well. If you can’t find it, then you need to press a button on the Roku Ultra and the remote will play a sound that allows you to find it easier. Quite useful, don’t you think? Lastly, the Roku offers voice search as well, making it easier to search for your favorite movies, shows, etc.

When it comes to the Apple Remote, you can use Siri, speak into the remote and look for content. As expected, the Siri remote can also be used to command your Apple TV. The Apple TV remote also has a touchpad which is quite useful if you don’t like to press buttons all the time. Better yet, you can easily use it to adjust the volume as well. As such, no longer will you need to worry about having a separate remote for adjusting the volume.

OS and content

The OS on the Apple TV (tvOS) has been updated and revamped. It’s fluid, smooth and it’s very pleasing to the eye. Not only does it have HD screensavers, but it also has a very useful Search feature. You can now use it in order to search through channels, even if you don’t yet have them. This can be pretty useful. This means that if you search for movies with Leonardo DiCaprio, you’ll get results not only from the iTunes store, but also from HBO Go, Netflix, and any other app you may have installed.

The Roku Ultra’s operating system is called Roku OS7. You get about twenty five hundred channels, but that’s not the best part. The best part is the Roku Feed which makes it a breeze to bookmark your favorite movies and TV shows. What happens next is that when one of the channels Roku offers has that movie in it, you’ll be notified. How great is that? This sounds very much like the Apple TV’s universal search, but it’s certainly a lot more useful since it tracks your favorite content and then notifies you when you can watch it.

Apple TV vs Roku: Price and verdict

Trying to come to a conclusion on which of these players is the best is very difficult. In terms of price, the 4th gen Apple TV with 32GB of memory is $149, with the 64GB version costing $199. In comparison, the Roku Ultra costs only $129 which is much cheaper.

For the asking price, you get the amazing Siri remote that has a lot of functionality and can help you enjoy your Apple TV a lot more than the traditional remote. If you love games, then you can safely go with the Apple TV. You can download thousands of games from the App Store and many of them are quite affordable as well. Then again, with the Apple TV you don’t get 4K HDR support, while the Roku Ultra offers it. This year, the popular streaming services, including Amazon Instant Video and Netflix are focusing on 4K content, including HDR, so if you’re into it, then the Roku may be a great choice to consider. If you opt for the Apple TV, then you’ll need to settle with Full HD resolution.

Calling a winner in this battle is definitely very difficult. Our take is that if you want the highest quality content, then go for the Roku. On the other hand, if you’re into games and apps, then go for the Apple TV!

The post Apple TV 4 vs. Roku Ultra: Which is better? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Build quality, hardware, size, and price

Even though it’s a few years old, no one can deny that the apple tv 3rd gen looks amazing. It measures 23 millimeters in height, and 100 millimeters square. In fact, it’s has such a small form factor that you can easily place it on your TV without worrying about it taking too much space. If you check the back of the device, you’ll notice there are several ports. These include optical S/PDIF, HDMI, Ethernet (10/100 Megabits), and a micro USB port. However, according to Apple, this port is for diagnostics only.

The Apple TV also features a dual band 802.11n Wi-Fi, meaning that it can effectively connect to 2.4 GHz and also 5GHz networks. If you’re curious about the apple tv 3rd generation price, you can currently get it for as little as $59. The apple tv 3rd generation Amazon may be cheaper, so be sure to check its price on Amazon as well.

Setup and control

You can easily control the Apple TV via its sleek and small, yet very thin aluminum remote. Even better, the remote is very simple to use, features a central Select button, but also a 4 way cursor pad that you can use to navigate through menus.

It’s possible to also use the Remote application for your iPad or iPhone. With it, you can control your Apple TV from your tablet or phone. What’s great about the app is that you don’t require line of sight, since it works over Wi-Fi.

To set up the Apple TV, you just have to plug in the soft-touch power cable and then hook it up to the HDMI port of your TV. Keep in mind that Apple doesn’t provide an HDMI cable, so you should get one separately. Next, all you have to do is enter your Apple ID and password. Once you do that you’ll be taken to the home screen.

Interface

What many will love about the Apple TV is the fact it has one of the simplest interfaces you’ll ever find on a media streamer. The icons on the home screen are large, therefore easy to navigate through. It’s important to mention that the top row is dedicated to Apple Services. You cannot delete them, but you can reorder them. The Apple TV runs on TVOS which works very smoothly. Even though it’s a bit old, the Apple TV 3rd gen has hands down one of the best operating systems ever put in a streaming device.

Content and AirPlay

The reason why people get an Apple TV is to consume content and there are many ways for them to do that. You can use apps, but you can also use AirPlay. AirPlay allows you to beam content from your Mac, tablet or smartphone to your Apple TV. This means that almost any content you can watch on your smartphone can also be beamed to your Apple TV.

If you want, you can also use AirPlay’s Mirroring function. As the name suggests, you’ll be able to send what you see on your laptop, tablet or smartphone to your TV. This can be very useful if you want to watch a movie with your friends or someone else.

Apple movies and TV

One of the best things about the Apple TV is that you can rent and also purchase TV shows and HD movies from Apple’s collection. In fact, Apple has the second largest collection of content (Sky Now ranks first) you can choose from, so no matter what TV show or movie you want to see, there’s a good chance Apple has it.

If you want, then you can also watch content you purchased from another device. Dolby Digital surround tracks are also supported by Apple (where available). Therefore, if you’re into surround sound, then just plug your Apple TV into an audio video receiver and enjoy it! One thing to bear in mind when purchasing live shows from Apple is that its version is usually a day behind the live broadcast.

Photos and iCloud

With photographs from your Mac, iPad, and iPhone going into iCloud, you can easily view them on your Apple TV at any given time. Not only that, but all the content you uploaded, such as your shared streams, photo stream, movies, etc can be accessed from the interface. Based on your internet connection, the content can be viewed pretty fast.

You may also have photographs that have yet to be uploaded to iCloud. If that’s the case, then you can use AirPlay to view on them your Apple TV.

Apple music

By using the music app, you can easily browse through the music store to play any songs that you may have purchased. If you have an iTunes Match subscription, then the songs you ripped from CDs are also made available.

Summary

If you’re the type who wants to have access to all his favorite TV shows and movies at any given them, time you certainly need to buy apple tv 3rd generation. Its impressively simple interface, great functionality, amazing build quality, but also low price make it a solid choice for anybody looking for an affordable, yet top quality streaming device.

The post A quick look at the Apple TV 3rd Generation appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.