Just a day after Apple unveiled the 4th generation Apple TV with support for third-party MFi-based game controllers, SteelSeries announced the world’s first gamepad controller designed specifically for Apple TV.

Nimbus features pressure sensitive buttons for “precise control”, menu button for “instant navigation”, Lightning connector for charging and provides 40+ hours of gameplay on a single charge.

It will also be compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac.

The free companion SteelSeries iOS app will give you access to charts listing the top free and paid controller-enabled games. The app will also keeps the controller up-to-date.

As noted by ArsTechnica, MFi controllers work with nearly 800 existing iOS games, “all of which should be relatively simple to port to the Apple TV as universal apps with full controller support.”

Here is a list of all MFI-compatible iOS games.

Nimbus will be available on apple.com and in Apple Stores “around the globe” in late October for $49.95 /59.95 €.

Apple TV 4 will be available at the end of October starting at $149 for a 32GB model and $199 for a 64GB model.

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Last time, we reported that the Apple affiliated chip makers have started shipping MFi enabled chips to HomeKit accessory makers. And now, more reports suggest that HomeKit appliances will hit the shelves soon, as Apple has started accepting product plans from device manufacturers regarding the same.

Apple held an MFi summit in China last week, whose attendees were strictly restricted to HomeKit partners. It dealt mostly with using Siri with HomeKit to get things done in your home, via smart devices. On the last day of the summit (Nov. 14), Apple invited all smart device makers to submit their product plans for the kit, which is generally regarded as the last formal phase before devices enter mass production.

The Apple TV is expected to be the centerpiece of the whole Apple Smart Home concept. You will pair your devices with the Apple TV, so that you can control them via iCloud or directly from a dashboard app on the set-top box’s homescreen.

In essence, we believe that the HomeKit launch will coincide with the much awaited Apple TV refresh. Now, that we know that HomeKit devices are entering into production, we are certain that the Apple TV 4 countdown is closing in as well.

If things go as rumored, we will have the next Apple TV sporting an entirely new firmware, intuitive interface, powerful capabilities and HomeKit support, at least by March next year.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

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Till a couple of days back, finding Apple TV‘s product page on Apple.com was a bit difficult thanks to its mysterious location in the Accessories section for iPods. Generally I used to resort on Google to find it rather than taking the pain in browsing through the website. However, that shouldn’t be a problem from now on, as Apple TV has been promoted to occupy one of the tabs besides Mac, iPhone, iPod and iPad at the Apple online store. In addition, Apple TV now has its own pages for accessories, community and refurbishes.

So why would that be – Apple graduating one of their devices from a mere ‘hobby accessory‘ to a ‘new product line‘ after seven years of initial release?

A lot of reports on the next Apple TV has been circulating lately. According to one of them, Apple TV 4 will be a complete revamp of the device, at least software wise. The new firmware will be iOS-based and will come with an in-built Apple TV App Store. This would open the doors of HDTV to third-party apps and games. A Bluetooth controller is also said to be in the works.

Now, the guys at 9to5mac have received new information on Apple TV 4 from a reliable source.

These claim that the next generation of Apple TV will come with integrated Airport Express components, i.e. they will have a router welded into the core. This makes a lot of sense, especially for those who connect the Apple TV via Ethernet, because they will no longer need another router for iTunes Home Sharing. Also Airplay Mirroring will be more stable and of better quality since the intermediary modem is eliminated.

Another report suggests that the games on Apple TV will be seamlessly linked to other iOS devices. Apple TV 4 games are expected to utilize the iDevice themselves as the controller. MFi controllers could be used as well. Maybe one more app will join the App Store under the Apps by Apple category – Apple TV Joystick?

And the last rumor claims that the Apple TV 4 will come with a TV tuner card for use with your existing cable subscription. This will again simplify the process of enjoying video content since you can use the same set-top box for online streaming as well as for cable channels.

The launch of Apple TV 4 seems imminent as the speculations are piling up. If  all the above rumors turn out to be true, we’re looking at a major deviation in the Apple TV lineup and we think it’s apt that the small black box has rose from being a simple accessory to a mainstream iOS device.

You might also want to read: Where is Apple taking TV in 2014?

The post New rumors on Apple TV 4 surface as Apple TV gains special profile at Apple official website appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.