Apple TV 4 Highlights Said to Be Siri Controls, Bluetooth Controllers

Apple is allegedly targeting TV gamers with the forthcoming Apple TV 4, according to sources familiar with the matter speaking with 9to5Mac.

One thing is certain: Apple will hold a special event on September 9 in San Francisco. Rumour has it the (long overdue) Apple TV 4 will be unveiled during the event with updated hardware and software, but one of the key features of the device will be “near-universal Siri control”, as hinted at by the invitation Apple sent out.

Another selling point of the device will be deep support for gaming: Think console-style remote controllers with pressure-sensitive buttons or the like, sources suggest. They also corroborated earlier reports of a redesigned remote: It will include both physical buttons and a touchpad interface.

Sources say one of the physical buttons will be a Home button, and another will be for activating the integrated microphone to trigger Siri. Highlighting Siri’s deep integration as a main focus for the Apple TV 4, one of the sources said: “You can navigate [mostly everything] on the new Apple TV [solely] using the new Siri button.” It is also said to feature motion sensors for gaming purposes and will connect to the device via Bluetooth. By the way, the remote will utilize replaceable batteries.

The Apple TV 4 will support Bluetooth 4.2 and feature a welcome upgrade to 802.11ac wireless standards, which also brings improved data speeds and signal reliability.

Gamers will be able to download apps from the App Store direct to their Apple TVs. They will also be able to choose between a variety of Bluetooth controllers.

As previously mentioned, the Apple TV 4 is said to sport a refreshed UI and operating system – likely an iOS 9 core – and will cost somewhere between $149 and $200.

Image credit: Martin Hajek