Apple TV 3.0: Out and Updated

By Dena Cassella October 29, 2009

apple-tv — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Apple announced today it has updated the software for its Apple TV set-top box to version 3.0. Apple TV’s update to 3.0 does provide a new interface and home screen with quick access to favorite content, streaming capabilities for Internet radio stations, and also support for iTunes LPs and iTunes Extras. The new terms and conditons for iTunes store reads, “iTunes LP and iTunes Extras Products are usable only on computers with iTunes 9 or higher and Apple TV with software version 3.0 or higher.” In true Apple fashion, the update does not include any outside content, such as streaming from Netflix, Hulu, or any TV networks.

Apple TV hasn’t been the biggest hit with consumers, ranking a low 297 on Amazon’s best-selling tech list—in fact—many consumers may not even know it exists. Even after a $100 price cut last month, and pulling the plug on its smaller version, Apple TV has not seen much action in its brief existence. Many industry insiders blame Steve Jobs dislike of anything live

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How much is Apple TV Plus?

Apple TV Plus home screen with Lessons in Chemistry.

It's been more than five years since the mighty Apple threw its hat in the video streaming service arena, and it's pretty safe to say that things are going pretty well. With its award-winning movies and series, Apple TV Plus has proven that it has a place on your streaming device among the Netflixes, Hulus, and Maxes of the world, with films like Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon and compelling original series like Severance, Dark Matter, Silo, and Slow Horses.

But one of the best things about Apple TV+ remains its relatively low price compared to more expensive options like Netflix and Hulu. Just how much is Apple TV+, and how can you save even more on your subscription cost? Read on to find out.
How much is Apple TV+?
Apple TV+costs $10 per month. You can also opt to pay $99 for an entire year of service, saving you 15%. However, customers who purchased an Apple TV, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, or Mac can get themselves three months of Apple TV+ for free. So if you buy some new hardware now, you can use Apple TV+ at no charge. Plus, all new customers are entitled to a seven-day free trial to sample the lineup of movies and shows.

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What is Apple TV? Price, hardware, software, and more

Apple TV's Insight feature showing character and music information on screen.

We know that sometimes the way companies name their products and services can be a tad confusing, and Apple TV is a perfect example. The company's home entertainment nerve center isn't just a streaming device or an app -- it's an entire ecosystem encompassing hardware, software, and even a premium streaming service.

Apple TV -- the hardware -- is a small streaming device you put in your living room, bedroom, or wherever. The Apple TV app is usable on your mobile device or smart TV and gives you access to much of the same content you’d find on the physical Apple TV box.

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How to connect a stereo pair of Apple HomePods to your Apple TV

A stereo pair of HomePods, a TV, and an Apple TV 4K.

In case you missed it, Apple's latest HomePod, now in its second generation, has earned praise for its impressive sound quality. The standalone speaker delivers rich Spatial Audio thanks to its large woofer, five beam-forming tweeters, and room-sensing capabilities.

In our review of the 2nd-gen HomePod, we found that creating a stereo pair with another HomePod takes the sound experience to another level. This setup creates a wider soundstage, enhanced bass for music, and an immersive experience with Spatial Audio tracks on Apple Music.