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HomePod will soon have Dolby Atmos support for Apple TV 4K
You'll be able to set a HomePod as the streaming device's default speaker.
The best TVs and streamers to use in a dorm room
Sure, studying is important. But in between classes and hitting the books everyone will need time to relax with some Netflix. Some students might be able to get by with just a laptop, tablet or even phone for TV watching, but we think you can do better without breaking the bank. We've picked out a few TVs, keeping in mind that students will need sets that are smaller and not too expensive. And, if you happen to pick a TV that doesn't already have streaming apps built in, we've listed some of our favorite streaming devices, too. Speaking of streaming apps, you'll need good stuff to watch. We're not bothering recommending Netflix because let's face it, you probably already are mooching off your parents have your own account. Instead, allow us to recommend some services you might not have heard of -- say, for anime and manga fans.
The Apple TV 4K has already sold out on Amazon
Well, that happened faster than expected: Amazon has begun selling the Apple TV 4K. And just as quick, both the 32GB and 64GB versions are already out of stock. Hopefully you got one overnight if you had some extra Prime reward points to burn. Two years ago, Amazon stopped selling Apple TVs in addition to Google Chromecasts. Its reasoning? Neither device offered easy access to Amazon Prime Video. For now, that's only reversed for Apple hardware; early this month the Prime Video Apple TV app finally launched. Chromecasts are expected to reappear in short order, especially since Mountain View has started blocking YouTube on Amazon's Echo Show and Fire TV.
SiriusXM now streams radio stations to your Apple TV
SiriusXM is now available on 4th generation Apple TVs and Apple TV 4K. Subscribers with streaming access can use the SiriusXM app to access its over 200 channels, which can be customized with MySXM. Users will also be able to access archived programming on demand and the app's user interface has been optimized for Apple TV.
Apple TV update brings smarter HDR and sports alerts
The Apple TV just received a major update that could make it far more appealing if you have an HDR-capable set or crave constant sports action. The newly released tvOS 11.2 update adds an optional setting that matches the dynamic color range of a video on the Apple TV 4K, rather than always running with HDR on as it has in the past. If you don't want to risk messing with a classic movie's colors, you can watch it as intended without having to compromise quality elsewhere. There's also an option to match the frame rate of a video (say, the typical 24FPS of a movie), although Apple notes that many TVs can do this by themselves.
The best TVs and media streamers to give as gifts
Unless the person on your list already owns a smart TV, media streamers are almost fool-proof as far as gift ideas go, and they're reasonably affordable too. We put several in our holiday gift guide, including the Apple TV 4K at the high end and the Roku Ultra, which is nearly half the price. Rounding out the list, we recommend this universal remote from Logitech (though the company's cheaper models are solid, too). And, if you have the means to gift a TV (whether to yourself or someone else), we included two models in different price ranges.
New in our buyer's guide: Apple, Google and a little Sonos
Separate from our holiday gift guide, it was time for us to update our year-round shortlist of recommendations. Since our last round of additions, three months ago, we've reviewed a boatload of flagship handsets, with the iPhone 8/8 Plus and Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL all making the list. (It's not that we don't recommend the iPhone X, but we recommend the 8 and particularly the 8 Plus for more people.) While we were at it, we also decided that the Sonos One, Google Home Mini, Apple TV 4K, second-gen Daydream View VR headset and the GoPro Hero6 were also worthy of this list. Find all that and more in the Engadget buyer's guide.
Vimeo can stream videos in 8K and HDR
A few streaming services have supported colorful high dynamic range video and ultra-high resolutions for a while, but Vimeo is making up for lost time in grand style. The company has added support for both HDR videos and resolutions as high as 8K. You're going to need a very rare 8K display to see footage in its full glory. However, HDR support is considerably broader: you 'only' need a device that can play HEVC video using HDR10. Some of Apple's newer devices (including the Apple TV 4K, iPhone X and 2017 iPad Pros) already do, and Vimeo is quick to point out that it's currently the only video hosting service to play HDR on Apple gear.
Apple TV 4K update will fix its video output problem
Apple TV 4K saw the set-top box leap into the same league as its rivals. But, despite getting so much right, the device still had a handful of flaws -- among them its one video output fits all functionality. AV enthusiasts cried foul, and it seems Apple heard their wails. According to the latest tvOS developer beta, Apple TV 4K will soon automatically switch its display settings to match the native frame rate and dynamic range of a video.
Apple TV 4K review: Almost perfect
The Apple TV 4K is the streaming box we've been waiting for. It brings together the excellent interface from the 2015 model and the long-awaited ability to watch movies and TV shows in 4K and HDR. And perhaps most important, it seriously drives down the cost of digital 4K releases. Sure, competitors like Roku and Amazon's Fire TV have had 4K/HDR capabilities for years, but Apple's pricing model makes the format more accessible to consumers. While it's not quite perfect, the Apple TV 4K is a solid step beyond HD video.
Apple TV returns to Amazon after a 2-year exile (updated)
Amazon drew no small amount of flak when it pulled the Apple TV from its online store 2 years ago. Was it really so determined to push Prime Video that it would limit your device options? Well, yes, but it's thankfully having a change of heart. The internet retailer has quietly re-listed the Apple TV (specifically, the Apple TV 4K) now that the set-top's Prime Video app is on the horizon. While it's listed as out of stock, that's likely to change before long.
The Engadget Podcast Ep 43: Hits, misses and leaks
If last week's episode was overwhelmingly about Apple, this week's episode includes some partial respite, in the form of another tech titan: Google. For the first half of this episode, senior editor Chris Velazco and I recap his review of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, which posted on Tuesday. We also get into the Apple Watch Series 3's LTE connectivity issues, and reminisce about other Apple product launches that haven't gone quite as planned. Then, in the second half of the episode we talk about the implications of Google buying HTC's Pixel team, and finish up by running through everything that's been leaked about Google's upcoming hardware announcement. (And my, there have been a lot of leaks.) Enjoy! Relevant links: iPhone 8 and 8 Plus review Apple Watch 3 struggles to connect to LTE Apple TV 4K hands-on Google is buying HTC's Pixel team for $1.1 billion Google's next Chromebook Pixel is reportedly called... the Pixelbook Google's mini Home speaker and Pixel 2 XL leak ahead of October event Subscribe on Google Play Music Subscribe on iTunes Subscribe on Stitcher Subscribe on Pocket Casts
Apple TV 4K hands-on: Finally, no compromises
Apple's long-awaited fourth-generation Apple TV was almost a slam dunk. The only problem? It didn't have 4K. That was a notable omission since both Amazon and Roku released streaming players supporting the new format in 2015. Now, Apple is finally ready to enter the ultra-high-definition fray with the Apple TV 4K. But, as usual with 4K hardware, the real star of the show isn't the resolution bump over 1080p -- it's support for high-dynamic range (HDR) video. And in typical Apple fashion, they've also figured out a few ways to make all of this new technology more accessible than the competition.
Pre-order your Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus now
Journalists are torn about whether consumers should get the pricey iPhone 8 or 8 Plus or the pricier, but new and exciting iPhone X. You can now vote with your wallet, as the two new iPhone 8s (but not the iPhone X) have gone on pre-order at Apple's Store, various carriers and retailers like Target and Best Buy in the US. Also on pre-order is the Apple TV 4K and Watch series 3, with all products set to ship on September 22nd. In the UK, pre-orders are also up on Apple's site and with EE and other carriers.
The most important stuff from today's iPhone event
This has been one busy day at Engadget. Today two of us found ourselves at Apple Park, the company's new California headquarters, where it held its first keynote to unveil the iPhone X and a bunch of other stuff. After a two-hour, news-filled liveblog, V headed off to the demo area, where he got hands-on with the iPhone X, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, Apple Watch Series 3 and Apple TV 4K. Meanwhile, I found a spot in front of one of Apple Park's futuristic glass buildings to break down what the heck just happened. This is our first take, but it won't be our last: Stay tuned to Engadget as we continue posting photos, videos and news analysis. Follow all the latest news from Apple's iPhone event here!
Apple TV 4K starts at £179 in the UK
The makers of most popular streaming pucks made the jump to Ultra HD some time ago, and today Apple has finally caught up. As expected, Apple announced the new Apple TV 4K, which plays nice with both high-resolution content and the high dynamic range standards HDR10 and Dolby Vision. It'll be available to buy in the UK for £179 for the 32GB model and £199 for the 64GB version on September 15th, with shipping starting a week later on September 22nd. The fourth-gen Apple TV (32GB) will continue to be sold for £149.
Apple TV 4K lands on September 22nd for $179
The last Apple TV had everything we wanted from a set-top box -- except for 4K support. That's being fixed this year with the Apple TV 4K. It finally gives Apple fans a way to watch higher-resolution streaming video and, not surprisingly, it'll also accompany the debut of 4K video on iTunes. Naturally, you'll also be able to watch high-res content on Netflix and other services, as well as take advantage of high-dynamic range lighting with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. The new set-top box puts Apple on a level playing field with competitors like Roku and Amazon, which have offered 4K and HDR support for a while.
Apple TV 4K will have as much power as the iPad Pro
Apple just can't seem to keep leaks from outing all of its new hardware. After a few new iPhone details dropped over the weekend, now we're hearing about the Apple TV 4K, the next version of its streaming video box. It'll be powered by the three-core A10X Fusion CPU -- the same chip at the heart of the most recent iPad Pros -- as well as 3GB of RAM, according to developer Steve Stroughton-Smith. The details come from a leaked version of the iOS 11 GM release, which makes it fairly trustworthy.
Apple TV 4K movies could cost $20, but studios want more
With a new 4K Apple TV on the horizon, Apple has to figure out how much it'll charge for ultra-high definition films. And, not surprisingly, it's butting heads with Hollywood. While the iPhone maker wants to charge $20 for 4K films, studios are pushing for it to charge $5 or $10 more, the Wall Street Journal reports. Most new HD films on iTunes sell for $15, but some high-profile titles already reach up to $20, which could be why studios are eager for more. A lower price could convince more consumers to actually buy 4K films, but Hollywood is likely worried about it instantly devaluing an important new revenue stream.
