On Wednesday, Apple introduced its latest Apple TV model, improved with a range of new features on top of incorporating all the features of its predecessor. Physically, the unit itself doesn't come with a design much different than the older model, besides being just a little bit taller; however, the interface and remote are entirely new.

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Apple did not give an exact date yet for the release of the new TV, according to the Mac World, aside of saying it will be launched in late October. The new model will cost more than twice the price of the current model for the base version, coming with a price tag of $149. The base model will feature 32 GB of storage, while a 64 GB version will also be available for a price of $199.

With the new upgraded product Apple introduces tvOS, a new operating system designed for the Apple TV and based on iOS, according to The Verge. The operating system will not run on previous models. It will allow third-party developers to create apps using the software frameworks for OS X, iOS, and watchOS.

Previous models cannot be updated to take advantage of the new features and, according to Engadget, almost all the improvements announced are only available on the new model that comes with a faster built-in A8 processor. Games will leverage the power and speed of the new processor as well as the remote that doubles as a motion-based and touch-based controller.

Users of the new TV will be able to download free, one-time paid, and subscription based third-party apps from the tvOS App Store. Apple declared during Wednesday's event that all developers will have open access. However, the company will give advance access to some partners and it is likely that there will be a many apps available at launch in October.

A good numner of game titles are also expected to be presented at the launch event, some of them possible even taking advantage of new the Siri Remote's gyroscope. It is likely that the apps for the Apple TV will be as diverse as those available in iOS, according to The Telegraph.

The video-streaming services will take the center of the stage and Apple already has commitments from big names in movie licensing and television program creation such as Showtime, Hulu, Disney and ABC. For the sports fans Apple announced that customers will be able to purchase full-season subscriptions to the MLB, NHL and NBA.

TagsApple product upgrade, Apple product improvements, new Apple TV, Apple's TV features