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Back in September my old Apple TV HD died (so I thought, it’s been retired to another TV and it works fine) and out of all the streaming devices I’ve tried the Apple TV Streamer is my favorite system. So, I went down to Best Buy and picked up the latest version, Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation 64GB (also available at Amazon). I have to say it’s a nice machine.
Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation 64GB – Features
For more information about the Apple TV 4k 3rd Generation, head to Apple for a complete spec. Features taken from the Amazon Sales Page.
- Stream TV/Movies over Wi-Fi (Or Ethernet for the 128GB)
- Powered by the A15 Bionic Chip
- 128GB or 64GB of Built-In Storage
- Added Functionality with iOS Devices
- Up to 4K with Dolby Vision & HDR10+
- View Apple TV+, Netflix, Live TV & More
- Works with Thread Mesh Networks
- Access Apple Fitness+, Arcade & Music
- Acts as a HomeKit Hub with Home App
- Voice-Enabled Siri Remote Included
Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation 64GB – The Review
I’ve had my old Apple TV HD since 2020 and love it. It’s a great device. When I thought it started acting up, I decided to replace it with the latest version. I didn’t spend too much time researching it and grabbed the 64GB version because I barely had anything stored on the old one. I should have gotten the 128GB. I explain why later.
First Impressions
As with Apple products, it comes in a modern sleek packaging that is designed to protect the device in case the box is dropped or bounced around in shipping. It’s easy to open once you get past the plastic wrap-off and the security seal cut. The streamer comes with the new Apple Remote and a power cord. But are made well and work as they should.
The Apple TV 4k 3rd Generation looks similar to the old HD version but is updated. If you get the 64GB version it’s only WIFI. If you need a LAN connection, you will need get the 128GB version. On the old version, I had connection issues and had to use the LAN connection. Unfortunately, I got the 64GB version. I should have read the sales page, If I had I would have gotten the 128GB version.
Connectivity
To set up the WIFI just follow the setup process, and it will walk you through the process to connect to your home WIFI. It only took a few seconds to connect. Then I downloaded my apps and logged into each app.
So far, I haven’t had any disconnection issues, buffer issues (the internet did cause some buffering), and connecting to my home media servers was easy enough.
Usage
It isn’t much different than the HD version. If you aren’t using a 4K TV or streaming and your internet downgrades your streaming speeds, then the HD version should be good enough. My old one is connected to an old 1080p TV, and the view looks good. When I connected the 3rd Generation Version and looks just as good.
The device freezes up every once in a while. It happens when the remote battery is about to die.
Remote
I liked the size of the old HD remote but hated the touchpad navigation. Once I got to use it, I got pretty good at using it. But the new remote is easy to use and a little larger. The buttons are easy to use and use USB-C to charge instead of Lightening. Make sure to keep it charged. When the battery charge is low, controls stop working and it doesn’t have pass-through charging. You will have to let it charge for a few minutes before you can use it again.
The Siri button is on the side of the remote works great. Anytime I have to type something I use SIRI.
Final Thoughts
The Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation 64GB is a great streaming device. All my friends and family members have a version the Apple TV stream and love it. It’s powerful and should last for years. But it’s pricey compared to other Streaming devices on the market.
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