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[this_guy]

I have a Fire TV and it works well for watching my Amazon prime videos. It's also convenient for Netflix and HBO Now. It's doing what I want it to do.

I liked my Fire TV at first but after a while, theres a few things missing that i would have liked for example i bought Star Wars Force Awakens on Google Play, because i knew if you log into Youtube you can watch your films there.

Well only a few weeks later when i finally Sat down to watch it Amazon has blocked the part of youtube where your own films are stored, i was gutted, like i understand not allowing the Google Play App or the Google Movies App, but seeing that Youtube was on there and it worked i was suprised when they blocked off your movies that you bought.

I tried sideloading it and putting the google play store on but it never worked for me for some reason, i did side load another app market app and that semi worked but was mostly crashed, so i side loaded fire launcher and kodi and that worked.

Sign up for a disneymoviesanywhere account. From there you can link your Google account and your Amazon account (you can also link iTunes and Vudu as well). Any movie you own on your Google account can be watched on Amazon and vice versa. You can also watch your movie directly through the disneymoviesanywhere app.

 

[RuGalz]

Not true! At least not anymore. Yeah, you still need a keyboard and mouse for initial setup, getting everything installed, etc.... But after that, you can do everything with a modern home theater remote, which have come a long way. Get one with an air mouse (think Wii remote but not shitty) and you're good to go.

Yea I really hate using an air mouse; I prefer clicking physical buttons when it comes to TV. Also apps' interfaces are designed for that. I had my HTPC setup to control kodi with my harmony remote but it's useless when I'm not in kodi.

 

[NandoGip]

I have a fire tv and it's fine. I've had an Apple TV and roku and they were fine as well.

 

[hardcastlemccormick]

I have yet to use a set top box I like. The Apple TV's remote just isn't very good. Everything else about it is great though, including the Siri integration.

 

[Vyer]

Swipe typing is not good, but Siri dictation and remote app/IPhone capability more than cancels that out.

Everything else is great.

Especially looking forward to the universal login coming. One of the biggest headaches of all streaming boxes.

 

[Glass Shark]

I've used a ton of streaming boxes and interfaces, and the Apple TV is the only one that doesn't consistently make me want to pull my hair out. But yeah, that new remote is pretty unfortunate...

 

[Kyonashi]

Some people own more than one TV?

Oh yeah I forgot not everyone has to live in a tiny apartment

 

[Slurpy2k20]

Full disclosure I am a big Android fan but I do admit Apple does make quality products. I just dont understand what the heck happened with the Apple TV and why its getting the level of support and sales right now.

My sibling just picked up an Apple TV and had me set it up for her. She has an iPhone free from work so she wanted to stay in the ecosystem. I remember reading reviews that tvOS was a little rough at launch. Since its Apple and its been a while since launch I still expected some serious quality when it comes to user input and interface.

This thing is the biggest piece of shit streaming box I have ever used. The remote is absolutely terrible at typing. The swiping is painful in every avenue of this thing. I have NEVER hated typing in passwords more in my entire life. I even received odd timeout issues when trying to download apps.

I have also recently looked at Fire TV and that sucks as well. Its basically Android TV but with a worse interface and in app voice search stripped away to shove amazon down your throat. I can be in app and if I press the mic I am taken out of the app to a amazon prime search results? Really amazon? You dont allow developers to use the microphone?

Why are people buying this junk? Seriously? Android TV and Roku (even with its dated interface) are the only streaming OS's getting it right. Except google isn't even doing that right because they dont like to release Android TV hardware. Where is that new Mi Box Android TV already!

Oh and the Apple TV is going back.

/rantover. Bring on the flaming

Wow, opinions are cool and all, but what a lame, lazy post. So, the Apple TV is "terrible" and the "biggest piece of shit streaming box" you've ever seen. And your reasons are..because typing with the remote sucks. Nothing about app support and robustness, integration, ease of use, or any other aspect.

As for your complaint, I use my Apple TV every single day and I don't even remember the last time I used the remote to type cause there's a fuckload of other, superior ways to accomplish the same thing, which you conveniently ignore.

1. You can use the Apple TV remote app to type with keyboard
2. You can use the remote App in the same way
3. You can just SAY what you want to type with Siri (works incredibly well), using either remote or any iOS device
4. You can DICTATE the letters with Siri, using either remote or any iOS device
5. You can use a bluetooth keyboard

But you choose to use the worst option imaginable, pretend it's the ONLY option, then come to the conclusion that it's such a horrible product. I'm not sure what you wanted them to do. Include a physical keyboard that probably 5% of people will use?

Sorry, but I hate these kinds of shitty posts, especially since you want to have such a strong opinion, that deserved a new thread being made, yet spend zero time looking into the matter and the source of your issues which make your complaints entirely moot.

 

[Balb]

The main problem with the Apple TV is that Apple and Amazon have a stupid feud going on that prevents Amazon apps from being supported. Would really like Amazon Instant Video and Twitch apps.

 

[QuantumZebra]

Set-up a media server/HTPC and use Steam Link to remote it to your TV.

Works like a dream for me.

 

[Metalmarc]

I have a Fire TV and it works well for watching my Amazon prime videos. It's also convenient for Netflix and HBO Now. It's doing what I want it to do.



Sign up for a disneymoviesanywhere account. From there you can link your Google account and your Amazon account (you can also link iTunes and Vudu as well). Any movie you own on your Google account can be watched on Amazon and vice versa. You can also watch your movie directly through the disneymoviesanywhere app.

Im in the uk we dont have that

 

[therapist]

i had an apple tv and returned it after one week
not having an iphone / not being able to use airplay made it almost useless

got a nexus player and never looked back , sooooo much better

 

[Dr. Zoidberg]

I have tried a variety of media "sticks" (needed the portability) and came to the conclusion that the Roku is the best of the bunch for me. It's got the best remote, the best selection of apps, and best performance. I know you can root the Fire TV stick but I'm not going to fool with that shit just to watch some video. I also HATE using my phone as a remote, so the Chromecast sucked too.

The Fire TV Stick has many problems:
- Crappy interface with too much Amazon advertisement
- Shit performance
- No VUDU (most damning of all, it's why I dumped it to try Roku)
- Remote is not great

Don't most of you guys on NeoGAF have consoles? I don't see much point in owning any of these streaming devices when they're all available as apps on PS4/XBO now.

I travel for work sometimes and don't take my consoles with me. I use these sticks at the hotels to watch streaming stuff while I'm away. When I'm at home I use the PS4/XBO.

 

[bluelightningduo]

I use my Apple TV to stream netflix and ESPN. It's done everything I've asked from it.

 

[Jisgsaw]

I'm rather apply with my fire TV stick, plays amazon prime, Netflix, and I installed Kodi (which sadly can't read the sub files on my Nas).

Though yeah, the interface is a bit laggy, but I spend like 10s on it, sooo...

 

[Darryl M R]

I'm thinking of picking up an Apple tv so I can not have my PS4 on all the time. Normally I only use my tv to game or watch the occasional netflix series.

Any concerns I should have?

 

[Deleted member 1235]

Roku backed by Plex serves me Netflix and whatever I have in Plex. That and a harmony remote is godlike

 

[PanicFreak]

I just got a Fire TV Stick and I like it so far. I only have 1 TV in the house and I have an Xbox One that is currently getting its disk drive fixed so it won't see a ton of use but it's damn good in a pinch. I expect to use it a lot when I'm traveling for work.

 

[poppabk]

I'm thinking of picking up an Apple tv so I can not have my PS4 on all the time. Normally I only use my tv to game or watch the occasional netflix series.

Any concerns I should have?

Other than spending more money than you need to, probably not, unless you want Amazon Prime.

 

[Danchi]

I'm thinking of picking up an Apple tv so I can not have my PS4 on all the time. Normally I only use my tv to game or watch the occasional netflix series.

Any concerns I should have?

If you don't need access to iTunes or AirPlay, there are cheaper alternatives like a Chromecast or even your Smart TV's built-in apps. I've used the Amazon Prime, Mubi, and Netflix apps on my TV and found them to be fine, but the Youtube app was so awful I ended up buying a Chromecast.

I kind of want an Apple TV to be able to stream content through Safari (because I hate how resource-intensive Chrome is), but I can't quite justify spending £129 on that..

 

[TheCochese]

The Fire TV Stick is fairly trash in the usability department.

The app is TERRIBLE. You have to find your device often, which adds another step. There are no buttons to navigate, you have to swipe. And the swiping is opposite as you would expect.

You'll select an app on the device to use, let's say Vue or YouTube, and think you will be loaded into the app. No, most of the time you are taken to the app menu screen, where you have the choice to open, see how many useless coins you have, delete it, etc. I JUST WANT TO OPEN THE FUCKING APP, so you then have to select open, as if your initial selection of opening it wasn't good enough. "Are you sure you want to watch cat videos today?"

The updates are stupid. Every once in awhile, the apps won't work because you have to update them. OK, if I select an app that needs updating, it should ask me right there if I want to update it. That's not how Amazon does things, though. You have to exit, go into the settings, pick the app settings menu, find your app, then update it. Half the time that doesn't work either, so you have to delete the app and reload it.

The PIN. God, the fucking PIN. AFAIK, it's not able to be disabled.

Roku's UI might be dated, but it's not a pain in the ass to use.

 

[Ricky_R]

Oh yeah I forgot not everyone has to live in a tiny apartment

Hehe, didn't mean to offend by that. Just in case.

 

[Kyonashi]

Hehe, didn't mean to offend by that. Just in case.

Haha no problem, I literally just forgot some people have more than one TV.

 

[sangreal]

The Fire TV Stick is fairly trash in the usability department.

The app is TERRIBLE. You have to find your device often, which adds another step. There are no buttons to navigate, you have to swipe. And the swiping is opposite as you would expect.

You'll select an app on the device to use, let's say Vue or YouTube, and think you will be loaded into the app. No, most of the time you are taken to the app menu screen, where you have the choice to open, see how many useless coins you have, delete it, etc. I JUST WANT TO OPEN THE FUCKING APP, so you then have to select open, as if your initial selection of opening it wasn't good enough. "Are you sure you want to watch cat videos today?"

The updates are stupid. Every once in awhile, the apps won't work because you have to update them. OK, if I select an app that needs updating, it should ask me right there if I want to update it. That's not how Amazon does things, though. You have to exit, go into the settings, pick the app settings menu, find your app, then update it. Half the time that doesn't work either, so you have to delete the app and reload it.

The PIN. God, the fucking PIN. AFAIK, it's not able to be disabled.

Roku's UI might be dated, but it's not a pain in the ass to use.

I use a firetv daily and a firetv stick before that and I have no idea what you're talking about on any of your points

Oh is this just the remote app? Why even use that over the physical remote it comes with

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

I have the current generation Apple TV and think its great. Yes, the scrolling text input was a dumb UI choice, but I just use voice dictation or my iPhone instead. Problem solved. And in iOS 10, the iPhone will even automatically detect when your Apple TV keyboard option comes up and prompt you to type into it without even needing to launch the Remote app. It's pretty slick.

 

[TheCochese]

I use a firetv daily and a firetv stick before that and I have no idea what you're talking about on any of your points

Oh is this just the remote app? Why even use that over the physical remote it comes with

No, it's not just the remote app.

The app is part of the ecosystem, so it's worth critiquing. Because if you lose that little turd, the app is what you have to use.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you don't remember. I use it every time I'm in the shop, and it's the same experience each time.

Here is the 'Are you sure' screen when you select an app to open half the time:

 

[sangreal]

No, it's not just the remote app.

The app is part of the ecosystem, so it's worth critiquing. Because if you lose that little turd, the app is what you have to use.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you don't remember. I use it every time I'm in the shop, and it's the same experience each time.

Here is the 'Are you sure' screen when you select an app to open half the time:

While its certainly possible I've forgotten some things, especially w/r/t differences between the stick and box, I have my firetv in front of me right now and do not get that screen when opening apps unless I select more info

 

[TheCochese]

While its certainly possible I've forgotten some things, especially w/r/t differences between the stick and box, I have my firetv in front of me right now and do not get that screen when opening apps unless I select more info

As I said, happens about 50% of the time just selecting the app either with the phone app or the remote.

 

[ajfoucault]

Roku is the way to go.

 

[Choppasmith]

I got an Apple TV 3rd gen and it works great as a way to stream my iTunes purchases (and Disney Movies Anywhere) when I'm overseas.

As of recent, I use it for Netflix (I used the NBC Sports App built in to catch up on the Olympics and that was great too!)

I just programmed my Harmony One remote to work with it, so I've got no controller issues (as said, the onscreen keyboard isn't any better or worse than others).

I really REALLY wish they could get Vudu or some kind of Ultraviolet app so that I can stream practically ALL my movies. Thinking of getting a Roku Stick just for that.

 

[i3allistic]

Roku is the way to go.

not roku 4, i had a problem with my overheating ...return it ....maybe roku 5 be better

 

[Deleted member 12837]

Set-up a media server/HTPC and use Steam Link to remote it to your TV.

Works like a dream for me.

Doesn't that introduce a bunch of lag or non-smooth playback? The video is going from NAS to HTPC and then your HTPC screen gets sent to Steam Link on your set-top box? That would be an interesting way of "supporting" Kodi on an Apple TV...

 

[ReAxion]

making your sibling return something they wanted cuz you don't like using the remote wrong sure is neato.

 

[infiniteloop]

yeah, but...

 

[Struct09]

not roku 4, i had a problem with my overheating ...return it ....maybe roku 5 be better

I got my Roku 4 at launch and it's had zero problems. Too bad that you had problems with yours because it's a really great streaming device.

 

[infiniteloop]

Also, in iOS 10 when you have keyboard entry on your Apple TV you automatically get a prompt on your iPhone to enter text there:

 

[Social]

Don't most of you guys on NeoGAF have consoles? I don't see much point in owning any of these streaming devices when they're all available as apps on PS4/XBO now. Bar the annoying TV/Video section on the PS4 showing all the uninstalled apps, I love how it all works on my console.

The consoles use way more power though.

 

[RuGalz]

The consoles use way more power though.

And much more difficult to velcro it to the back of the TV, lol.

 

[UnemployedVillain]

The consoles use way more power though.

True, but the Wii U only uses around 14 watts IIRC, which is fairly minor

 

[smoothj]

I use my Fire TV everyday. I use it with PSVue and it's great. Pair that with Kodi (with sports access), netflix and hulu,

All I need baybeh baybeh.

 

[Lupin the Third]

TV is terrible and so is TV

.

 

[holygeesus]

Unless it's a Roku TV it's all trash.

TVs with Android TV I don't trust to stay current.

I think WebOS is great. Limited apps right now, but I think the only OS with support for Dolby Vision and HDR in both Netflix and Amazon.

Since owning an LG TV, I rarely use any other streaming device.

 

[SOR5]

Roku is the way to go.

Not enough to tinker with the Roku and Chromecast but theyre great at doing what they promise to do

 

[Random Painted HIghway]

Have a firetv and firetv stick, not pressed with either, hoped for firmware updates to address the stuttering from hbogo and plex. We stick to our roku 2, 3 and rokutv, the work so much better for what we need.

 

[acevans2]

I like my Apple TV. I have used a Chromecast, a Roku, and a PS3&4 to watch content and I'm very happy to replace them all by watching video only on Apple TV (except Amazon Prime stuff, which I watch on PS4).

I don't have issues with the scrolling. I put passwords in and perform searches via voice, and don't feel a need to switch to a keyboard. I thought they did release some sort of alternative text entry with a tvOS update, but I didn't bother to look into it because it's convenient as-is.

 

[Macam]

Yeah, this has turned into a "I'm a UX dev and my shit don't stink" argument combined with the classic "why doesn't Apple work like Android" garbage argument.

It's not a perfect device, but the new Apple TV is much better than the previous version and one of the best boxes out there.

Like all of these things, though, and I've used a lot of them, it has some obvious shortcomings (remote functionality is good, remote design is not). OP would be better served doing more research in advance to temper expecations and gain a little perspective.

 

[digdug2k]

Oh yeah I forgot not everyone has to live in a tiny apartment

To be fair, every console that's come out for the last... 10? years has these capabilities. i.e. its likely most people here own at least TWO console's that can do most everything the AppleTV can. At least, I have a PS3/360 on one TV, and a PS4 on the other (and a free AndroidTV dev box in the kitchen, but I rarely use it). The PS3 is getting a little long in the tooth (I think that has more to do with the shitty Vue app being written in Java), but they all run Plex, Vue, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon, etc just fine.

i.e. I don't really understand why people here would buy these boxes either. I also assume its mostly an "Apple told me its great!" thing.

 

[StopMakingSense]

I got my Roku 4 at launch and it's had zero problems. Too bad that you had problems with yours because it's a really great streaming device.

The 2016 version of the Roku Stick is super great, as well.

Only thing I don't like about Roku is I don't love the Roku SDK's standard templates for apps, which a lot of apps just sort of use.

 

[Battlezone]

So, I design TV apps for a living. Currently on my desk at work, I have a PS4, an XBO, Nvidia Shield, Google Nexus, ATV4, OG ATV, FireTV, Fire and Roku sticks, and a couple others I'm sure I've forgotten about.

OP is right. The Apple TV 4 remote is terrible. Or, to be more accurate, the horizontal on-screen keyboard is terrible. In our testing, the keyboard grid, as seen on PS4, XBO, FireTV, and others, makes entering type significantly faster and more efficient for users.

The ATV4 remote is great for large swipes, but terrible for precise movements. The touchpad is way too sensitive-if I even look at the touchpad funny on my home setup, it turns on, and switches away from whatever I was watching. It got so bad that I have a Harmony remote at home, and use the combination of the old Apple remote and bluetooth keyboard at work, because I have to enter passwords a bunch. And the OP is right-telling him to download additional apps or add hardware to make the device work well out of the box isn't really the best solution.

But the Apple TV hardware and software itself is aces. And the quality of the media streaming apps on the device have dramatically improved-a lot of things we're starting to implement on our apps have already started to hit the market (which really fucking sucks, for me, anyway). I actually also really like the Shield device, and Android TV, but the apps right now are sub-par compared to the best of ATV apps.

In my experience, purely considering media streaming capabilities: ATV 4 > Nvidia Shield > XBO > Fire TV > Roku > PS4 > OG ATV > Roku/Fire Sticks

 

[Deleted member 284]

Did something change? I quasi remember using a Bluetooth keyboard with my Apple TV 2/3. I have not paired my 4 as I'm very content with the remote and Siri. Sorry you had a negative experience OP.