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Apple TV 4K Gets A12 Bionic

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Re: Apple TV 4K Gets A12 Bionic

#51

And still no support for spatial audio with AirPods Pro? I continue to be mystified why spatial audio only works for watching movies on iOS devices. I know the official explanation is that the host device needs an accelerometer and gyroscope... but Apple TV's tend to stay still, you know. It baffles me why you can get amazing spatial audio watching a movie on a tiny screen... or regular stereo audio watching a movie…

Taking a random guess, I think it’s because the location of the AppleTV doesn’t help identify the location of the actual screen. There would need to be some awkward configuration step (redone every time the AppleTV or screen moves) that Apple just wouldn’t ask its customers to do.

You don't really need an awkward configuration step, though, because you can rely on the fact that users are usually looking at the screen. Just take the median orientation of the earbuds over time, and you're configured.

You can also rely on the fact that the user is almost certainly looking directly at the screen every time they navigate the UX with the remote.

Re: Apple TV 4K Gets A12 Bionic

#52

As a current AppleTV 4K owner, I have no idea how any of this is different from the previous version. I don't any any discernible difference. I already have HDR, Dolby Atmos, etc. What I really want is the ability to make my remote control beep so I can find it. That's literally the only feature that I want at this point.

could try the new Air Tag . https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/04/apple-introduces-airt...

Re: Apple TV 4K Gets A12 Bionic

#53

Finally, a remote upgrade. It looks promising, and could be really great if they included some physical feedback on buttons for use in the dark.

Yup - a remote with actual directional buttons was my biggest desire, so I’m really happy. I hate the touch scrolling of the previous Apple TV remote with a passion. It was so imprecise.

Re: Apple TV 4K Gets A12 Bionic

#55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They also redesigned the remote so that it's not a gigantic pain in the ass.

Can I pay for just the new remote? Will it work with the old AppleTV 4K?

The remote will cost 59$ and is compatible with the previous generation.

Re: Apple TV 4K Gets A12 Bionic

#56

And still no support for spatial audio with AirPods Pro? I continue to be mystified why spatial audio only works for watching movies on iOS devices. I know the official explanation is that the host device needs an accelerometer and gyroscope... but Apple TV's tend to stay still, you know. It baffles me why you can get amazing spatial audio watching a movie on a tiny screen... or regular stereo audio watching a movie…

Taking a random guess, I think it’s because the location of the AppleTV doesn’t help identify the location of the actual screen. There would need to be some awkward configuration step (redone every time the AppleTV or screen moves) that Apple just wouldn’t ask its customers to do.

I wonder if a U1 UWB chip be precise enough to detect if if the ATV has moved. Using 1 HomePod mini as a reference point, and more precision with more HomePods.

The location of the screen could be learned with some "Apple Magic," i.e. an AR setup process using an iPhone

Re: Apple TV 4K Gets A12 Bionic

#57

And still no support for spatial audio with AirPods Pro? I continue to be mystified why spatial audio only works for watching movies on iOS devices. I know the official explanation is that the host device needs an accelerometer and gyroscope... but Apple TV's tend to stay still, you know. It baffles me why you can get amazing spatial audio watching a movie on a tiny screen... or regular stereo audio watching a movie…

The entire advantage of Apple is supposed to be that they're one company and all of their products work together, but that's becoming less and less true over time. AirPods and HomePods barely work with Macs compared to how they work with iOS devices. Apple has boasted about how you can fit all of their products on a conference room table, yet they don't actually work together well. What else are they doing with their…

iOS is the future of the company. Mac will shrink asymptotically as a fraction of their overal R&D investment.

Re: Apple TV 4K Gets A12 Bionic

#58

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I’m guessing because the vast majority of the market with a 4K Apple TV is not watching in stereo, but in surround with something like Dolby Atmos. Edit: For those unfamiliar, spatial audio is a post processing effect that attempts to simulate surround, whereas most home theaters are going to be watching material that has discreet location and channel data, meaning a much more realistic surround stage.

A lot of people watch TV/movies at night with headphones instead of speakers, in order not to wake up the kids, grandparents, someone who works early, etc. Especially when you want to fully experience those big loud action sequences without making the house actually rumble. This is for people when they aren't using their speakers at all. Edit in response to your edit: I think you may be misunderstanding Apple's spati…

It’s still post processing to create a sound stage to a stereo signal. Nothing wrong with that, but for instance if I’m watching a movie on an iPhone or something, I’m assuming I can’t get the true audio experience of the film.

When it’s a movie I really am into, then I’m going to watch it in full surround, with discreet speakers. 7.1 to stereo headphones is always a compromise whether it’s Apple spatial audio, or Dolby Atmos for Headphones.

And absolutely I get your point, that it’s great for watching it at night. I’m just guessing their market for 4K Apple TV is more home theater people.

Usually when I’m watching at night with headphones I’ll be on the iPad.

Again it’s not that I don’t see the use case, I just wouldn’t call it “baffling” since the market is a little different.

Re: Apple TV 4K Gets A12 Bionic

#59

As a current AppleTV 4K owner, I have no idea how any of this is different from the previous version. I don't any any discernible difference. I already have HDR, Dolby Atmos, etc. What I really want is the ability to make my remote control beep so I can find it. That's literally the only feature that I want at this point.

Apple has really started investing in and pushing for their arcade subscription.

The A12 Bionic should be a lot faster which is a major point if you want to use those features.

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