Apple TV 4K (2021) Australian review
A great alternative to Foxtel was released today by Apple. Admittedly it’s not a direct alternative. The Apple TV 4K (2021). The internals have been upgraded with a new A12 processor.
But the main thing that makes a huge difference is the more user friendly remote. You can also buy the remote separately for $79 if you already have an Apple TV 4th gen. or Apple TV 4K (2017).
I can see myself setting friends and family up with this. The old Apple TV remote caught up a few of my family members and friends. They just couldn’t get their heads around it. The updated for 2021 Siri Remote is much easier to use.
The Apple TV 4K starts at $249 for the 32 GB model and $279 for the 64 GB model. It’s a bit on the expensive side but if you are already in the Apple ecosystem it’s definitely a good option.
The Apple TVs and tvOS have all the apps you could want:
-YouTube
-Netflix
-Stan & Stan Sport
-Amazon Prime Video
-Disney+
-Apple TV+
-Plex
-Binge
-Kayo Sports
-Apple Music
-Spotify
-ABC iView
-7plus
-9Now
-10 Play
-SBS On Demand
-10 All Access
-Britbox
-Facebook Watch
-YouTube Kids
-DAZN
-Nebula
-Shudder
-AnimeLab
-Crunchyroll
-Funimation
-Tubi
-Hayu
-Amazon Music
-MUBI
-Acorn TV
-CuriosityStream
-Listnr
-Vimeo
-Dailymotion
One big omission is a Foxtel Go / Foxtel Now tvOS app. You can AirPlay Foxtel Go / Now if you have an Apple compatible device like an iPhone/iPad/Mac. But let’s be honest. The Apple TV shines when you can use the app natively on the TV itself. Foxtel should make this an immediate goal with the release of the Apple TV 4K (2021). I reckon they don’t do it because it would be a miles better experience than AirPlaying. And might cut the lunch of the Foxtel Satellite / Cable / iQ3 / iQ4 set top boxes.
Of course if you already have a smart TV you can probably get by without the Apple TV 4K (2021). But if you want the most up to date apps that will be supported for years to come it’s definitely a great option.
This is pretty much a review of the Apple TV 4K (2021) but I feel people should be made of the cheaper alternatives:
-Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K ($99)
-Google Chromecast + Google TV ($99)
-a lot of game consoles like PS4, PS5 & the latest Xboxes
-a PC or laptop connected to your TV
If you already have an Apple TV 4th gen./HD it might be a good time to upgrade. If you have an Apple TV 4K (2017) maybe just spring for the new Siri Remote.
Of course I couldn’t help myself. I sold my Apple TV 4th gen. and Apple TV 4K (2017) and bought two of the new Apple TV 4K (2021) models from the Apple Online Store. They arrived today. I really like the new Siri Remote. The power button addition is excellent. And the directional keypad along with the touchpad in the middle is good if you aren’t that advanced and great if you are.
You can order the Apple TV 4K (2021) directly from Apple here. But I’m sure they’ll be available at JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys and the like:
https://www.apple.com/au/apple-tv-4k/
Do you have an Apple TV? Are you thinking of upgrading to the Apple TV 4K (2021)? Is this enough to help you ditch Foxtel once and for all? Do you want to see Foxtel release a Foxtel Go/Now app for tvOS and Apple TV?
This Medium article was adapted from a submission to the Foxtel Complaints Facebook group.
Anthony Eales is a media, news & tech junkie from Australia. You can reach him on Twitter @ants000.
