However, Apple TV 3.0 software still doesn't include any outside content (such as streaming video from Netflix, MLB and Hulu). And there's no "app store" feature, where third-party developers can develop and sell Apple TV software.
The new Apple TV software is available immediately free of charge to existing Apple TV owners. The Apple TV with 160GB capacity itself is available for US $229.
"The new software for Apple TV features a simpler and faster interface that gives you instant access to your favorite content," says Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of Internet Services. "HD movies and HD TV shows from iTunes have been a huge hit with Apple TV customers, and with Apple TV 3.0 they get great new features including iTunes Extras, Genius Mixes and Internet radio."
The redesigned main menu on Apple TV gives you instant access to your favorite content. Recently rented or purchased movies, as well as other content including TV shows, music, podcasts, photos and YouTube, are accessible directly from the new main menu. The new software also allows Apple TV users to enjoy fullscreen iTunes Extras and iTunes LPs, including new movie titles such as Star Trek or classics like The Wizard of Oz and albums such as Taylor Swift's Fearless (Platinum Edition) and Jack Johnson's En Concert.
iTunes Extras gives movie fans additional content such as deleted scenes, interviews and interactive galleries. iTunes LPs sport expanded visual features like live performance videos, lyrics, artwork, liner notes, interviews, photos, album credits and more.
Now Apple TV users can enjoy Genius Mixes through their home theater system and listen to up to 12 "endless mixes of songs that go great together," automatically generated from their iTunes library, says Cue. Customers can also enjoy Internet radio, allowing them to browse and listen to thousands of Internet radio stations, as well as tag favorite stations to listen to later. Apple TV's support of HD photos is enhanced with iPhoto Events, which simplifies finding your favorite photos on Apple TV, as well as iPhoto Faces, which gives access to photos organized by people identified in iPhoto.
Apple TV users have access to a catalog of over 8,000 Hollywood films on iTunes including over 2,000 in HD video available for rent or purchase. Users can also choose from a selection of 11 million songs, 10,000 music videos and over 50,000 TV episodes to purchase directly from their Apple TV or browse and enjoy the iTunes Store podcast directory of over 175,000 free video and audio podcasts.
Purchases downloaded to Apple TV are automatically synced back to iTunes on the user's computer for enjoyment on their Mac or PC or all current generation iPods or iPhones. iPod touch or iPhone users can download the free Remote app from the App Store to control their Apple TV with a simple tap or flick of the finger.
The Apple TV requires an 802.11b/g/n wireless network or 10/100 Base-T Ethernet networking, a broadband Internet connection and a high definition widescreen TV. Video availability varies by country.
