Despite a growing audience of users, the Apple TV set top box continues having growing pains as a “hobby” product for the Cupertino company. The latest problem? Some units are bricking after the latest software update.
An unknown number of users have discovered the puck-like set-top box simply stopped working once updated to version 5.1, which started rolling out September 24. According to a thread on Apple’s forums about the issue, some found their Apple TV also had issues finding the router.
The update brought with it iOS 6-related features like Shared Photo Streams, AirPlay audio streaming and the Trailers app. Many found the best solution was to manually restore the Apple TV to an older software version after plugging it in to their computer via micro USB.
Earlier this year Apple TV finally got the Hulu Plus app, but the platform could still use major players like HBOGO, Amazon Instant, and greater music-streaming options in order to rise above other set-top box competitors like Roku.
Even so, Apple’s seen a sizable increase in adoption of its little streaming box, perhaps due to its dead-easy integration with the iOS ecosystem. Apple sold over 5 million Apple TV units during the last fiscal year, roughly double the quantity sold the year before.
“It’s a beloved hobby,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said of the Apple TV during the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call in October. “We continue to focus on it and believe there’s something more there.”
Many believe that “something” to be an Apple-brand television set, now believed by some (notably Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster) to debut in late 2013. An Apple television would likely have the Apple TV platform built-in, and potentially Siri and FaceTime as well.
Source:http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/11/apple-tv-problems/
