Apple TV update lets you buy shows, get a taste of the cloud

Consumer Reports News: August 02, 2011 09:58 AM

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Thanks to the latest Apple TV software update (version 4.3), users of the diminutive set-top box can now buy TV shows and stream them directly from Apple's Web-based servers—yes, the cloud.

The update also adds support for high-def videos from Vimeo, the Web-based user-generated video portal.

The Apple TV update, available only for second-generation Apple TV models, allows users to buy TV shows; previously, they could only be rented, which limited content since some networks didn't support rentals. Also, by storing purchased programs in the clouds, they now become more widely available across across multiple Apple devices. For example, you can now download shows purchased via Apple TV onto other Apple iOS devices, such as an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer. And shows you've purchased using those other iOS devices—or via iTunes—automatically show up as available on Apple TV.

If you own a second-generation Apple TV, you can download the update using the Update Software function on the device. Once you've installed the update, you should see a list of purchased shows at the top of the TV Shows menu on the Apple TV home screen.

Apple is expected to officially roll out its new iCloud service this fall. While videos weren't listed as part of the initial iCloud feature set, it's possible that this latest update will pave the way for videos to be included by the time the service launches.

Let us know what you think about the Apple TV update and whether it might affect your decision if you're in the market for a streaming-media box. Competition is certainly heating up, with Roku recently updating its three models with more features, and Logitech cutting the price of its Google TV-powered Revue system from $250 to $100.

Apple: About Apple TV (2nd generation) software updates

—James K. Willcox