$299, ouch. And a heavy emphasis on voice capabilities, which my kids love but I generally hate. I don't want to have a conversation with my media.

I have had many Apple TV generations and want to love it, but I really don't get where Apple is trying to go with it. The whole "Apple TV" app really confused the hell out of me, and I wonder if this is continuing that trend. Or maybe it won't matter because this is just ridiculously expensive.

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shermantanktop 9 hours ago | parent [-]

Is there a better experience out there? There are lots of cheaper sticks, but even high end TVs have crappy app launchers, the apps are usually janky, and the vendors are spying on your usage.

It’s expensive, but is there a better option?

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vachina 7 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Yes, a vanilla Android TV with a semi powerful SoC.

I have the 4K and MiBox next to each other, the Apple TV is cool for a UI showcase, but beyond the oohs and aahs the MiBox is a more useful entertainment device.

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petesergeant 7 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

> It’s expensive, but is there a better option?

Honestly? A 2nd-hand Apple TV. That’s the competitor for this. I’ve had mine for what feels like it must be >5 years, they survived two years in a suitcase as a digital nomad, as far as I can tell they’re indestructible. My local 2nd hand site is full of them, too.

	▲	shermantanktop 6 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Yes, this is what happens with market leaders - their biggest competitor is the previous version of their own product. Hence silly vanity features to drive the upgrade treadmill.