New Apple TV features motion control and touch play for games

Apple has unveiled its long-awaited Apple TV and has confirmed it will include games on a new App Store.

The Apple TV will be heavily based on the use of apps, much like on the company’s other products like the iPhone and iPad. A new TV-specific App Store will let users find films, TV shows, stream through services such as Netflix, and play games.

The TV remote features a small touch screen that can be used as a virtual directional pad and motion control via a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, allowing it to be used as a game controller. Apple will also support third-party gamepads more akin to traditional console controllers.

During Apple’s press event in San Francisco, developer Hipster Whale showed off its hit mobile game Crossy Road working on the Apple TV. The title will also have an added multiplayer mode enabling two players to play on the screen at the same time.

Other games shown off included Transistor, Rayman Adventures, Shadowmatic and Guitar Hero Live.

Apple also said on stage that games downloaded on one device, such as the iPhone, can then be played on their Apple TV. This will also allow players to halt play a compatible game on one device and resume it on another.

The Apple TV will house a 64-bit A8 chip and will support 1080p resolution. It will also feature voice recognition, with users able to issue commands to Siri such as rewind, fast-forward and ask it for recommendations.

The Apple TV will be available from late October. No specific launch date was provided.

Pricing for the Apple TV will start at $149 for the 32GB model and $199 for the 64GB version.

The new Apple TV tvOS SDK is available for developers to access in beta from today. Those who register by Friday, September 11th at 12pm Pacific time will also have the opportunity to get an Apple TV developer Kit, though supplies are limited. To be eligible, you must be a member of the Apple Developer Programme or Apple Developer Enterprise Programme as of 9am PDT, September 9th.

You must also be located in one of the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States.

The Apple TV Developer Kit includes the Apple TV, Apple TV remote, power cord, Lightning to USB cable, USB-A to USB-C cable and documentation.

You can find more information on the Apple developer page.