APPLE TV 4K/HD - The Missing User Guide 2019

APPLE TV 4K/HD ~ The Missing User Guide – 2019 Edition (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2020 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED I’m sure you’ve heard lots about a device called Apple TV? No, it’s not a television flat screen, but rather an add-on box that plugs into a spare HDMI port of your flat screen. It’s much like Roku, Firestick and Android TV, but much more advanced. It comes with some preloaded apps and has the capability of adding many additional apps. All these apps generally are not selectable on your flat screen, or DVR, so Apple TV allows you to secure programming not normally available by broadcast television with these apps. Apple TV was first introduced in 2006 and released in early 2007, but since that time many features have been added including the possibility of adding to the app selection. Apple has also added Apple TV+, its own programming subscription service that offers original, made for Apple, programming. Look for the Apple TV App to be added to some new flat screen models in the near future. As I mentioned in my subtitle, APPLE TV 4K/HD USER GUIDE, is truly the manual that should have been included with your purchase of the Apple TV device. As is quite common these days most electronic gadgets don’t include much in the way of written instructions, but expect the user to already have the operational skills to use them. Such is the case with Apple TV. APPLE TV 4K/HD USER GUIDE, is a book that’s laid out in sectional topics as opposed to chapters. If there’s a question you have it relies on the reader to see if it’s listed in the index that show pages and then directs you to one of those 130 pages. Typical topics include setting up various functions, adding apps, linking most flat screen remote functions to Apple’s remote and how to use the unusual Apple TV remote control. I say “unusual” because most functions on Apple’s remote require sliding your finger on what’s commonly thought of as a discrete touch pad. Incidentally this remote is a very poor design on Apple’s part. I’ll be reviewing a SALT alternative remote in a future column that runs circles around Apple’s. This book is certainly filled with tons of valuable, good operational information even though the numerous grammar and spelling errors are surprising and do stand out. GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ MSRP: $9.95 paperback (Also available in a Kindle Edition at less cost) For more information go to: https://amzn.to/3jVFJbJ Graphic credits: Google Images Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore Also, be sure to listen to the latest episode of “CONVERSATIONS WITH THE GADGETEER”. THE GADGETEER'S latest podcast is now published and available. This episode is entitled, APPLE WATCH AND MORE ABOUT APPLE. A PODCAST discussion about the Apple Watch and some other Apple products with Marc Saltzman author of his book, APPLE WATCH DUMMIES. Our discussion includes tips, tricks and features, and much, much more. Simply double click on the link, or logo below for quick access: http://thegadgeteer.libsyn.com/