Poor Apple TV App Sales Letting Down Developers

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Developing games for Apple TV never seemed like a good idea from the start. Considering the fact that most of us don't even know someone that has an Apple TV, let alone own one ourselves, I don't see the situation improving for developers any time soon. :(

"I've been talking to many different developers who have released games or apps on the device, and the general vibe is that if things don't turn around following Christmas, Apple is going to have a real problem on their hands," writes Hodapp. "'Successful' apps are making $100 a day on a good day, with revenue continuing to trail off since launch."
 
It's cross platform, these devs aren't losing development time or anything seeing as they are probably still making a killing on their phone sales.
 
I know multiple people that have apple tvs. The (older) gen ones, at least. They are like $70 and I've seen them pop up for $40-$50 refurbished. To have something to throw your laptop/ipod/iphone screen to for $40-$50 is useful.
 
I know multiple people that have apple tvs. The (older) gen ones, at least. They are like $70 and I've seen them pop up for $40-$50 refurbished. To have something to throw your laptop/ipod/iphone screen to for $40-$50 is useful.

If you have Android devices you're better off with a Chromecast or Nexus Player, but yeah, if you're one of the 16% of people who have an iPhone/iPad I can see why you'd want one.
 
I know multiple people that have apple tvs. The (older) gen ones, at least. They are like $70 and I've seen them pop up for $40-$50 refurbished. To have something to throw your laptop/ipod/iphone screen to for $40-$50 is useful.

This. There is not enough incentive to buy another one. I still have the Gen2 (the first hockey puck black one) that only does 720. No need to really update considering I just use it to play iTunes music and Netflix.

If you want to game you most likely have a iPhone/iPad. Just game on that. Considering the new AppleTV has no controller or anything.
 
I own the new Apple TV (received it beginning of November), coming from a 3rd gen Apple TV. Here is the issue I have about buying apps on an Apple TV:

1) I am still looking for a good game controller to use with the Apple TV. I may even wait until Christmas to see if I get one for it then. Until then, I am stuck with using the remote. The remote works well for some things, but I don't think it is the best interface for games. I've tried it on a few and its just OKAY. The touch sensitivity doesn't always respond well to my callused thumbs and I don't like being limited to taps and touch pad clicks. I'm hoping the Steam controller will eventually be compatible since I plan to get a Steam Link. Otherwise, I guess I will have to spend another $50 on an Apple TV compatible game controller.

2) I have trouble spending $5, $10, $15 on an app that I am not sure I will like, and even more so if I feel it doesn't work well with the supplied Apple TV remote. So, it would be nice if they offered a demo or time limited tryout before you buy option.

3) The App Store needs ta little more work and refinement, especially when it comes to finding said apps and games. I've seen some recent updates that look like it is improving this, but it needs to go a little further. Currently the main page on the App Store is mostly displaying entertainment apps (Netflix, Hulu, HBO, etc.) and games that require additional controllers (Guitar Hero Live, Disney Infinity, Skylanders, etc.). If you are primarily advertising apps that require existing subscriptions or require expensive, dedicated controllers, then that might be a bit of a hindrance to those that are barely getting past the main page in the App Store.

4) The current selection of apps and games are a bit weak, in my opinion. Some of it may stem from complaint number 3 I mentioned above. It is very much the chicken and the egg syndrome. Developers appear to be waiting to push content until they see the platform is a hit, yet at the same time the platform wont' be successful unless developers start to push their content.

5) There are some really big mobile gaming developers that have yet to push their products onto the Apple TV. Where's Plants vs Zombies, Angry Birds, Clash of Clans, Field Runners, etc? These are some of the games I would definitely invest in on the Apple TV, especially if I get to carry over my progress from my mobile device to the big screen. But none of them are present.

Let me get a controller, give me some of the games I mentioned above, let me try out some of the games before buying, and bring Lego Dimensions to the platform and they will certainly see me spend money on it.

Oh, and give me Vudu and Amazon Prime.
 
It's cross platform, these devs aren't losing development time or anything seeing as they are probably still making a killing on their phone sales.

Are you sure that apps don't have to be modified for it? IPod and iPad apps aren't the same.
 
Are you sure that apps don't have to be modified for it? IPod and iPad apps aren't the same.

Well, first, I am surprised that is so... For some reason I am believed apple to be more advanced in the cross-plataform stuff than anybody else.. but I guess the question is, how different? a few interface tweaks or so? or a complete re-make?
 
I guess the issue is that nobody asked for it. People buy Apple TVs to mirror their devices on screen or watch streaming media. Nobody wants to use it for apps. If for some reason they did, they could just mirror their apple device.
 
If you have Android devices you're better off with a Chromecast or Nexus Player, but yeah, if you're one of the 16% of people who have an iPhone/iPad I can see why you'd want one.

I have both. I use the best of both.
 
Well, first, I am surprised that is so... For some reason I am believed apple to be more advanced in the cross-plataform stuff than anybody else.. but I guess the question is, how different? a few interface tweaks or so? or a complete re-make?

I'm not actually sure if Apple is more advanced than anyone... They have integration between devices but every single device is different than the other. Watch, TV, iPhone/iPad, laptop are all completely different OSes that can't use each others apps. If you're a Dev you're porting that code for each of those targets, and probably at the least redoing the UI since it's not going to fit right.

It's going to be a hard sell for a Dev to want to target all 4 just for one company, when there are a couple of platforms to target for Google, a platform for Windows, and then all of the other streaming devices like Roku. If you were making a game you simply won't have the staff to test and target that game on a dozen different platforms, so you're going to pick and choose which ones get it.
 
This. There is not enough incentive to buy another one. I still have the Gen2 (the first hockey puck black one) that only does 720. No need to really update considering I just use it to play iTunes music and Netflix.

I'm pretty much in the same situation. I have a 3rd gen though, but there isn't really anything that entices me to get a 4th gen.

Sure, having a native Plex client would be nice, but I'm currently doing that now with my 3rd Gen and PlexConnect. I was considering getting a 4th gen for another room of the house... and might eventually still do that, but I'm certainly in no rush.
 
I am involved with iOS development. It's a little work to make your existing iOS app support AppleTV. It depends on the project for how much work. So, there is overhead and testing involved. If you are a software company, you want to know your ROI. Very hard to predict on the Apple TV!

I think the big problem is there are not enough of the new Apple TV's out yet. It's a relatively small market. Does the AppleTV want to make people replace Roku's, ChromeCast, older Apple TV's, Fire TV's, etc? Probably not.

I like the new Apple TV - but haven't bought a single app. I bought it for TV and not apps. The games I've played on it are basically iOS ports - pretty simple. My kids are not going to be clamouring for games on this device vs a console. The console has a lot more power and way better games.

As far as joysticks, the Steelseries one is not bad. It is similar to a PS4 joystick. (I have one at work, don't think I'll buy one for my house).

The other item - for christ sake's Apple, why can't I control my Apple TV with my iOS devices yet???? I know it's just a matter of time before we misplace that small remote.
 
The other item - for christ sake's Apple, why can't I control my Apple TV with my iOS devices yet???? I know it's just a matter of time before we misplace that small remote.

You can lol I've been using my phone to control my AppleTV for years for that very reason. I always manage to lose my remote so it comes in handy. Pretty sure the app is called "remote"


Also, just a heads up, you can also program a spare remote to control the ATV too. I setup the "DVD" function on my cable box remote to work the ATV just in case my phone isn't handy
 
I'm pretty much in the same situation. I have a 3rd gen though, but there isn't really anything that entices me to get a 4th gen.

Sure, having a native Plex client would be nice, but I'm currently doing that now with my 3rd Gen and PlexConnect. I was considering getting a 4th gen for another room of the house... and might eventually still do that, but I'm certainly in no rush.

Having been a 3rd gen owner, here are a few things that sold me on the 4th gen:

  • True 1080P60 capability and streaming up to 60fps. The 3rd gen only supported up to 1080P30. Still disappointed in no native 1080P24 support, though (huge bummer, IMO). 3D support would have been a nice perk too, but not a deal breaker.
  • Bluetooth headphone support. Useful for when the wife is making too much noise in the kitchen or when watching loud action movies at night).
  • Nighttime listening mode. Great for when you don't want to wake the little one.
  • Improved search capabilities. I can now search for a show or movie and it will show me where it is available to watch (be it iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, etc.).
  • New remote can control my TV as well as my receiver volume. Shame my receiver is too old to be powered on/off by the remote like it can do with my TV.
  • Some multitasking capabilities (eg., weather, sports, TV/Movie info, etc.)

Having said that, I do feel that the new Apple TV could have used a little more polish before being released. But it is nothing that can't be resolved via an update.
 
I've used older apple tv's at work or friends houses and they were fine if you don't already have a smart tv or a smart blu ray player or game console or set top box or .... you get the idea.

I just bought one of the new ones because I finally have enough movies in itunes that I wanted a convenient way to watch them on one of my tv's (vs hooking up a pc). every time a I buy a blu ray I get a digital copy that I've always redeemed them in itunes (I also buy my music on itunes) so I finally have enough content I wanted to be able to use it somewhere. I truly hate that I'm locked in for movies...
 
You can lol I've been using my phone to control my AppleTV for years for that very reason. I always manage to lose my remote so it comes in handy. Pretty sure the app is called "remote"


Also, just a heads up, you can also program a spare remote to control the ATV too. I setup the "DVD" function on my cable box remote to work the ATV just in case my phone isn't handy

If you checked your facts you will see that the Remote app currently does not support the 4th gen Apple TV. Sucks, I know. I was disappointed about this by finding out the hard way.

As for programming another remote, I have a Harmony remote. At least with the version I have, I can't use all the functionality found on the new Apple TV remote. Also, the power off protocol has changed on the new Apple TV so you can't use the old method of power off (it doesn't work for me). The new protocol requires holding down the "Home" button for a few seconds after returning back to the home screen, then selecting "Sleep". My version of Harmony remote and software doesn't support holding buttons for extended periods, just button presses. I think the newer Harmony hub, which allows you to use your phone to control your devices, might work and support these.
 
I've used older apple tv's at work or friends houses and they were fine if you don't already have a smart tv or a smart blu ray player or game console or set top box or .... you get the idea.

I just bought one of the new ones because I finally have enough movies in itunes that I wanted a convenient way to watch them on one of my tv's (vs hooking up a pc). every time a I buy a blu ray I get a digital copy that I've always redeemed them in itunes (I also buy my music on itunes) so I finally have enough content I wanted to be able to use it somewhere. I truly hate that I'm locked in for movies...

If could get Vudu on the Apple TV (and there is a possibility of it happening, I just don't know if and when), I would be very happy. All new movies I buy, either it be via digital or Bluray with a digital copy, I receive my copy via iTunes. However, all my older DVDs I have been converting to digital using Vudu's disc to digital program and upgrading them to HD. I think I currently have around 200 Vudu movies now because of this and around the same or so in iTunes movies. So it would be nice to access both libraries from a single source.

Amazon Prime would be nice too, but isn't too much of a big deal for me since I find their collection lacks in comparison to Netflix and Hulu Plus (I use it mainly for shipping and music). From what I read, Apple isn't keeping Amazon Prime nor Vudu from being available on the Apple TV. It is currently on the developers to create and submit an app.
 
Developing games for Apple TV never seemed like a good idea from the start. Considering the fact that most of us don't even know someone that has an Apple TV, let alone own one ourselves, I don't see the situation improving for developers any time soon. :(

"I've been talking to many different developers who have released games or apps on the device, and the general vibe is that if things don't turn around following Christmas, Apple is going to have a real problem on their hands," writes Hodapp. "'Successful' apps are making $100 a day on a good day, with revenue continuing to trail off since launch."

My wife bought an IPad Air 2 several months back. Last week she hit me up and wanted to be able to play her movies from her IPad to the TV. Most of this content is streamed from websites and not available via apps.

I just bought two Apple TVs, one for the kitchen and one for her "Girl Cave". They are working perfectly for the purpose they were bought for. Of course they aren't selling any App Subscriptions but they did sell the boxes themselves.
 
If you checked your facts you will see that the Remote app currently does not support the 4th gen Apple TV. Sucks, I know. I was disappointed about this by finding out the hard way.

Actually, it does as of yesterday. You need to update to tvOS 9.1.

I have a 4th-gen Apple TV in the living room and a Roku 2 in the bedroom. I originally bought the Roku for two reasons: the Plex client and Amazon. Despite owning a number of Apple devices, I like my media to be platform agnostic and thus tend to purchase movies and TV shows on Amazon over iTunes. Now that Amazon is reportedly headed for tvOS, I'd say the new Apple TV is indisputably the best media player if you own an Apple device. If not, stick with Roku.

I couldn't care less about the games.
 
Same thing is happening to Apple after Jobs that happened to Apple before Jobs. Same shit > gets stale > gets lame.
 
Apple can pull my Roku from my cold couch potato hands. Points to apple for trying so long with the apple TV though.
 
I'm not actually sure if Apple is more advanced than anyone... They have integration between devices but every single device is different than the other. Watch, TV, iPhone/iPad, laptop are all completely different OSes that can't use each others apps. If you're a Dev you're porting that code for each of those targets, and probably at the least redoing the UI since it's not going to fit right.

It's going to be a hard sell for a Dev to want to target all 4 just for one company, when there are a couple of platforms to target for Google, a platform for Windows, and then all of the other streaming devices like Roku. If you were making a game you simply won't have the staff to test and target that game on a dozen different platforms, so you're going to pick and choose which ones get it.
Interesting. Thanks.
 
In related news, Pandora just released a tvOS app. Most Apple TV owners probably just AirPlay from their phones, so I'm not sure if anyone cares.
 
I'm not actually sure if Apple is more advanced than anyone... They have integration between devices but every single device is different than the other. Watch, TV, iPhone/iPad, laptop are all completely different OSes that can't use each others apps. If you're a Dev you're porting that code for each of those targets, and probably at the least redoing the UI since it's not going to fit right.

It's going to be a hard sell for a Dev to want to target all 4 just for one company, when there are a couple of platforms to target for Google, a platform for Windows, and then all of the other streaming devices like Roku. If you were making a game you simply won't have the staff to test and target that game on a dozen different platforms, so you're going to pick and choose which ones get it.

If all of the devices could run the same apps, how would Apple be able to sell you a watch, an MP3 player, a phone, a tablet, a laptop, a media player, etc etc ?

I think there is a strong case that this is by design, not from lack of effort :D
 
If you have Android devices you're better off with a Chromecast or Nexus Player, but yeah, if you're one of the 16% of people who have an iPhone/iPad I can see why you'd want one.

But people don't just buy one or the other. My wife has an IPad Air 2 and a Samsung Note3. I know she isn't the only person out there like this. Joe six-pack isn't so discerning when it comes to operating systems and brand loyalty. He buys what he wants when he wants it and sometimes he even asks someone if what he is going to buy will work with what he already own, but not often.
 
Actually, it does as of yesterday. You need to update to tvOS 9.1.

I have a 4th-gen Apple TV in the living room and a Roku 2 in the bedroom. I originally bought the Roku for two reasons: the Plex client and Amazon. Despite owning a number of Apple devices, I like my media to be platform agnostic and thus tend to purchase movies and TV shows on Amazon over iTunes. Now that Amazon is reportedly headed for tvOS, I'd say the new Apple TV is indisputably the best media player if you own an Apple device. If not, stick with Roku.

I couldn't care less about the games.

Well...crap, I mean...Yea!

My apps auto update on my iPhone and as of this morning there wasn't an update. I go look for it now and I see that Apple released an update to the remote today. (dated 12/9).

My Apple TV I checked for any new updated last night and there were none (so it was still at 9.0.1). But I am now seeing online that a new update is available. Phased release, I guess?

So, earlier this morning or even late last night I would have still been correct in my statement, but as of now that is not the case.

No complaints, I'll take the retraction since I am happy to get the Remote app to work again. It should have been working from day one, if you ask me.

Time for me to download some updates after work.
 
They really priced it too high vs. the competition. What does this thing do that Roku/FireTV/Etc or game consoles can't do?

In fact, I believe the new Roku & FireTV have some 4k capabilities, and the new AppleTV doesn't. That's a blown opportunity there.
 
They really priced it too high vs. the competition. What does this thing do that Roku/FireTV/Etc or game consoles can't do?

In fact, I believe the new Roku & FireTV have some 4k capabilities, and the new AppleTV doesn't. That's a blown opportunity there.

The biggest things the others can't do is play Apple iTunes, Music, and App Store content (which may have the option to be shared across multiple devices). That's really it. So if your media library is primarily Apple, then none of those will be able to natively access that content. Being that most of my new movie, music, and app content is iTunes, AppleTV or a more expensive media PC are pretty much my only options.

As for 4K, the hardware in the Apple TV is certainly capable of outputting 4K. Whether Apple chooses to enable it via an update or choose to sell different hardware we won't know until it happens. Currently, I'm not missing 4k content since I don't have a 4K TV.

Now what Apple could have done to have something the others don't offer is provide native 1080P24 support. As far as I know, none of the other media players offer this short of maybe the PS3/PS4 and maybe some bluray players. It annoys me too since many of my iTunes movies are encoded as 24fps along with much of Netflix's content.

Another minor perk, but not a huge one, would have been 3D support.
 
The biggest things the others can't do is play Apple iTunes, Music, and App Store content (which may have the option to be shared across multiple devices). That's really it. So if your media library is primarily Apple, then none of those will be able to natively access that content. Being that most of my new movie, music, and app content is iTunes, AppleTV or a more expensive media PC are pretty much my only options.

That's what happens when you decide to live in a prison I mean walled garden :)
 
That's what happens when you decide to live in a prison I mean walled garden :)

Meh, doesn't really affect me in any negative way. I much prefer to have my content consolidated than fragmented over multiple sources. It's also the results of being an early adopter of digital content, long before Amazon, Vudu, Ultra Violet ever existed.

When I began acquiring digital content your choices were Apple iTunes or Windows Media Player via a DRM/rootkit you had to install on your PC, which each DRM/rootkit varied from studio to studio. Given the choices of the time, I preferred the iTunes route. As time has shown, it certainly turned out to be the more stable platform.

But for those who are just now getting into digital content, they have far more options from providers that are quite stable. Ultraviolet, while it can still be fragmented, reduces the fragmentation by allowing you to link your libraries from multiple platforms (be if Flixster, Vudu, etc.). Amazon, well, let's just say I am still not 100% keen on their media purchasing services quite yet.

So be it a prison or walled garden, it works, its consolidated, and I easily know what it does and does not work on. I like Apple's devices, but I am not a fan of their computers nor some of their business practices. I'll stick to my home built PC for everything else, thank you.
 
You can lol I've been using my phone to control my AppleTV for years for that very reason. I always manage to lose my remote so it comes in handy. Pretty sure the app is called "remote"


Also, just a heads up, you can also program a spare remote to control the ATV too. I setup the "DVD" function on my cable box remote to work the ATV just in case my phone isn't handy

Except, the Remote app does not work with the new Apple TV.

Apple just announced today they are working on a remote app to support it - available in like 4-6 months from now. For real?
 
Well, first, I am surprised that is so... For some reason I am believed apple to be more advanced in the cross-plataform stuff than anybody else.. but I guess the question is, how different? a few interface tweaks or so? or a complete re-make?

I know somebody else already responded. However just to add, you need to keep in mind the differences between different platforms. There is a screen size difference between an iPod/iPhone, iPad, watch, and apple tv. So a application designed for one might be able to be easily ported over to the other. However some might require a completely different UI due to size changes. I have used programs that the UIs between iPhone and iPad where completely different as they were able to get more information on the screen at once. I also know of programs that only work on the iPad as there is not enough screen space on the iPhone to allow it to be usable on that small of a screen.

You will also have a difference in how the user interfaces with the software. Apple TV doesn't have a touch screen so you have to completely rewrite how the user interfaces with the software as you have a very different input method. Just how the apple watch doesn't have the same type of touch detections that a iPhone or ipad would.

In addition to that you also have different processors and graphics units thus different possibilities for programs. The iPad can support better graphics and faster processing than the iPhone.

That isn't to say that all platforms don't share the same SDK and API. But just like with anything else you have a lot of factors to take into consideration for the end target device. Just like how some apps only work on newer phones. That goes for all of the different platforms (Android, Microsoft...)
 
I have the new Apple TV but I don't see me using it for games.
Only apps I've installed are Netflix and Plex.
 
apple-tv-new-model.jpg
 
Most Apple TV owners probably just AirPlay from their phones, so I'm not sure if anyone cares.

Yup, pretty much this, and airplay from iPads. It just really works well.
 
Are you sure that apps don't have to be modified for it? IPod and iPad apps aren't the same.

It's not just an auto port but there are some UI elements that need to be changed and some OS calls but it is very easy to port.
 
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