Apple has just unveiled a new Apple TV box with 1080p (Full HD) and a new user interface. iTunes has also been updated with 1080p video content.

New Apple TV with 1080p
The old Apple TV box has become popular in 2011 because of its streaming offers, AirPlay funcitonality and ease-of-use. Apple has now unveiled a new version of the Apple TV box.


The new Apple TV with 1080p

The new Apple TV will offer 1080p playback (the old one supported up to 720p) which will enable users to play Full HD content on their HDTV through the box. This is made possible with the new A5 chip inside.


The new Apple TV with 1080p

Apple is also updating iTunes today. Movies and TV shows are now in 1080p resolution, and video in iTunes is now integrated into iCloud. This basically means that you can access your movies and TV shows anywhere in the world and from any device (Apple, that is). It also allows Apple to update previously bought content to the higher resolution, and Netflix will utilize the 1080p format as well, it has been reported. Additionally, recommendations based on what you have watched in the past are available with the update.


The new Apple TV supports AirPlay

Speaking of AirPlay; AirPlay is one of the key features of the new Apple TV box. It allows users to stream video, music and photos from iPads, iPhones, iPods and Macs over to the TV screen over the wireless home network. Recently AirPlay was also extended to support games with AirPlay Mirroring, on for example a iPad where the iPad will function as a game controller and the live action is projected to the TV screen.


With AirPlay the iPad can act as a controller and the TV screen as a gaming console via Apple TV

The new Apple TV will be available next week with the same price tag as the old one; $99. It can be ordered now. FlatpanelsHD will post a full review soon.