The Apple TV Guide ran a live commentary of the iPhone 5 special event today. The press conference took place at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in downtown San Francisco – kicking off at 10 a.m. Pacific.

UPDATE: Click below to watch the official iPhone 5 video:

Keynote Summary:

• The official name: iPhone 5
• “It’s an absolute jewel…” – Phil Schiller
• The iPhone 5 is the thinnest phone ever made by Apple, Schiller says. 7.6mm thick
• 18% thinner than iPhone 4S
• Retina Display 326 pixels per inch. New screen… 4-inch display
• Pixels = 1136 x 640
• 16:9 aspect ratio. Why? Because a phone should work in your hand
• Vertical pixels add a 5th row of icons to the home screen
• Real Racing 3 – This looks great for Apple TV owners!
• Older apps aren’t stretched or scaled (they present with black borders on each side)
• Touch sensors are now built into the display itself. 30% thinner & less prone to glare
• Ultrafast wireless technology
• A6 Chip is 2x faster than the A5. 2x faster in graphics
• 8 hrs 3G talktime, 3G browsing. 8hrs LTE browsing, 10 hrs Wi-Fi browsing, 10 hrs video, 40 hours Music. 225 hrs of standby
• 8 megapixel sensor, 3264×2448 resolution w/backside illumination, hybrid IR filter, five-element lens, f2.4 aperture
• New dynamic low light mode
• Front camera: Now FaceTime HD camera with 720p support, backside illuminated sensor and FaceTime works over 3G with iOS 6
• New: the connector called “Lightning”
• iOS 6 is all set for the iPhone 5
• New ‘Maps’ App is incredible… 3D maps navigation works in portrait and landscape
• Facebook and Twitter Integration
• Passbook is the company’s virtual wallet app – new for iOS 6
• You can now use Siri to update your Facebook status
• New iPhone is available in white and black
• This is the first time ever that the iPhone’s screen size has been increased
• Pre-order on Sept 14, iOS 6 to be released next week
• New version of iTunes with iCloud built-in
• New 7th gen iPod nano. 5.4mm thick, 40% thinner than the 6th-gen iPod nano
• New iPod Touch: 5 megapixel w/backside illumination, hybrid IR filter, five-element lens, f/2.4 aperture, w/autofocus, and Sapphire crystal.

Image & Video Credits: Apple.com

Apple’s Annual WWDC is underway with the introduction of the ‘Next Generation’ MacBook Pro in San Francisco this morning. Apple TV fans missed out on any BIG NEWS, however the introduction of iOS 6, along with improved AirPlay capabilities should make it an interesting week for our developers. Siri got a good run, with an introduction to both iPad and Mac platforms coming soon. Siri’s ‘beta’ phase was described jokingly as 8 months of study, however Apple now seems confident that the voice-powered technology will be very solid in iOS 6.

Here’s a summary of the Keynote:

• App Store to open in 32 more countries
• New Macbook Air Released
• Macbook Pro Updated
• ‘Next Generation’ Macbook Pro with Retina Screen
• New retina Apps: Photoshop, Final Cut, Apeture
• Cross platform syncing of documents via iCloud
• Cross platform syncing of apps via iCloud
• Siri dictation for mac apps including Microsoft Word
• Safari tabs via iCloud
• Power Nap updates and refreshes your mac whilst asleep
• International ‘local search’ for Siri (Finally)
• Facebook integration with App Store (‘Like & Share’ Apps)
• Do not disturb feature for iPhone
• Stunning new ‘Maps’ feature
• GPS Style directions VIA Maps app
• Siri integration with Maps
• iOS 6 is available for Developers today

Image & Video Credits: Apple.com

The Phoenix Suns have kept their playoff chances alive with a superb home victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, who were playing without Kobe Bryant, 125-105, on the back of a big night from Shannon Brown (24 points), 23 points from Michael Redd and 13 points and 11 assists from Steve Nash.

The victory moves the Suns (29-27) within one game of the 8th seeded Denver Nuggets (30-26) with 10 games remaining in the season. Head coach Alvin Gentry pointed out the obvious post-game, “It was a really good win for us. A much needed win.” Brown had an incredible 20 points in the third-quarter as the Suns extended a three-point half-time lead into a difference of 14, building a lead that the Lakers could not overcome.

After a shaky start to the season, the Suns are now 15-7 since the All-Star game and now embark on a four game road trip that may determine their season’s fate.

The Suns will visit the Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs before returning home for four straight games against the Portland Trail-Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers and Nuggets.

The Suns close the season away against the Utah Jazz and at home in a date with the Spurs.

After the Nuggets defeated the Suns yesterday, 105-99, they failed to capitalise on the triumph when they dropped their next game to the Golden State Warriors, 112-97, still giving the Suns hope that they will be able to squeeze into the playoffs.

After jumping out of the blocks to be 14-5 early in the season, a rush of injuries has derailed the Nuggets season as they now find themselves in an arm-wrestle with the Suns for a birth in the post-season.

The Nuggets end the season with games against the Warriors (home), Timberwolves (home), Lakers (away), Rockets (home and away), Clippers (home), Suns (away), Orlando Magic (home), Thunder (away) and the Timberwolves (away).

Currently in the sixth seed, the Houston Rockets (30-25) are slightly ahead of the Dallas Mavericks (31-26), followed by the Nuggets and Suns, with the Utah Jazz (29-27) also still in the mix.

It is getting tighter and tighter in the race out in the Western Conference as the 2011/12 NBA regular season is quickly winding down.

Access your NBA.com subscription on Apple TV and see every dunk, free throw, and rebound live from your couch, or replay regular season games on demand. Nonsubscribers can access real-time scores, full-season stats, standings, and video highlights.

Image & Video Credits: NBA.com/suns.

We’ve been getting a lot of mail recently about what makes a good AirPlay app. By now we all know about AirPlay mirroring – allowing whatever is on your iOS 5 device to appear on your HDTV. While this does (technically) mean that any app can integrate with an Apple TV, it is those that take full advantage of this that truly excel. Assisted by a growing amount of developers exploring the medium, Airplay continues to take giant strides towards better integration with the Apple TV. Apps and games that support full HD mirroring, such as Real Racing 2 HD, Shift 2 Unleashed (See trailer below), Modern Combat: Fallen Nation, MetalStorm: Wingman (Inset) and Apple’s own Keynote, are great examples of AirPlay at its best.

So what is full HD mirroring? While basic AirPlay mirroring means that the 4:3 ratio screen of an iPad appears on your TV in what is known as ‘letterboxing,’ full HD AirPlay mirroring renders the TV unrecognisable from the iPad screen. Quite simply, rather than imitating your iPad, full HD mirroring takes what is on your iPad and optimizes it for your TV. It’s a powerful tool for any app developer because with little further effort an app has presented itself to a whole new device and market in the Apple TV.

The new iPad and the improved 3rd generation Apple TV are getting better AirPlay results than ever and we are expecting a huge list of new titles in the coming months. Don’t forget, if you know of a great AirPlay app that’s not on our ever-growing list (the most comprehensive there is) or if you’re a developer and you’d like to be listed, then get in touch!

AirPlay tip: Turn off Bluetooth on your iOS device to improve performance.

Image & Video Credits: Need for Speed & Apple Inc.

Spanning his years as a Formula One racing driver from 1984 to his untimely death a decade later, Senna explores the life and work of the triple world champion, his physical and spiritual achievements on the track, his quest for perfection and the mythical status he has since attained. The film takes us chronologically through the Brazilian driver’s stellar track career, his rival team-mate Alain Prost never far from the action. There’s spoken commentary from those who knew Ayrton Senna, the confident driver who arrived on the scene in 1984. The film follows his career, race by race, season by season, with no direct interviews or interruptions.

Senna, as he is presented to us, was a fearless man, in search of perfection and plagued by inner doubt. He was a man who rose above the sport’s politics and captured the hearts of millions. Asif Kapadia’s’s film is heavy, yet carefully mastered, all the way to the tragic end at At San Marino’s Imola circuit in 1994. To watch Senna, and more documentaries on Apple TV, simply go to:

Movies > Documentaries > (Senna)

Image & Video Credits: SENNAmovie

Tales of Monkey Island is another classic title in the ‘Monkey Island’ saga from Lucasarts & Telltale Games. *Please note: You’ll need an iPad 2+ or iPhone 4S+ and iOS 5 with AirPlay Mirroring activated to use this one with your Apple TV.

Tales of Monkey Island is the fifth game in the acclaimed series, released nearly a decade after the previous instalment, Escape from Monkey Island. Players assume the role of pirate Guybrush Threepwood, who — while attempting to destroy his nemesis LeChuck, accidentally releases a voodoo pox across the Gulf of Melange. With the assistance of his wife Elaine, Guybrush sets out in search of the ultimate cure. The gameplay, music and cut-scenes are outstanding, something we have come to expect from Lucasarts. Several characters from earlier games in the series return in Tales of Monkey Island, including the Voodoo Lady, an enigmatic voodoo priestess who advises Guybrush in his quests; Stan, a stereotypical salesman and business opportunist; and Murray, a talking skull with delusions of grandeur.

The iOS adaptation is fantastic and we highly recommend that you try it out on Apple TV. If you’re still not convinced, please take a look at the game trailer:

Image & Video Credits: Telltale Games

As predicted, the new Apple TV announced in San Francisco this morning, sees an upgrade in resolution from the 720p currently on offer to the full HD 1080p. This is confirmed for content from both iTunes and Netflix and there is word that AirPlay mirroring will see the higher resolution too. We’ll confirm that once we’ve tested it out. Released today in anticipation of the new Apple TV, is the new Apple TV interface. It’s available for upgrade on existing 2nd generation Apple TV’s and brings with it a look more in line with other iOS devices such as the iPad and iPhone. Gone from the main menu is the text listed contents and in place are the icons we’ve become so familiar with.

On top of that we now have the Genius feature that has previously been utilised for iTunes music integrated with the Movies and TV Shows sections. It’s a really welcome addition. Throw in a category for your purchased movie content from iTunes and we’ve got ourselves some really nice new improvements to the usability of the device.

To update, from the main menu of the current interface head to:

Settings > General > Update Software

Enjoy!

Image / Video Credits: Apple Inc & CNET News

With a brand new interface and a whole lot more under the hood, it is no surprise that today’s announcement of the third generation Apple TV has created so much hype. The product that Steve Jobs famously referred to as a ‘hobby’ is now ‘big business’.

Since September 2010, Apple has introduced a number of built-in apps including ‘Netflix’, ‘MLB.tv’ and ‘The Wall Street Journal Live’ along with the core functionality of iCloud, AirPlay and AirPlay Mirroring. Throughout this period Apple has listened to its customers, providing an array of great new features without compromising the Apple TV’s simple, yet elegant interface.

The third-generation Apple TV announced today, uses a single-core version of the A5 chip giving the product greater processing speed and improved performance for AirPlay and gaming. You can look forward to a greater integration with Apple devices in 2012, and the mid-year release of OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) will bring with it ‘Airplay Mirroring’ from Mac to Apple TV. iTunes 10.6 is also here, and it can handle the very same 1080p movies and shows that are now streaming through the little black box.

Apple also introduced the new iPad, with a stunning Retina display:

Image / Video Credits: Apple Inc.

As most of you will already know, Apple is hosting a media event on March 7 at 10 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. The event will take place at the ‘Yerba Buena Center for the Arts’ in San Francisco, which has hosted numerous Apple events in the past few years — including the unveiling of both the original iPad and the iPad 2. With rumours abound regarding Wednesday’s tipped launch of the iPad3 or iPad HD (the name depends on who you believe), the prospect of the next generation of Apple TV continues to fly beneath the radar.  The reports are that the current Apple TV has ceased manufacture and is not being replaced on the shelves. It’s also coming up to 18 months since it’s launch, which, by Apple’s standards is a pretty long time between drinks.
 
This all suggests it will be a pretty jam-packed agenda for Wednesday, but at least by mid-afternoon on the day we’ll be done with the will-they-won’t they (for a short time anyway) and we might have some rock solid answers. So instead of throwing further fuel on the already well stoked fire, we’re going to shutup now and bring you reports as we get them from San Francisco, 10am Pacific Standard Time. Till then… Check out the highlights from last year’s iPad announcement by the great Steve Jobs:

Image / Video Credits: Apple Inc.

In addition to the mouthwatering prospect of Tuesday’s unveiling of Apple’s much anticipated iPad 3, the whispers surrounding the release of the latest generation Apple TV are now turning to shouts. We’ve seen a raft of new features appear over the past few months and with AirPlay Mirroring for Mac coming in OS X Mountain Lion this summer, 2012 looks like being an exciting year for Apple TV fans. We’ve received so much feedback regarding iTunes Match, so for all those taking advantage of this brilliant feature to quench your thirst for the latest music, you might want to check out Ghostland Observatory.

I think it’s a travesty that this Austin, Texas duo is not more well-known and have it in mind to write my local politician about it. Front man Aaron Behrens (guitar/vox) and Thomas Turner (producer/drummer) bring an electro-dance-rock style that feeds the soul and overflows with distorted guitars and synthy goodness. Say what? Well, imagine the lovechild of Daft Punk and Black Sabbath with a dash of Freddie Mercury thrown in for good measure. Their live shows are something to behold as mad scientist Turner is often clad in a cape that looks like Dracula was blended with the Texas lone star state flag while lead singer Behren’s delivers sweat, funk, screams and seemingly boundless energy. Behren’s most stand-out feature has to be his falsetto voice, which reminds concert goers and listeners alike either of Prince or a distant Axel Rose a la Appetite for Destruction.
 
The duo have four albums out, all released on Turner’s Trashey Moped  Recordings: delete.delete.i.eat.meat (2005), Paparazzi Lightning (2006), Robotique Majestique (2008) and Codename: Rondo (2010). For any first-timers looking to get a sampling of classic Ghostland, check out “Sad Sad City”, “Midnight Voyage” and “Piano Man” to get an idea of why the Ghostland faithful have become such rabid followers and evangelists.
 
Oftentimes, people speak best for themselves so I’ll close with this quote from the band’s MySpace page: “Ghostland Observatory is not a band, but an agreement between two friends to create something that not only heals their beat-driven hearts, but pleases their rock ‘n roll souls… With their spectral blend of electronics, drums, guitar and vocals, they have emerged with a sound that is the culmination of past influence and present inspiration, and can only be described as BALLSY.”

Please visit Ghostland Observatory’s iTunes Page and Be sure to check in on Tuesday for all of the latest Apple TV news.

Image / Video Credits: Ghostland Observatory, The Tuned Inn (Youtube)

View your Mac desktop on your HDTV at the touch of a button? It’s been on the ‘most wanted’ list since day dot and now it is here. Well, just about. The latest Mac operating system, OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion has just been released for developers and the news is good for Apple TV owners.

After iOS systems on the iPad2 and iPhone 4S paved the way for AirPlay mirroring, the natural progression sees the same capability for the Mac family. Designing content for the Apple TV’s 720p output will ensure a sharp mirroring quality, with content scaling automatically whether it be from websites, applications or videos.

Your Mac will automatically detect the designated Apple TV just like the iOS devices do, ensuring a one-touch video and audio stream to the TV. All of this with an encrypted AirPlay connection for high security.

Certain updated Mac apps such as iMovie and Keynote will see enhanced AirPlay capabilities. AirPlay mirroring via these apps will ensure an easy and perfectly formatted experience when sharing iMovies and presentations respectively to an HDTV.

While developers are getting their first look at Mountain Lion now, a US summer release has been touted for the public. We’ll be checking it out over the next few weeks and be sure to bring you any new discoveries. Stay tuned.

Image Credits: Apple Inc.

Apple looks set to release a new Apple TV, an Apple TV ’3′, replacing the little black box. Despite the last six months seeing an unprecedented and increasing amount of press dedicated to the prospect of an actual Apple TV set, it will most likely be in the form of a similar set top box unit to complement your existing television. Retailers across the world are reportedly receiving their last stock of the Apple TV 2, with no confirmation from Apple of new deliveries or replacements. The expected improvements are an ability to stream in full 1080p HD, a A5 dual-core chip and improved AirPlay quality from other iOS devices. Pretty standard evolution but Apple will surely bring a couple of big surprises to the table as well. Like the current Apple TV, it’s predicted to adopt a similar price point on the shelves.

Even with an impending release of the Apple TV box, this will be unlikely to curb the ongoing talk of a big shiny Apple TV set. There’s been speculation about it’s function, design (Siri controlled anyone?) and even it’s release date and price! The rumours have been fuelled by a number of things, including Walter Isaacson’s best selling Steve Jobs’ biography in which Jobs reportedly told Isaacson that he wanted to create a fully integrated TV that would see it work seamlessly with other Apple products and the iCloud.

The sceptics raise numerous reasons as to why Apple would never release such a product, or why it would never succeed. In the plain light of day these reasons have plenty of validity and are well based in fact, however, it’s only the brave that would count Apple out of anything. As they’ve shown time and time again since it’s rebirth in the late 90′s, Apple is never one to be doubted, nor is it a company that travels the path most predictable.

At The Apple TV Guide, we see it as inevitable that such a product will be released. We can’t tell you when or exactly what it would entail, however, what we can tell you is that an Apple TV ’3′, a new version of our little black box, is on its way.

Image / Video Credits: Wikipedia & Apple Inc.

Composed primarily of transplants to the Seattle area, The Head and the Heart write and play songs that speak to the newness of a fresh start, of the ghosts left behind, of moving forward, all brimming with a soulfulness and hope for a better life than the one we’ve all been sold. Stylistically, think a folksy Beatles or The Avett Brothers with a little extra oomph. Catchy piano melodies stand side by side with a tight trio of harmonies, and solid minimalist drums, groovin bass, and plenty of hand percussion and foot stomps make the live show inspiring and really goddamn fun. After the band self-released its debut album in June 2010, the emblematic Seattle label Sub Pop re-released the album.

The band has toured extensively through 2010 and 2011 in both the United States and Europe, opening for Vampire Weekend, The Walkmen, Dave Matthews, The Low Anthem, The Decemberists, Iron & Wine, My Morning Jacket, and Death Cab For Cutie, as well as headlining their own shows. In March 2011, Seattle’s City Arts Magazine named them “Seattle’s Best New Band”

While I’m not certainly infatuated with everything this new, old genre of alt-folk has to offer; there are definite stand outs and The Head and The Heart is one of ‘em. Check out their songs “Lost In My Mind” and “Down In The Valley” for a sampling of their auditory wares. You just might find yourself humming under your beath “I wish I was a slave to an age old trade, like riding around in railcars and working long days.”

Click here and check out the Head and the Heart on iTunes!

Image / Video Credits: theheadandtheheart.com & youtube.com

To all of the Apple TV enthusiasts out there, our team would like to wish you a VERY Merry Christmas and a happy new year! 2011 has been a great time for The Apple TV Guide and we would like to thank all of our loyal subscribers for the support and feedback that we have received during the year.

To celebrate the holiday season, Apple has released a commercial featuring none other than Santa Claus. We hope he’s kind enough to fill your stocking with an Apple TV!

We have so much in store for 2012, so stay tuned… Have a safe and happy holiday and we’ll see you again very soon!

Image / Video Credits: Apple Inc.

For NBA fans, Christmas day 2011 brings more than just a full belly and new socks. The much anticipated 2011/2012 season tips off – and it couldn’t come soon enough. NBA League Pass holders in the USA can catch all the action on their Apple TV, while International League Pass holders can mirror from their iOS 5 device (iPad 2 or iPhone 4S) directly to the Apple TV. 
 
In anticipation of the impending season, we took a look at Monday’s preseason game between the LA Clippers and LA Lakers for any signs of what’s in stall over the coming months.  
 
Unveiling Chris Paul for the first time, the LA Clippers destroyed the LA Lakers, 114-95, in their first pre-season contest in Los Angeles.
 
Paul, acquired by the Clippers via trade last week, finished with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists and 5 steals in his first hit out with his new team. Also playing his first game for the Clippers, Chauncey Billups top scored with 23 points while Blake Griffin, Randy Foye and Brian Cook all collected 12 points each for the visitors.
 
Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 22 points, Pau Gasol managed 16 points and Andrew Bynum put together a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. In his first game as Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, the Lakers forward ended with a miserable three points while finishing the game without a field goal (0/8).
 
The Clippers put the game beyond doubt with a scorching third quarter, as they ran riot over LA’s more popular team, outscoring the Lakers 36-17 to extend a five-point halftime lead into a game breaking 91-67 advantage.
 
On the sidelines for the first time as Lakers head coach, Mike Brown described it as an “ugly game from us” post-match and was disappointed that his team didn’t contest shots. Brown’s review of the game was a polar opposite to that of Clippers’ point guard Paul, who said the game was “fun to get up and down” with his new teammates.
 
The game opened at a cracking speed, both teams scoring at will as Bryant and Billups traded baskets in a frantic opening that saw the Lakers hold a 18-16 lead when a time-out finally halted play with 6:22 on the clock in the opening quarter. As exciting as the start of the game was, it was Clippers’ centre DeAndre Jordan who came out with a jaw dropping dunk over Gasol and Bynum that captured everyone’s attention.
 
The scores were locked at the end of the first period, 28-28, Paul, in his Clippers debut, racked up seven points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals before he took a rest. The Lakers got an injection off the bench from rookie Darius Morris, but Blake Griffin answered with his own groove as the Clippers took a 55-50 lead into the intermission. The Clippers lead peaked at 27 points early through the final stanza, before rolling home with the luxury to rest their stars in the final quarter.

Image / Video Credits: NBA.COM