Apple has just launched the Apple TV in India, rather silently. The device which retails for $99 in the US will be available in India for Rs 7,900, reports BGR India.
When NBW contacted an Imagine Store in Bangalore, they said that the device was not launched in India yet and that they do not know when it will be launched here. However, the device page on the Apple India website is now live.
With the launch of the Apple TV, it looks like finally the full portfolio of Apple products is now available in India.
It is not the rumored Apple television but rather a media streaming device. The device can stream and play full 1080p HD movies from the iTunes store. Also using Airplay one can easily stream music, photos and videos from a Mac, iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. With AirPlay Mirroring you can wirelessly show off everything you have on your iOS device with just a tap.
iTunes Store
Apple had launched the iTunes store in India in early December. While a single song is priced between Rs 12-15, albums range from Rs 72-Rs 108. HD Movies are available for between Rs 290-Rs 490 to buy and can be rented for Rs 120, while SD Movies are priced at Rs 190 for download and Rs 80 for Rental. The iTunes store does not presently have any television shows.
Competition from Android
Just like in the smart phone space, the Apple TV will face some competition from Android in this department. Akai’s ‘Smart Box’, which allows users to surf the Internet on their TVs as well as use Android apps is priced at Rs. 6,590.
Micromax’s Smart Stick, priced at Rs 4,990, comes with HDMI and USB ports, WiFi support and has a 1 GHz graphic processing unit, 4 GB of internal memory as well. Recently, Woxi Media launched their Android-based SmartPod which supports multiple users at Rs 9,499.
Unlike Apple TV, users with these Android-based devices can download apps from the Play Store like Ditto TV and nexGTv, which provide more localized content.
Specs
The Apple TV has an HDMI port, micro-USB, Ethernet port, built-in IR receiver and WiFi. It is powered by an Apple A5 processor and comes with 512MB RAM and 8GB NAND Flash memory. It also has Bluetooth support for Apple Wireless Keyboard. The Apple TV is only compatible with high-definition TVs with HDMI and capable of 1080p or 720p support.
With recent reports suggesting the rising popularity of iPhones in India, this is a great move for Apple as it aims to improve its market presence and also brand loyalty with its customers.
