Why isn't the newest AppleTV have gigabyte speed for the ethernet and no 4K video contact

You'd have to ask Apple.

Gigabyte ethernet would probably not be hugely beneficial for streaming media locally or via internet - 8Mbps suffices for 1080p iTunes HD video. That said I'm still surprised by a variety of product that still sport 100 Mbps ethernet when you'd think gigabit interfaces might be even cheaper component wise these days, perhaps not.

As for 4k video, most consumers don;t have 4k displays currently, there's very little content in 4k, and potentially users/Appel don't have bandwidth to offer 4k downloads/streams.

I just don't think the market is ready for it though it would be nice to have a little future proofing - I suspect it might have added significantly to the cost for hardware to reliably support 4k playback/decoding too. Also, 4k and/or 3D might be planned features of the next iteration of the device.

Even though 4K isn't yet in the mainstream one of Apple's so called rivals ROKU just announced a 4K box.

You would think Apple being a forward looking company would want to compete.

How long before Chromecast and other streamers jump into the 4K world.

4K could end up like the LP Quadraphonic stereo system.

I have always had the feeling that Apple is always planning for what is around the corner that no one else can see, not what is in the straight thoroughfare where everything is in site. If they do implement 4K, their implementation may end up being totally different than everyone else.

Have a nice day.

there is also the distance vs. size factor

think you with a 40" tv you needs to be closer then 2meters from the tv for your eyes to notice the difference between 720p and 1080p so with 4k you need a huge tv or sid so close it feels like front row at the movies

Unlike 3D and curved TV's 4K will be around awhile.

When not shot on film, 4K has become the standard video format for the movie industry. Although 8K is being dabbled with at the moment.

I read an iCringely article yesterday speculating that the new Apple TV will have the capability of a 4K output and would just need a software/firmware update.

Let's keep our fingers crossed.