Hi, I am looking into buying an Apple TV. I want to know the difference between the 3rd gen Apple TV and the new Apple TV.
The main difference is that the new Apple TV supports an App store and has hundreds of 3rd party apps that are available to it. The Apple TV 3 has a handful (albeit more popular ones) of pre-installed apps. Exactly which apps are available differ by location.
Both output 1080p but only the Apple TV has an additional optical audio output.
What were you hoping to do with the Apple TV? That might help decide which model.
I upgraded because my Gen 3, after a couple of years of use, began disconnecting from the internet, while maintaining connectivity with my WIFI. Very confusing and frustrating. I researched it and discovered it's a common problem. Thumbs down to Apple for this.
Having said that, I love the Gen 4 Apple TV. After installing, I was thrown off because I thought I was still disconnected from the internet. The only options appeared to be my computer, photos, music, etc and Apple Store. (I thought perhaps the AppleStore stuff was embedded in the box, and not online.)
It wasn't until I explored Apps that I learned I needed to download the familiar Netflix etc, and that I was, indeed connected. After that, it was gung ho away I go.
Now I love all of it, expecially the Siri remote. I'm still miffed over the Apple Gen 3 experience, but the difference between them is like night and day.
This may help http://www.apple.com/tv/compare/
Apple TV generation difference
