Overview of Apple TV Limitations

As a proud user of Apple TV, I appreciate its distinct design and impressive functionality. However, I find the platform still lacks maturity and isn't quite ready to serve as my main entertainment hub.

The experience of using tvOS is commendable if performance is your top priority. Yet, if you aim to enhance your TV time with engaging applications beyond just gaming, you might encounter several constraints.

Essentially, tvOS can be seen as a scaled-down version of iOS, albeit marred by frustrating limitations and questionable design choices. Below are five reasons why using FaceTime on Apple TV falls short of practicality.

Reason 1: The Need for a Mount

I watched Apple's demonstration of the FaceTime feature on Apple TV. The user opens the FaceTime app, unlocks their iPhone, waits for a video feed to connect, and then mounts the iPhone beneath the TV before settling in for the call.

This entire setup is cumbersome and complicates the user experience with tvOS. If you own an iPhone 12 or later, you'll need to purchase a compatible MagSafe mount, which often doesn't come with the necessary adapter, adding extra costs.

Reason 2: Awkward Video Calls

While iPhone cameras are excellent, especially on Pro models, users of older iPhones miss out on the Center Stage feature, essential for effective FaceTime use on Apple TV.

Even if you have a newer iPhone, Center Stage performs best with a telephoto lens, leaving non-Pro models struggling. This means you either get a low-quality zoomed video or have to position your iPhone awkwardly close, emphasizing unflattering angles.

Reason 3: Poor Lighting Conditions

Most iPhones excel at capturing bright photos, but they falter in video quality in dimly lit rooms. If your living space lacks adequate lighting, you risk appearing as if you're using outdated technology.

Moreover, when you turn on lights to improve visibility, reflections off the TV screen can create a distracting experience.

Reason 4: Limited Use of TV

Some may argue that a television should primarily serve as an entertainment device. In reality, how many people do you know who use their TVs for anything beyond streaming services and cable?

Until we start utilizing our large screens for purposes beyond entertainment, it’s unlikely that many will see FaceTime on Apple TV as a necessity.

Reason 5: Connectivity Issues

Wireless connections among Apple devices can be hit or miss, relying heavily on a good Wi-Fi router for optimal performance. While I enjoy features like AirDrop and AirPlay, not all wireless functionalities, such as Handoff or Universal Clipboard, are dependable.

In instances where I use my iPad as a secondary display for my Mac, I often resort to a cable due to the unreliable wireless connection. Until Apple establishes more robust wireless standards, seamless communication between devices remains a challenge.

Conclusion: Room for Improvement

Writing this article was challenging, considering my affection for Apple TV's performance and unique features. While some updates in tvOS 17, like VPN support and locating the Apple TV remote, are beneficial, they feel like minor enhancements to a device with greater potential.

Apple could significantly elevate our television experience by designing an actual TV instead of merely enhancing the existing Apple TV box. Imagine an Apple TV with features such as:

• 6K resolution with a nano-texture surface for reduced color reflection.
• ProMotion for a 120Hz refresh rate.
• True Tone technology that adjusts colors according to the surroundings.
• 1600 nits of brightness for a stunning HDR experience.
• A 4K webcam with studio-grade microphones.

A tvOS experience that emphasizes the television's presence in our living spaces would create a product that truly stands out, much like other Apple devices.

Thank you for engaging with my thoughts on this topic!