Apple intros Apple TV 3.0 Software with new iTunes support

Apple has introduced new Apple TV 3.0 software featuring a redesigned main menu, which promises to make navigating favourite content simpler and faster. Recently rented or purchased movies, as well as other content including TV shows, music, podcasts, photos and YouTube, are accessible directly from the new main menu.

Apple TV 3.0 adds support for iTunes Extras and iTunes LP in fullscreen, as well as the ability to listen to Genius Mixes and Internet radio through your home theatre system.

Apple TV users can now enjoy Genius Mixes through their home theatre system and listen to up to 12 endless mixes of songs that Apple claims go great together, automatically generated from their iTunes library.

Customers can also enjoy Internet radio, allowing them to browse and listen to thousands of Internet radio stations, as well as tag favourite stations to listen to later.

Apple TV's support of HD photos is enhanced with iPhoto Events, which simplifies finding your favourite photos on Apple TV, as well as iPhoto Faces, which gives access to photos organised by people identified in iPhoto.

"The new software for Apple TV features a simpler and faster interface that gives you instant access to your favourite content," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of Internet Services.

"HD movies and HD TV shows from iTunes have been a huge hit with Apple TV customers, and with Apple TV 3.0 they get great new features including iTunes Extras, Genius Mixes and Internet radio."

The new Apple TV software is available immediately, available as a automatic download to existing Apple TV owners, while the Apple TV with a 160GB capacity costs £219 (US$360) including VAT.

Apple TV requires an 802.11b/g/n wireless network or 10/100 Base-T Ethernet networking, a broadband Internet connection and a high definition widescreen TV.