I’ve never used one, but I’m looking to get one for my parents as a gift. Personally, I’d go fire stick because I’ve had few issues and it seems simple enough, but they don’t have Prime so it doesn’t make a lot of sense.
They are set up on iPhones (a bit of struggle) and an iPad. They have little/no experience with smart TVs; currently just antenna TV and a chromecast from their computer (also a difficult explanation).
Would an Apple TV be a soft learning curve for them? Any other suggestions?
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I switched my parents from a Roku to an AppleTV. I thought it would be easy - they have Macs and iphones. It was not easy. There were many complaints like “The touch-pad is too sensitive.” “How many cables do we need? Do you want a picture of the cables?”
A lot of folks will still find it challenging. It’s a great product, and if you set it up they’ll probably be fine. Good luck!
It is a very simple device, assuming they actually have the use for it.
One thing to keep in mind- just because you’re a tech-minded person doesn’t mean everyone else is or wants to be. Giving a tach gift that someone really has no use for and doesn’t want to learn how to use just puts them in an awkward position where they feel almost obligated to use it even though it provides no benefit to their life. Perhaps a framed family photo would bring them more joy😂
I get that, but they still watch TV/movies. I’m not looking for the techiest solution, just something user friendly so they can watch more of what they want.
If they have iPhones and an iPad it’s a no brainer. everything works together so seamlessly. Personally I would never use anything but an AppleTV any more. Any time I see anyone’s Roku or Fire Stick laggy and filled with ads it makes me just want to get an AppleTV for everyone so they can avoid that whole mess. I have a projector with Android TV (with Airplay!) and 3 days of mucking around with that junk was enough to motivate me to dig out the old AppleTV 4th gen. Buying a 4K 3rd gen in the next couple days because the remote is so much better.
I’m extremely tech literate. I just prefer to spend my time on more valuable things than navigating a TV interface. You won’t have any problems, just google anything you don’t understand.
The Apple TV is probably the perfect streaming device to get older, not-so-tech savvy people. I work in tech, but I still prefer the Apple TV because the interface is so smooth, intuitive, and clean.
Already in the ecosystem so yes. Avoid the old style remote and turn on the option that highlights the currently selected app. Then teach them how to kill apps as the first troubleshooting step to any issues (solves most)
Easiest set top box interface around. Nothing to really tinker with. Make sure their apps are working, leave the passwords somewhere handy, and enjoy.
My dad is 75 and has no problem using the Apple TV or his Firestick in his bedroom. He can’t open his email, but somehow managed to load software onto his Firestick for free movies. Dude has his priorities.
My kids are tech literate and don’t like the Apple TV UI. They prefer the Samsung one. 🤢
My dad is 75 and has no problem using the Apple TV or his Firestick in his bedroom. He can’t open his email, but somehow managed to load software onto his Firestick for free movies. Dude has his priorities.
Imho the Apple TV is what you want. I’ve used Rokus, fire sticks, shields, an HTPC and an Apple TV. I alternate between the shield and Apple TV. And only have the shield because sometimes for whatever reason older shows have a better picture with the AI enhanced picture.
Based on being tech support for elderly family, the Apple TV is the best bang for your buck. Sure other things are cheaper, but dealing with having to explain things over and over, explaining how to get apps, etc etc. TVos is a lot like your iPhone in ease of use. If they lose the remote, they can use their phone(the app is literally built into the iOS. All On top of being a top of the line set top box.
i got my parents switched from fire sticks to apple tv’s and they’ve been very happy. they already used iphones and ipads, and apple tv is the same idea with opening apps, hitting a home button, going back to the home screen, and finding another app to open. no ads & no mess. beautiful screensavers. i’ve even got them set up w youtube tv now & they’ve had no issues. i’d recommend it for sure.
my grandma is illiterate and is able to watch youtube on it
I’d go ROKU for one simple reason, the remote. It’s so much easier for the elderly to hold, and feel the buttons.
Make sure to enable that feature which puts a border to the selected app for better visibility. I just forgot how to do that right now.
Apple TV is excellent. I’m not sure how the latest one compares but my one has a remote which acts like a touchpad for you to scroll and select icons, and then you press the trackpad which is also a button to select the chosen icon.
If the latest iteration works this way, they may not get on with it, as I think older folks struggle with the basics of these new fangled things, even more so if they aren’t tech savvy.