New Apple TV arrives next month, adds gaming functionality

Apple has officially unveiled its newest iteration of the Apple TV, which will bring gaming into the fold for the digital media player.

At an event earlier today in San Francisco, the company confirmed recent speculation that the next version of the hardware will introduce gaming functionality when it launches in late October.”

The new Apple TV will run a new operating system designed to work together with iOS, called tvOS. It boasts the addition of apps including games such as Crossy Road, Guitar Hero and Transistor. tvOS will also run Harmonix’s new game Beat Sports – revealed as part of today’s festivities.

The tvOS developer beta program is open as of today. Apple will provide develops the choice to offer a universal purchase” option, allowing users to buy one product across both operating systems.

The upcoming release also includes a new controller, which connects with the device through Bluetooth, and feature an accelerometer, gyroscope, touchpad, and a microphone for voice commands.

The new Apple TV will be available in a 32 GB version for $149 or 64 GB for $199.