Apple has updated all three of its major platforms to fix outstanding bugs and security issues.

Apple has updated all three of its major platforms for increased reliability and security.

The third-generation Apple TV has been updated with a sleek new look and the introduction of Apple’s recently acquired Beats Music service.

The NFL is now available on the Apple TV, and it’s mostly free. Unfortunately, it may not be what you’ve been hoping for.

Nearly two years after the feature was unveiled, Netflix on the Apple TV gains Post-Play, which automatically plays the next TV episode after the one you’re watching ends. “Take Control of Apple TV” author Josh Centers explains how it works.

TidBITS Managing Editor Josh Centers joined host Gene Steinberg on The Tech Night Owl podcast to explain why he uses Gmail, and what Apple will need to do to keep the Apple TV competitive.

Owners of the second- and third-generation Apple TV can finally access iTunes Extras in their living rooms. “Take Control of Apple TV” author Josh Centers explains how it works.

According to a new report by Parks Associates, Google sold 3.8 million Chromecast devices in the United States in 2013, Roku sold about the same number of its streaming boxes, and Apple sold only about 2 million Apple TVs. However, globally, over 20 million Apple TVs have been sold in total, while Roku has only sold 8 million.

The Apple TV has gained four new channels: ABC News, PBS Kids, AOL On, and Willow TV. Unlike the Watch ABC app, which requires a cable or satellite subscription, the ABC News app is free to all. PBS Kids is free, but requires online activation. AOL On is also free, but the Willow TV app, which features live cricket broadcasts, costs $15 a month. Finally, the Flickr app has been redesigned to allow account logins and offer vastly better photo discovery.

HomeKit in iOS 8 promises to unify all of your connected home devices, but how would you control them while away from home? Christopher Breen of Macworld suggests that the Apple TV might be the home gateway to HomeKit, with an upgraded model serving as a smart hub for home automation.

We’ve often suggested that a revised Apple TV could be a competitive gaming device, and Ben Thompson of Stratechery agrees. He makes the point that while game consoles were a good deal in the 1980s, when personal computers were much more expensive, the price of consoles has risen as the price of PCs has plummeted. He also argues that Apple could revise a gaming-capable Apple TV annually, outpacing traditional game consoles, which typically have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years.

“Take Control of Apple TV” author Josh Centers spent two weeks with Amazon’s Fire TV as his only living room device. Here’s his take on how it compares to the Apple TV.

TidBITS Managing Editor and “Take Control of Apple TV” author Josh Centers was invited to speak to the Chicago-area user group The Northwest of Us. In this in-depth recorded session, Josh discussed some reasons why Apple users should consider the Apple TV, took audience questions, and speculated about the future of Apple TV.

Josh Centers swapped between his “Take Control of Apple TV” author and TidBITS managing editor hats while joining hosts Shawn “Doc” Boyd and Kelly Guimont on the Ask TUAW Live podcast to discuss what’s next for Apple TV, what Apple will announce at WWDC, the TidBITS workflow, and security tips.

Amazon has released its long-rumored challenger to the Apple TV, and it’s a doozy. Josh Centers, author of “Take Control of Apple TV,” gives the rundown on how it stacks up.