As updates to Apple’s tvOS software, these features are also coming to older Apple TV boxes, which isn’t something you can take for granted with some gadgets and TVs. For example, LG’s 2021 smart TVs are also embracing cross-platform content discovery, but frustratingly this won’t come to older LG televisions as a firmware update.

In terms of hardware, the second-gen Apple TV 4K doesn’t improve much on its predecessor. The headline feature is support for high frame rates of 60 frames per second, to smooth out fast-moving action. Unfortunately, streaming content that takes advantage of this is extremely rare and the industry doesn’t seem in a rush to produce and distribute it. High frame rates can also make scenes look fake, as if objects were pasted into the picture.

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Of more interest is Apple's new remote control, which adds power and mute buttons for your television. It also reverts to the old-school "click wheel" button design, rather than just relying on a tiny touchpad.

The entire click wheel is also a touchpad, so you can flick to scroll or press when you need more precision. So many people hated the old remote that Apple sells the new one separately to use with an old Apple TV.

At the end of the day, the whole idea with the new Apple TV and its streaming rivals is that you spend less time holding the remote, and more time enjoying the action.