Apple TV now available in India @ Rs 8,295

Apple Inc. has finally launched its media streaming device Apple TV in India, priced at Rs 8,295. Apple TV is a digital box that brings iTunes store content to a user's television and also helps connect iDevices to the bigger display with the help of AirPlay.

Although none of the stores selling Apple products seem to be aware of the development, the product is live on Apple India website. We have also located it on Rediff Shopping where it is selling for Rs 7,995. Several media reports suggest that the product will be out in retail stores in the next 7-10 days.

We had earlier written about the possible launch of Apple TV (not to be confused with the much-rumoured TV set that the tech giant could be developing). But at that time, the price was estimated to be around Rs 6,990.

The new device can stream and play 1080p HD movies from the iTunes store. One can also stream music, photos and videos from a Mac, iPhone, iPad or iPod touch by using AirPlay, a proprietary protocol stack/suite that allows wireless streaming of audio, video, and photos, together with related metadata, between devices. Although content from Netflix and Hulu Plus is offered in countries like the US, we don't think it will be available in India. One can also use the existing iTunes Store account (if you have one in the first place) for buying or renting movies and music.

The launch of Apple TV in India makes sense as the company opened the gates of its iTunes Store for Indian users in December 2012 and also expanded its reach in another 55 countries. It is now featuring a selection of local and international music from all major labels and also offering thousands of independent labels. In addition, Apple has also made available (in India, Russia, Turkey and Indonesia) a collection of movies for rent or purchase in both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) quality.

(Edited by Sanghamitra Mandal)