Hands-on with the updated UI for Apple TV: get ready for more apps

Apple released the expected software update for the second-generation Apple TV on Thursday. The update brings the second-gen Apple TV UI in line with the third-generation version introduced on March 7, bringing some fundamental changes to its interface and opening up Apple's options for adding more apps and content. We downloaded the update as soon as it was released to get a feel for what has changed for existing Apple TV owners—and what can be expected from the third-generation version.

The most obvious change on the new main screen is the absence of a menu bar. Apple has opted to get rid of the whole pull-down menu metaphor and has shifted to more "app-like" icons for each form of content available from Apple TV. The top row of buttons on the main screen is reserved for Apple's content and settings, with the top of the screen providing contextual links to content or help with the feature. For example, with Movies highlighted (as shown here), Apple TV displays the top movie purchases.