Following the launch of Google's low-priced Chromecast AirPlay competitor, Apple has lowered the price of its refurbished Apple TVs to $75, offering a $24 discount off of the original $99 price and a $10 drop from the previous price for refurbished units.
Google's Chromecast, which functions similarly to AirPlay and allows users to mirror content from a tablet, smartphone, or laptop to a television, retails for just $35. The dongle plugs in to any HDTV and offers apps like YouTube and Netflix, with additional offerings in the works.
Though the Apple TV can't compete with the Chromecast on price, Apple has been working on building new features into the device. Released alongside betas for iOS 7 and Mavericks, the Apple TV beta software has introduced iTunes Radio, a “Conference Room Mode” for business and academic settings, and recently, a function that allows users to purchase music on their TVs.
Apple also has plans to further integrate iOS 7 with the Apple TV, allowing for simple Bluetooth setup of the device, and the company has improved the set-top box's content offerings in recent months. In June, Apple added multiple new channels, including WatchESPN, HBO GO, Sky News, and more, and is said to be in talks with additional companies such as Time Warner Cable and the CW to bring even more content to the Apple TV.
As with all refurbished products that Apple sells, the Apple TV comes with a one year warranty and can be purchased online or picked up in stores.
