During their recent press conference that unveiled the newest iPad, Apple also made an official announcement about Apple TV. This device will feature programming in 1080p high definition and includes iTunes movies, TV shows, Netflix, Vimeo, photos, and more.

One of the great features about the new Apple TV is that it will integrate the Cloud with iTunes. Anyone who purchases music, TV shows, and movies from the iTunes Store can watch and listen to them instantly on their television sets. Within the Apple TV library, users will be able to choose from over 15,000 movies and over 90,000 episodes of TV straight from the iTunes Store.

What makes everything so simple is the interface, iTunes Match that links to iCloud. Utilizing iCloud, consumers can store all of their media on the Cloud and send it back and forth wirelessly to your HD TV via Apple TV. Apple's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing had this to say about Apple TV:

"People are going to love streaming movies and TV shows in 1080p with the new Apple TV, and photos look beautiful displayed at the maximum resolution of your TV. Apple TV is easier than ever to use with its new icon-based interface and the ability to access your purchased movies, TV shows and music right from iCloud."

Since this is a gaming site, for anyone who currently owns an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch, they can simply use AirPlay to stream their gaming right to their HD TV and it will mirror the screen of their device. (AirPlay requires an iOS device running iOS 4.2 or later. AirPlay Mirroring not supported on original iPad.) Now the new Apple TV isn't exactly a gaming device as once originally rumored, but this just proves that Apple did beat Nintendo with a tablet-to-TV with its AirPlay feature. Could this just be one step closer to bringing Apple into the gaming market like Microsoft?

You can check out the example below (click on the image to enlarge):

Ranters, will you be setting your sights on Apple TV?

Apple TV is set to release Friday, March 16 at $99 online, Apple retail stores, and Apple authorized resellers.

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Source: Apple