*.Apple's new TV, running TV OS, was unveiled at an event in California
*.Remote has 'glass-touch' surface to let viewers control menus with swipes
*.It features a 'Siri' button that means viewers search using just their voice
*.Turning the remote on its side transforms it into a games controller, and iOS games have been adapted to work on the larger screen.
Despite its success with iPhones and iPads, Apple has typically struggled to get people to buy into its TV box.
That could be about to change, however, after the tech giant overhauled the service with new menus, advanced controls and a touch remote that doubles up as a games controller.
Viewers can also browse the web and ask Siri questions while watching shows and films thanks to the new software called TV OS.
The fourth-generation TV box was unveiled at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in California during Apple's fall launch event.
Boss Tim Cook described it as 'the future of television' and said: 'We've been working really hard, and really long on bringing it all together.'
APPLE LAUNCHES NEW TV BOX
The fourth-generation TV box was unveiled at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in California during Apple's fall launch event.
Its new remote has a glass-touch surface that lets viewers control menus with their fingers.
It additionally features a 'Siri' button that lets viewers search using just their voice.
All of the screens have been redesigned to 'focus on the content' and Siri will search across every app - including Netflix, iTunes, HBO, Showtime and Hulu - to find content.
Other Siri features include the ability to find exact clips within episodes and the option to skip back and show dialogue that was missed.
While watching a film or TV show, swiping down on the touch surface will present a menu of information about actors, for example.
Viewers can also ask Siri questions about a show, or ask for scores or about the weather, and the answers appear on the screen.
Turning the remote on its side transforms it into a games controller, and iOS games have been adapted to work on the larger screen.
TV OS even offers multiplayer functions on compatible apps, such as Crossy Road.
Prices start at $149 for 32GB and $199 for a 64GB device and both go on sale in October.
In addition to volume controls and a Siri button, the top of the remote has a 'glass-touch' surface that lets viewers control their TV as if they were controlling a phone or tablet.
Swiping left or right lets the viewer scroll through menus and they can press the 'screen' to select content.
The most impressive features demonstrated at the event, however, were the advanced Siri controls and multiplayer game options.
Pressing the Siri button on the remote means viewers can search for content using just their voice.
This includes the option to make a single search for a show, actor or episode and see results from all compatible apps such as Netflix, iTunes, HBO, Showtime and Hulu.
As Mr Cook explained, this saves having to search individual apps to see which ones have the desired content.
Other Siri features include the ability to find exact clips within episodes, and the option to skip back and show dialogue that was missed.
While watching a film or TV show, swiping down on the touch surface will present a menu of information about actors, for example.
Viewers can also ask Siri questions about the show, or ask for sports scores or weather information, and the answers appear at the bottom of the screen.
Turning the remote on its side transforms it into a games controller, and iOS games have been adapted to work on the larger screen.
TV OS even offers multiplayer functions on compatible apps, such as Crossy Road.
This remote additionally controls the TV volume and works over Bluetooth so people don't have to point it directly at the big screen to register inputs.
Prices start at $149 for 32GB model and $199 for a 64GB device and both go on sale in October.
There is no word yet on how much the box will cost in other regions.
With the release of this box, Apple is taking aim at not only the likes of Roku and Google's Chromecast, but also console makers Microsoft and Sony.
Roku 3, for example, already offers a remote control with built-in motion sensors so it can be used for gaming, while Google's Nexus Player works with the Asus gaming controller that resembles the controller used on the Xbox One.
But Abby Francis from Mobiles.co.uk believes Apple's new TV box could finally make such gaming a success.
She said: 'The living room as a gaming space is a competitive place.
'Ouya tried and failed, Nintendo are having trouble and Steam is getting in on an already crowded market.
'While iPhones and iPads have changed modern mobile gaming, the living room opens up new ways to interact with the App Store.
'A game you were playing on your iPhone on the bus can now be picked back up where you left off when you get home, with the ability to control it smoothly and intuitively by controlling the TV with your iPhone.'
However, its success may be out of Apple's control according to Steve Holford, vice president of products at Hyperoptic.
'It’s highly likely Apple is set to revolutionise the TV market just like it did with music - taking streaming and apps from the laptop to the living room,' he said.

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