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These apps make me believe in the new Apple TV
Netflix is the most obvious choice, but that's cause it's perfect on the Apple TV. Even if you're not a cable cutter, Netflix has become a required subscription if you want access to all kinds of TV shows and movies, including exclusive titles like "Orange is the New Black" and "House of Cards."
Cost: $9.99 per month from Netflix's website
When HBO unbundled its service from the need for a cable subscription earlier this year with HBO Now, it gave hope to cable cutters everywhere. For $15 per month, you get full access to all of HBO's content, including "Game of Thrones" and older series like "The Wire" and "The Sopranos."
Cost: $15 per month
Apple's Trailers app is a great way to see what movies are coming out. You can of course watch HD trailers, but the best part of the app is the ability to see upcoming showings for movies at theaters in your area.
Cost: Free
If you haven't watched a TED talk before, you're seriously missing out. The world's smartest and most influential people share their insights into all kinds of topics (J.J. Abrams "mystery box" talk is a classic), and watching them on the Apple TV feels right.
Cost: Free
"Alto's Adventure" creator Ryan Cash told Tech Insider that the iPhone game was originally meant to be played on the big screen, and now that it can be, we know why.
It's the perfect example of a casual, one-button game that translates well to the TV with Apple's new remote.
Cost: $2.99
Another hit iOS game that translates well to the TV is "Crossy Road," a modern take on "Frogger" with unique visual twist. It's super fun to pick up and play casually, and it's sure to get everyone in the room wanting to play.
Cost: Free
If you haven't played Activison's "Geometry Wars" on the Xbox or Playstation, you've been missing out. On the Apple TV, it works intuitively with Apple's remote touchpad. There's multiplayer, so you can play with your friends over Game Center. It's a perfect console crossover.
Cost: $9.99
The first time I played "Oceanhorn" on the iPhone, I knew it was destined to be on the Apple TV. The gameplay is kind of like "The Legend of Zelda," and it features a great story, impressive graphics, and a delightful soundtrack.
Cost: $8.99
I was skeptical of shopping apps on the Apple TV, but Gilt won me over. The app makes it easy to browse catalogs, select different sizes, view more information about specific items, and add stuff to your cart.
Cost: Free (but the clothes aren't)
Browsing the thousands of home (and occasional castle) listings on Airbnb is great on the Apple TV. My only qualm with it is that you can only heart a listing to add it to your wish list, not actually book something.
Cost: Free
Tastemade makes great food-related shows and cooking how-tos, and on the Apple TV you can easily buy a subscription through iTunes to access all of its content in HD — no cable subscription required.
Cost: Some videos are free, but a $19.99 yearly or $1.99 monthly subscription is required for full access
The VSCO app for Apple TV is nothing but a moving collage of beautiful images photographers have shared on their personal VSCO Grids. It's a great app to have on in the background and it turns the Apple TV into a moving picture frame.
Cost: Free
Vevo is great if you love music videos and music culture in general. On the Apple TV you get full access to everything on Vevo, which is basically a music-lover's dream. Time to watch "Hotline Bling" on repeat.
Cost: Free
I will never actually buy anything I see on QVC, but the Apple TV apps is the best example so far of how interactive TV can work. You can buy what you're looking at with the click of a button.
Cost: Free
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