New apps for Apple TV - a guide

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. — Are you ready for apps on the TV?

Apple says it will do for the TV experience what it did for mobile phones and tablets with apps, and “innovative ways to connect with your screen.”

The apps are featured on the revamped Apple TV, which is coming to stores as early as Friday. Beyond voice activated search from Siri, you’re probably wondering--so what kind of apps will be available?

Here's a sneak peek:

Apple TV has the usual collection of entertainment apps – iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, HBO and Showtime for movies and TV shows.

But Cord-cutter alert: If you’re looking to pick up Apple TV to ditch cable, you’ll need a good antenna to get the broadcast networks on a day and date basis. There are prime-time apps for CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox and PBS, but they don't all offer access to all the shows. For news, Apple does have CNN, Fox and ABC apps, and for sports, there’s ESPN and on-demand basketball with the NBA League Pass.

What you won't find, at least for now, according to Apple's website, are the most popular mobile apps, like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Amazon.

But here's a few you will see:

• Storehouse is an app that lets you combine your mobile photos and videos with text to become a visual story. The app started on the iPad--now you’ll be able to view the stories on the TV.

• Periscope, for viewing live video via Twitter, is available on Apple TV for viewing on the big screen.

• Ready for shopping on a 50 inch flat screen? Gilt, the shopping app is coming to the TV.

• Book a vacation rental via AirBnb on the boob tube, and get a greater sense of what your getaway will look like via giant sized photos.

• Gaming: Popular titles like Rayman Adventures, Shadowmatic and Transitor are available for play on Apple TV.

Apple says developers will be adding many more apps in the coming weeks. The revamped Apple TV starts at $149.

Follow Jefferson Graham on Twitter, @jeffersongraham.