Apple TV Could Become Easier To Use, And An App Could Show You How
Much focus in recent months has been put on the rumored launch of a new iPhone 5SE (think the iPhone 5c, but better), a new iPad Pro measuring 9.7 inches, and the latest Apple Watch model, dubbed the Apple Watch 2. But what about Apple TV? What is coming in terms of television watching via Apple?
Even though Apple will not be launching a new 67-inch television anytime soon, its set top streaming device is getting easier to use, according to reports.
Fortune said in a recent article that improvements are coming to the latest iOS operating system for the Apple TV which are aimed at making the navigation on Apple TV simpler and easier to use.
“Perhaps the biggest addition to tvOS 9.2 is the addition of Siri dictation in text fields. Users will soon have the option to use the Siri Remote’s voice capabilities to enter queries, usernames, and passwords by voice instead of having to type them out using the remote’s trackpad that requires hunting and pecking letters using the on-screen keyboard.
“Additionally, users will be able to use Siri from any Apple TV screen to search the App Store for specific apps or categories. Just hold in the Siri button on the remote and request a search like ‘Show me March Madness apps.’ Or you can search for a specific category such as ‘Games.’ Previously, users had to open the App Store app and then enter a search query.”
News of the improvements to the Apple TV console will likely be announced on the very console being improved. Fans using Apple TV as their primary source of television entertainment have noticed the new Apple Events icon that always appears days before an Apple announcement if you are operating an old Apple TV box. But for users of the newer Apple TV devices (the thicker, brick-like devices), Cult of Mac reports that you will need to download the keynote instead of having it thrust on you unwillingly.
“Apple’s ‘Loop you in’ event will be the company’s first keynote to stream on the new Apple TV, only unlike previous event channels, you’ll have to download it from the App Store to tune in.”
Apple’s keynote is planned for 10 a.m. in California. So if you’re living outside of the West, the timing is as follows: 11 a.m. Mountain, noon Central, and 1 p.m. Eastern. If you live in Hawaii and Alaska, the announcement will take place at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., respectively.
For those of you who are living without cable and depending solely on the Apple TV box for entertainment, you may be wondering what in the world you should be subscribing to out of myriad options available on Apple TV. The Wirecutter notes several different streaming options for the Apple TV, including the standard Hulu and Netflix, but also HBO Now, as well as MLB.TV, NBA, NHL, and WatchESPN channels.
It notes that Amazon Instant Video is missing from the lineup, though rumors heard by The Wirecutter indicate that could change in coming months. In the meantime, Amazon Prime members can use their iPad and/or iPhone to stream prime content from the service to their respective Apple TV devices.
Are you an Apple TV loyalist or do you use another device? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
[Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]
