Apple introduced the latest update for its Apple TV 4K media streamer, called tvOS, at the WWDC conference. While the update doesn’t bring significant audiovisual improvements, it does offer notable features for navigation and enhancing the user experience.
One major highlight is the revamped control center, which provides convenient access to various settings, including audio output to AirPods or HomePods, a quick search function, Wi-Fi settings, and power options. The new control center allows users to easily change Spatial Audio settings, such as head-tracked or fixed modes and enables spatialized stereo. It also includes system status indicators like time and user login information, along with a fast user-switching option.
Within the Spatial Audio settings menu, there is a mention of Dolby Atmos, offering a convenient way to check if the Apple TV is outputting Atmos and adjust Atmos settings on AirPods swiftly.
In terms of audiovisual enhancements, Apple has included Dolby Vision 8.1 support, promising a more immersive cinematic visual experience through dynamic metadata across a wide range of content and streaming platforms. Additionally, there is an Enhance Dialogue mode, which improves speech clarity over loud sound effects, similar to what can be seen on Amazon Prime. Activating this mode requires the use of a HomePod 2, which separates dialogue from background noise and focuses it on the center channel.
Apple has addressed a common issue by introducing “Find My” for the Apple TV Siri Remote. Users can now locate their misplaced remote using the Find My iPhone app, providing a convenient solution for those who frequently lose their remotes between sofa cushions.
Another significant addition is FaceTime, which makes its debut on the Apple TV 4K. Users can take calls on their iPhones and seamlessly continue them on their TV screens through an Apple TV. By positioning the iPhone near the TV and utilizing its cameras, video calls can be continued. In addition, FaceTime SharePlay enables synchronized viewing of content during a call, with content from an Apple TV app displayed on the left side of the screen while the FaceTime call continues on the right.
tvOS 17 will bring several additional features, such as improvements to Apple Fitness+. These include Custom Plans, which provide Fitness+ users with personalized workout or meditation schedules based on factors like the day, duration, and workout type. The Stacks feature allows users to seamlessly perform multiple workouts and meditations consecutively. Additionally, Audio Focus gives users the flexibility to prioritize either the volume of the music or the trainers’ voices during their Fitness+ sessions.
Another notable addition is third-party VPN support, which empowers developers to create VPN apps specifically for Apple TV. This feature enables users to access VPN services directly on their Apple TV devices, enhancing their privacy and security while browsing or streaming content.
