tvOS 9.2 beta 3 preview: Search the App Store with Siri, use Dictation to enter text and login credentials

Dictation Apple TV 9.2 beta 3

It seems like every time there’s a new tvOS beta, an interesting new feature is included for us to talk about. With tvOS 9.2 beta 3, that new feature is the ability to use Dictation on text input fields. It also includes the ability to dictate—character by character—usernames and passwords.

Along with the new Dictation feature, comes support for searching the App Store using voice input from the Siri Remote. Have a look at our video preview that showcases each new feature in action.

App Store Search via Siri

You can now use the Siri Remote to search the App Store. Simply say something like: Search the App Store for Channels, and you’ll be taken right to the App Store page for the app in question.

Apple TV App Store Search Siri

It’s much more convenient than slowly navigating the Apple TV interface to find a specific app that you wish to download. Apps join such media as TV shows, movies, and music now searchable using only your voice and the Siri Remote. Extremely handy.

Dictation

It’s also possible to now dictate inside of text input boxes on tvOS. Yes, you can dictate search queries, but often times, it would be better to just perform a direct search with the Siri Remote as outlined above.

Dictation Settings Apple TV

The real interesting thing about dictation is that it can be done within credential text boxes for usernames and passwords. If you have a long tedious password, using dictation can be much quicker than inputting text a character at a time using the Siri Remote.

Apple ID Dictation Apple TV

Of course, nothing beats using the Apple Remote app’s keyboard, or a traditional Bluetooth keyboard, but it’s a nice feature to have at your disposal when neither of those options are handy or possible.

What do you think about these two new features? Does seeing them in action change your opinion in any way? Sound off down below in the comments with your thoughts.