If you thought about using Apple's new Siri Remote to take advantage of motion controls in supported Apple TV games, it may be a wise idea to stick with your old Siri Remote.
Siri Remote
New Apple TV 4K and Siri Remote tech specs
Well, it finally happened. Apple got around to launching a new Apple TV set-top box at today's Spring Loaded event.
You can buy Apple TV’s new Siri Remote by itself for $59
Earlier today, during the company's Spring Loaded event, Apple showed off a brand new Apple TV 4K and a new Siri Remote. But even if you don't plan on getting the new set-top box, you can still get the new remote.
New Apple TV 4K gets A12 Bionic chip and redesigned Siri remote
Apple on Tuesday announced a long overdue update to its Apple TV hardware line. The refresh brings about a performance bump with Apple's A12 Bionic chip and a completely redesigned Siri remote.
A new report reiterates that Apple is working on a redesigned remote for the next Apple TV
A new report has now corroborated last year's Bloomberg story that claimed Apple would be releasing an updated Siri Remote alongside the company's next Apple TV set-top box model.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS:
The oft-criticized Apple TV remote is being redesigned. It could be called Apple TV Remote, not Siri Remote. Unclear if it'll work on older Apple TVs. Overhauling the Siri RemoteCiting people familiar with Apple's plans, 9to5Mac has learned that the Siri Remote that ships with the Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD is getting redesigned for the next model. An overhauled accessory reportedly sports a code-name that's different from the existing remote.
Details about this new Apple TV Remote are still unknown, but 9to5Mac’s sources have told us that this model is being developed under the code name 'B519,' which is quite different from the code name of the current Siri Remote — internally identified as 'B439.'
This has prompted the publication to speculate that the changes will be “significant” rather than cosmetic. “As the new Remote has an internal model number way above the current version, we believe the changes will be more significant,” reads the article.
A year ago, 9to5Mac discovered curious strings in the iOS 14 code indicating that the Cupertino tech giant could have a brand new remote for the Apple TV in the works.
Siri Remote to become Apple TV RemoteIn fact, it would appear that Apple may also have a name change in store for the Siri Remote because iOS 14.5 code appears to reference “Apple TV Remote” rather than “Siri Remote,” which is what the company used to call the accessory in pre-tvOS days.
→ Tips for using the Siri Remote for Apple TV like a pro
Bloomberg reported last September that Apple was working on an upgraded remote control for the next Apple TV. The new remote will apparently support Apple's Find My app to make it easier to find in case it gets lost or misplaced. As for the Apple TV itself, the next update is widely expected to feature a faster processor with much better graphics for improved gaming.
Universal Electronics offers an alternative to Apple TV’s Siri Remote
Universal Electronics last Friday announced a new remote control for the Apple TV that has been tailored with cable, satellite and multichannel video program distributor (MVPD) customers in mind. Dubbed the UEI Remote, it uses infrared and Bluetooth connectivity allowing it to function as both an Apple TV remote and a universal infrared remote.
How to find the serial numbers for your Apple TV and Siri Remote
Knowing the serial number of you Apple TV or Siri Remote is important if you have to perform some troubleshooting or get support for the devices. This not only helps to identify the model or type of device you own, but can also help you get answers to questions about the specific device.
Here, we’ll show you how to get the serial numbers for both your Apple TV and Siri Remote.
Apple is apparently developing a new Apple TV remote, hopefully better than the Siri Remote
An alleged code leak for iOS 14 that has been making rounds today apparently includes strings and mentions which suggest that Apple may be working on a brand-new remote for its Apple TV media streamer that could potentially replace the oft-criticized Siri Remote.
A Swiss broadband provider offers alternative remote control for your Apple TV
The Siri Remote's been panned for usability issues. Although Apple sells the standard aluminum remote without a touch-sensitive surface, many folks dislike its minimalism. Small wonder that a Swiss provider, which goes by the name The Salt, has decided to offer its broadband subscribers an alternative Apple TV remote with additional buttons.
How to precisely see when currently watched video will end on Apple TV
Did you know that your Apple TV can estimate what time you will finish viewing the current movie or TV show, barring any interruptions? The video scrubber that pops up along with other controls doesn't just let you see the time remaining until the current show ends, but can optionally estimate what time you will finish viewing the video without having to pause.
Apple’s Universal Search can now search across 1.3 million TV episodes and movies
A side-note in Apple's press release announcing today's arrival of Amazon's long expected Prime Video app for Apple TV states that tvOS's Universal Search feature now lets you search 1.3 million TV episodes and movies on your Apple TV.
Siri Remote gets a minor refresh and lower price
While the big news for Apple TV fans was the updated Apple TV 4K, with HDR support, it looks like the Siri Remote also got a few small updates.