Despite the fact Apple launched AirPlay 2 way back in 2018, there are some iOS apps out there that don't support it. One being the ridiculously popular music streaming app, Spotify. And while it sounds like the company is looking into it, and even plans on implementing support at some point, it turns out it won't be soon.
AirPlay 2 support and the HomeKit feature have expanded to certain smart TV sets from Toshiba and Insignia manufactured in 2020, including Insignia's 4K-enabled Smart Fire TV.
Apple's ecosystem isn't just about one device. It's about finding the right way to work across all the different Apple-branded products on your desk. And with two new features coming soon to macOS 12 Monterey (and, technically, iPadOS 15), it's getting a bit easier.
Samsung Electronics has expanded its Smart Monitor lineup with three new display sizes along with new features like AirPlay 2 compatibility, additional color options and more.
Korean consumer electronics maker LG has launched its soundbar lineup for 2021 with built-in support for AirPlay 2, Apple's device-to-device media streaming technology.
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AirPlay 2 is supported across all of LG's 2021 soundbars. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround systems are also supported. The soundbars work with Google and Amazon assistants as well. LG's 2021 soundbars have AirPlay 2 built-inAs per the announcement on the LG website, the new soundbars deliver a premium audio experience and convenient control along with eco-consciousness designs and packaging.
“The new lineup offers high-quality audio, easy connectivity, smart functionality and stylish aesthetics with a modern look designed to complement LG’s stunning TVs and works well with any décor,” the company notes.
The 2021 lineup is compatible with Siri, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for hands-free voice and playback control. With AirPlay 2, Apple customers can stream, control and share their favorite music and other content directly from their iPhone, iPad or Mac.
The new soundbars also support LG TV’s AI Sound Pro feature.
Audio from the TV is played through the soundbar via TV Sound Mode Share, delivering the superior audio processing power of AI Sound Pro on the more capable speakers of the new soundbars. LG’s soundbars now offer all of the same sound modes as its latest TVs, allowing users to easily switch between the soundbar and the TV using the TV remote.
Other notable features of the new 2021 LG soundbar lineup include support for the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround audio formats, in addition to Dolby Vision compatibility via 4K pass-through, Meridian Audio tuning and the latest Meridian Horizon technology.
Some of the models are Hi-Res Audio certified for lossless playback at 24-bit/96kHz.
Compared to the original version, AirPlay 2 improves buffering while adding support for multi-room audio and streaming audio to stereo speakers. AirPlay is accessible on iOS, iPadOS and macOS devices through the Control Center, the Home app and the Siri assistant.
Image credit: LG Electronics
Earlier this month, a report revealed that Sonos had a new speaker in the works. The Roam is designed to move from one area to the next, rather than sit in one room. And, with that, it's priced to move, too.
Google has stopped supporting the official YouTube app on the third-generation Apple TV. As a result, customers are advised to use AirPlay as the only option for watching YouTube videos.
Samsung at its virtual Unbox & Discover event showed off its 2021 lineup of TVs, monitors and soundbars, confirming that its rotatable Sero television set will soon pick up support for AirPlay, Apple's device-to-device media streaming protocol. Samsung's implementation of the feature is pretty interesting—When AirPlay 2 is used, switching between portrait and landscape on an iPhone or iPad will affect the orientation of your rotating Samsung screen.
Apple has made good on its promise to bring proper AirPlay 2 support to the Fitness+ service.
Apple seeded the first beta of iOS 14.5 to developers earlier today, and apparently the prerelease software is packed with new features. For instance, Apple Fitness+ is getting a new feature it probably should have had at launch.
It has been a bit of a rollercoaster for owners of 2018 LG-branded smart TVs when it comes to AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support. But, months after initially canceling plans to add the new features for older smart TVs, the update is now rolling out.
If you have a TV that supports AirPlay, and you planned on using that to display Apple Fitness+ on your big screen, there may be an issue.