Apple TV

Stay up-to-date on the latest Apple TV news and learn how to get the most out of your device with our comprehensive tutorials and guides. Discover new features, troubleshoot issues, and explore the best apps and games for your Apple TV.

How to bring back old password-entry grid on fourth-generation Apple TV

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 26, 2019

To me, the new software keyboard in tvOS is absolutely the biggest pain point and a major step back from the old password-entry grid on previous Apple TV models.

As ridiculous as it sounds, Apple has opted to put all the characters in a single line, two-row layout. This isn't just odd from a user experience standpoint, the new keyboard design in tvOS is a lot slower and clunkier to maneuver than the previous grid-style one.

And with the amount of passwords needing entering in third-party video apps, it's especially annoying and cumbersome. But as it turns out, there's a way to bring back the old password-entry grid to speed up typing those passwords.

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This flexible mounting system attaches Apple TV and Siri Remote to the back of your telly

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 23, 2015

A United States company called Innovelis today announced that its brand new flexible mounting system for the fourth-generation Apple TV set-top box and Siri Remote is available for purchase exclusively via Apple's retail and online stores around the world.

Retailing for just $29.95, this useful accessory is especially convenient for Apple TV fans with a wall-mounted TV.

Dubbed the TotalMount Pro, it attaches your Apple TV directly to the back of a television set, helping eliminate both the clutter and the need to tunnel the HDMI cable through the wall from your TV area.

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Beat Sports review: turn your Apple TV into a Wii, sort of

Lory Gil ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

With the fourth-generation Apple TV now available, we are getting a glimpse at the types of apps and games that are being developed for our living room. One surprising addition to the gaming world comes from Harmonix (creators of Guitar Hero and Rock Band).

Beat Sports is a rhythm-based sports game. Players use their Siri Remote control as a sort of Wii style motion-based remote to swing away at oncoming balls. We've got a full game review of Beat Sports for your reading enjoyment.

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Apple posts new Apple TV ad highlighting the Watch ABC app

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

Right after posting several new advertisements highlighting apps on the Apple TV, Apple has launched yet another new ad, this time highlighting the popular Watch ABC app.

Yesterday, Apple published five new ad spots for various apps on the platform, including Disney Infinity 3.0. Crossy Road, HBO Now, Asphalt 8, and Netflix. Not content with that onslaught of promotion, Apple has added an additional new 15-second video to its YouTube channel in an effort to showcase ABC's streaming video offering.

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tvOS 9.1 beta 3 now available to developers

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 18, 2015

In addition to releasing iOS 9.2 beta 4 to developers and public beta testers, Apple on Wednesday also released a third beta of tvOS 9.1 to developers, its operating system for the fourth-generation Apple TV.

The tvOS 9.1 beta 3 update (build number: 13U5077a) is available over-the-air on the new Apple TV to developers who are on a prior tvOS beta, as well as a standalone download through Apple's portal for developers.

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Airfeed for Twitter lets you view your feed on your Apple TV

Lory Gil ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

As if we didn't already have enough ways to check in on Twitter, now we have TV to help us satiate our narcissistic tendencies. A new third-party Twitter client has popped up exclusively on the fourth-generation Apple TV so you can see what your friends are talking about.

Airfeed for Twitter sends the most recent tweets in your feed directly to your TV screen so you don't have to, you know, get out your iPhone. We've got a hands-on review of Airfeed for Twitter for you today.

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Apple posts new ads highlighting apps for Apple TV

Matthew Miller ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

Tim Cook has said in numerous interviews that apps are the future of TV. Apple's marketing department seems to be taking that statement to heart, releasing five new Apple TV ad spots on their YouTube channel today. In these ads, Apple is showcasing both content and games, from a variety of creators.

All of the ads feature a slick introduction from the moment the app starts to when the actual apps are shown. No users of the Apple TV are shown, but instead Apple is focusing only on the content of the apps themselves.

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Read this if your new Apple TV is messing up your TV or receiver

Sébastien Page ∙ November 12, 2015

Strange things started happening to my TV since first plugging in my new Apple TV a couple weeks ago, and while I didn't immediately connect the dots, it quickly became apparent that the new device was the culprit. After a bit of digging and a lot of commonsense, I figured out my problems and how to fix them. As often, the solution was just at the click of a button.

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Review: Apple TV Remote Loop

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

The Apple TV Remote Loop is a $12.99 accessory for the Apple TV Siri Remote, and it essentially functions as a lanyard to keep the remote securely within your grasp. This can be important when using the Siri Remote to play games, as some titles may require you to wave the remote around, sometimes aggressively, to control certain on screen elements.

But the Remote Loop is sold separately, and doesn't come bundled with the Apple TV. With this in mind, should you consider buying it? Is it a wise decision for gamers who'll be using the Siri Remote's sensors to play Wii-inspired games? Read our full review to find out the answer.

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Apple announces Tech Talks tour for Apple TV developers

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

Following the posting of a new tvOS beta, Apple on Tuesday announced that it is taking to the road next month to help developers take full advantage of the new Apple TV. Beginning December 7, the company plans to hold TV Tech Talks in 10 cites around the globe.

During these events, developers will get in-depth technical information on building and designing for tvOS, learn refined coding techniques, and obtain valuable instruction from experts. Seating is limited, so those interested will have to register for a chance to attend.

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Apple seeds tvOS 9.1 beta 2 to developers

Jeff Benjamin ∙ November 10, 2015

Hot on the heels of its iOS 9.2 beta 3 release, Apple has seeded the second update to its tvOS 9.1 beta. If you're already running the current tvOS beta on your Apple TV, then you can go into the Settings app and perform an OTA update to upgrade.

If you're a developer that's not already running the tvOS 9.1 beta 1 release, then you can head over to Apple's Member Center and download the full tvOS 9.1 beta 2 release. The update, which comes in at 900MB and sports build number 13U5069b, features no significant user-facing features in its change log.

As we know, though, tvOS 9.1 beta 1 brought about Siri support for Apple Music on the Apple TV, and that wasn't mentioned anywhere in the change log for that release.

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