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Your fourth-generation Apple TV just got a tad easier to use with a second major update to the set-top box's operating system now available following tvOS 10's debut last fall. The tvOS 10.2 software update (build 14W265) is now available on fourth-generation Apple TVs as a free over-an-air download in Settings → System → Software Updates.
An unreleased model of the Apple TV set-top box running tvOS 11, the next major revision to the device's operating system, has appeared in developer logs, as first spotted by co-founder and programmer at Firi Games, a Dutch studio that creates games for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. A device carrying the “AppleTV 6,2” identifier reportedly uses an IP address suggesting it's being tested in Cupertino.
Apple today seeded sixth betas of what would become the tvOS software update for the fourth-generation Apple TV and the watchOS 3.2 software update for Apple Watch with new features like Theater Mode, support for Siri in watchOS apps and other perks.
tvOS 10.2 beta 6 (build 14W5264a) can be deployed via the Software Update mechanism on any Apple TV with an appropriate configuration profile. watchOS 3.2 beta 6 (build 14V5245a) is available as an over-the-air download via your paired iPhone.
Following yesterday's release of macOS Sierra 10.12.4 beta 5, Apple on Wednesday issued fifth betas of iOS 10.3, watchOS 3.2 and tvOS 10.2. Registered developers and members of the Apple Developer Program can install iOS 10.3 beta 5 (build 14E5269a), watchOS 3.2 beta 5 (build 14V5243a) and tvOS 10.2 beta 5 (build 14W5260a) over-the-air through the Software Update mechanism provided their devices have a special configuration profile, available on Apple's portal for developers.
As reported by iDB, a jailbreak for the Apple TV 4 and tvOS 9.1-10.1 was recently released by Jonathan Levin. If you're interested in the ins and outs of his new tool, check out our article on the subject for more information.
In this guide we will focus instead on how to install the liberTV application to your Apple TV, and how to use it to jailbreak.
As you may recall, a couple of days ago we reported on an upcoming jailbreak for the Apple TV 4 and tvOS 10, from macOS and iOS internals researcher Jonathan Levin. At that time the tool was undergoing some final beta testing, but as of today the wait is over, and the jailbreak has been made available to the public.
Apple on Tuesday seeded tvOS 10.2 beta 4 (build 14W5252c) to developers. The release comes just over a week after the third beta was released and a month after tvOS 10.1.1 launched to the public. The software can be installed over the air on compatible Apple TVs with the appropriate profile.
According to what we've seen in Apple's release notes for tvOS 10.2, the update improves scrolling behavior so users can sift through longer lists more quickly. The feature is activated with a large swipe on the Siri Remote touchpad, and a far right-side swipe brings up index options.
As previously reported here on iDB, rumours of a jailbreak for the oft-neglected Apple TV 4 have been circulating since soon after the disclosure of Ian Beer's Project Zero exploits, and especially since those exploits were used by Luca Todesco to fashion the Yalu jailbreak for iOS 10.0-10.2.
It was discovered soon after Yalu was released that many of the exploits used were also present on tvOS, and Apple TV developer nitoTV commented that consequently the jailbreak could be ported, with modifications, to that platform.
Aside from seeding iOS 10.3 beta 3 to members of the Apple Developer Program, Apple this morning released a third beta of both watchOS 3.2 and tvOS 10.2 for developer testing as well. watchOS 3.2 beta 3 (build 14V5224d) and tvOS 10.2 beta 3 (build 14W5241c) are both available over the air via Software Update.
Bloomberg is reporting that Apple is testing a next-generation Apple TV media-streaming box that will have native 4K video output and other improvements.
The new set-top box is said to release “as soon as this year,” according to sources familiar with the development who spoke with reporter Mark Gurman.
Internally codenamed “J105,” a fifth-generation device will be capable of 4K streaming and should support “more vivid colors,” indicating support for the wide color gamut feature that Apple already introduced in latest iPads and iPhones.
Facebook has officially confirmed through the mouth of its Vice President of Partnerships Dan Rose and via a press release that it's indeed planning to launch a video-focused Apple TV app soon. The forthcoming app will let users kick back and watch Facebook videos from the couch. Rose has confirmed the development at the Code Media conference in Dana Point, California. The Wall Street Journal was first to report that Facebook was working on an app for set-top boxes back in January.
Premium entertainment network Epix today announced its new app for the fourth-generation Apple TV is now available for download on App Store. Similar in terms of features and appearance to their iPhone and iPad app, the Apple TV app permits owners of Apple's media-streaming box to watch live television, browse movie trailers, add videos to a queue, watch thousands of movies on demand and more.