Apple is researching a universal remote with a Touch ID fingerprint scanner that could simplify entering passwords and controlling smart home appliances and other devices.
While the vast majority of updates for Apple's products are coupled with announcements, even the firmware updates from time to time, that's not always the case. Some minor firmware updates go mostly under the radar, especially when it comes to whatever "new" things are being added to the mix. That's the case with today's firmware update for the brand new Siri Remote.
When Apple introduced the newest Apple TV 4K, it also welcomed a brand new Siri Remote. It's a significant redesign from the previous generation, and one of the best features of the set-top box in general. But, a lot of people thought Apple would offer a built-in tracking option, an oft-requested feature.
The Apple TV remote could gain UWB functionality in a future model, enabling you to point the remote at different accessories to quickly switch between things like TVs and Hi-Fi receivers.
There's been confusion regarding video scrubbing on an Apple TV using the revamped Siri Remote so here's a nice little video explainer showing you how to use Apple's new jog control.
The crew over at iFixit got their hands on the new Apple TV 4K, which launched not too long ago. So of course it didn't take them long before they started taking the set-top box apart.
Apple is doing interesting things with the Find My network. Earlier this month it opened things up to third-party accessories, and, of course, launched the AirTag item tracker. But Siri apparently thinks Apple isn't quite done just yet.
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.
Well, it finally happened. Apple got around to launching a new Apple TV set-top box at today's Spring Loaded event.
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.
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 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.