Apple TV gets AirPlay mirroring, Photo Stream, NHL and WSJ Live
Apple released a software update for its second-generation Apple TV on Wednesday offering support for iOS 5 features like AirPlay mirroring and Photo Stream, along with new channels from content producers.
Version 4.4 of the device's software brings a host of new capabilities that leverage today's iOS 5 release and Mac software update, allowing users to access features from iCloud.
With the new software, Apple TV users can now view photos taken on their iOS devices through Photo Stream, an iCloud feature that uploads images to the cloud and pushes them to WiFi-connected Apple devices. AirPlay mirroring allows users to stream what's on their iPad 2 and iPhone 4S screens directly to an HDTV.
The update also includes Trailers, which Apple describes as an "all new way to browse" hundreds of the latest trailers, as well as Wall Street Journal Live and National Hockey League content.
The NHL channel comes with the ability to stream live games, and display highlights and scores, while WSJ Live offers access "up-to-date news, business commentary, and financial analysis."
In addition to the new apps and iOS functionality, the update comes with support for subtitles in Netflix and three new slideshow themes.
Version 4.4 of the device's software brings a host of new capabilities that leverage today's iOS 5 release and Mac software update, allowing users to access features from iCloud.
With the new software, Apple TV users can now view photos taken on their iOS devices through Photo Stream, an iCloud feature that uploads images to the cloud and pushes them to WiFi-connected Apple devices. AirPlay mirroring allows users to stream what's on their iPad 2 and iPhone 4S screens directly to an HDTV.
The update also includes Trailers, which Apple describes as an "all new way to browse" hundreds of the latest trailers, as well as Wall Street Journal Live and National Hockey League content.
The NHL channel comes with the ability to stream live games, and display highlights and scores, while WSJ Live offers access "up-to-date news, business commentary, and financial analysis."
In addition to the new apps and iOS functionality, the update comes with support for subtitles in Netflix and three new slideshow themes.
Comments
Come on NFL. I've heard that insurance on Ferrari's is really expensive. Why don't you launch an aTV/iOS app. I cut the cable chord 2 years ago and love it. We're so close to getting to having everything available online. You know it's going to happen eventually. Don't say no. Everyone says no at first. Be original. Say yes!
Where is the Apple TV App Store?! This is LONG overdue!!!
So I'm now taking stabalized 1080P video with my new iPhone 4S but the Apple TV can't play it at full resolution because of it's weak sauce A4 CPU? Please, please, Apple. Will you please slide the A5 into the Apple TV and continue to work on content agreements? I have a first gen Apple TV and love it. But with all of these new content providers coming over I really want to upgrade.
I dare the average user to tell the difference between 720P. I'v tried comparing with Blu-Ray content and my eyes just can't see a difference. Very subtle at best. I know people will rip this opinion, but I'm, not alone in that thought. But yeah an updated Apple TV in general would be good.
I dare the average user to tell the difference between 720P. I'v tried comparing with Blu-Ray content and my eyes just can't see a difference. Very subtle at best. I know people will rip this opinion, but I'm, not alone in that thought. But yeah an updated Apple TV in general would be good.
It depends a lot on the size of the screen.
Can't seem to find the Trailers, are they hidden away somewhere?
Too bad I have to get my Internet from the cable company, although, my neighbor recently dropped his TV portion and I think he pays somewhere around $50 a month for Internet and phone and now gets his TV from Dish. I like the WSJ upgrade. Not really interested in hockey.
Just tried the WSJ on ATV. Very good quality.
Is it true you have to pay for the NHL games, though?
I am now on my forth attempt to update my Apple TV...
My iPad 2 no problem but my iPhone is now a brick...
Ummm Apple? Whatever happened to "just works?"
I am now on my forth attempt to update my Apple TV...
One of our Apple TVs went through fine, but the other took us 4 tries to update. It finally went through and both are working fine now.
$159 for a year of the NHL is a little steep for my tastes. That and after the MBL blacking out of games 4 hours drive away, I'm afraid I couldn't watch any games I would be interested in viewing.
Just tried the WSJ on ATV. Very good quality.
The only trouble is, WSJ-tv is a bit lame.
Ummm Apple? Whatever happened to "just works?"
I am now on my forth attempt to update my Apple TV...
My iPad 2 no problem but my iPhone is now a brick...
Ive got 3 AppleTVs and yeah, it keeps failing. Woulda been nice if they dropped the GM for their devs so I could just push the code via USB.
Has to be all those 10.7.2 and iPhone/iPad, iTunes, iWork, dozens of iOS app updates, did I miss anything?
Gotta give them some credit though. Imagine if they did this on tomorrow or Friday when those iPhone start to land enmass.
Update was not successful.