Without any fanfare, Apple's tvOS 16 arrives at WWDC
Apple did not discuss tvOS at WWDC 2022, with the update seemingly limited to support for the major new features in iOS 16, watchOS 9, and macOS Ventura.
Unlike many of Apple's other operating systems, significant updates to tvOS tend to be few and far between. Instead, most updates it receives tend to be performance-related, intended to fix bugs and improve user experience.
Features that tvOS 16 support include the new HomeKit additions, and Apple Watch connectivity with the Apple TV hardware. Additionally, Apple highlighted its new gaming push with Metal 3, and there is limited support for that as well.
In 2021, tvOS 15added the ability for users with AirPods Pro and AirPods Max to listen to Spacial Audio, a system that uses gyroscopes and other sensors in the devices to simulate 3-D listening.
It also expanded on the HomeKit Security features added in tvOS 14, tvOS giving users the option to view HomeKit-compatible security cameras in a grid view. Users can access this view from the Control Center or the fullscreen camera view.
In October 2021, Apple brought SharePlay to the Apple TV. SharePlay allows users to share media, such as video, music, and apps, with family and friends via FaceTime.
Read on AppleInsider
Unlike many of Apple's other operating systems, significant updates to tvOS tend to be few and far between. Instead, most updates it receives tend to be performance-related, intended to fix bugs and improve user experience.
Features that tvOS 16 support include the new HomeKit additions, and Apple Watch connectivity with the Apple TV hardware. Additionally, Apple highlighted its new gaming push with Metal 3, and there is limited support for that as well.
In 2021, tvOS 15added the ability for users with AirPods Pro and AirPods Max to listen to Spacial Audio, a system that uses gyroscopes and other sensors in the devices to simulate 3-D listening.
It also expanded on the HomeKit Security features added in tvOS 14, tvOS giving users the option to view HomeKit-compatible security cameras in a grid view. Users can access this view from the Control Center or the fullscreen camera view.
In October 2021, Apple brought SharePlay to the Apple TV. SharePlay allows users to share media, such as video, music, and apps, with family and friends via FaceTime.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
I wouldn't be surprised if Xcode goes the way of iPod in two years.
Apple do have services like Apple TV+, Apple Store streaming movie rentals and purchases, Apple Music and iTunes Music Store sales. What device do Apple have that allows any TV and Stereo system to use those services? Even if one can use an iPhone and Airplay to get those services on to a TV and stereo system (with WiFi connections), would it make sense to require you to use your iPhone for that purpose? What happens if it's your iPhone that is being used to stream a movie that your whole family is watching on a TV and you receive a call? Would your whole family have to stop watching the movie, while you take the call?
I guess one can also use a Mac or even an iPad, to get those services on to a TV, but that would add several levels of complexity that most consumers would rather not deal with. Consumers now of days are use to just turning on a TV and immediately begin searching for what they want to watch, without having to turn on and wait for some other device. It's the reason why an Apple TV (and I believe most TV boxes) do not have a power switch. Physical media players will go away, before the Apple TV.
Apple is not in the habit of providing Apple software and services, just to enhance or increase the sales, of third party hardware. Apple is still primarily a hardware company. And their software and services, are primarily meant to enhance and drive the sales of Apple hardware.
And Apple seems to be abandoning iTunes also which is the biggest media store in the world. You didn’t even know the name and called it the “Apple Store”. I can’t tell you how many times people ask “where can I watch that?” And people list off streaming services and if it’s unavailable on a streaming service the person thinks they have to hunt down the DVD on eBay or a garage sale when it’s on iTunes for 5 bucks!!!! I had someone over and was scrolling through iTunes and a friend asked “what is this?” I’d say iTunes is leaps and bounds above Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ but I haven’t seen Apple give a sh** in a decade.