appletv – Apple TV Hacks https://www.appletvhacks.net Get more from your shiny box of joy: Taking Apple TVs to the next level Fri, 10 Feb 2017 15:10:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Top 5 games to play on your Apple TV right now https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/02/10/5-games-play-apple-tv/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/02/10/5-games-play-apple-tv/#respond Fri, 10 Feb 2017 15:10:01 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111252 We would lie if we were to claim that the Apple TV is a perfect console, because that’s not true. While it does have its share of problems, no one can deny that it also has a lot of potential....

The post Top 5 games to play on your Apple TV right now appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
We would lie if we were to claim that the Apple TV is a perfect console, because that’s not true. While it does have its share of problems, no one can deny that it also has a lot of potential. The developers are working hard to improve it and bring it to current standards in terms of functionality and available content, but there are certain shortcomings about it that may tick off some people.

The App Store discovery doesn’t work as it should and give the fact that you cannot link applications on the web doesn’t help boost the ATV’s popularly either. However, in the past 2 weeks we went on a download spree and got to play a wide range of games on the ATV. If you’re an Apple TV gamer and want to know more about the best titles you should check out, then you’re in the right place. Below we’ll take a better look at the Best apple TV games that we think every Apple TV owners should play. Let’s check them out!

1. Galaxy on Fire: Manticore Rising

Galaxy on Fire Manticore Rising

Space shooters seem to be enjoying a lot of success on the Apple TV and Galaxy on Fire: Manticore Rising is certainly a title that deserves your attention. The game is fun to play, has great art and we believe that its shortcomings in the voiceover department can be overlooked. Why? Well, because the developers just gave us first look at how the Siri Remote may be used in the development of future Apple TV games.

In terms of control, it’s limited and your ship will automatically attack enemy ships. Using the motion controls is fun and exploring the vast space is an experience in itself given the great graphics. If you’re into space shooters and want to play a slick title that perfectly fits the genre, then you may want to give Manticore Rising a shot.

2. Oceanhorn

Oceanhorn level

Do you love The Legend of Zelda and think it’s an amazing game? Well, we also think the same. Even more, we want to let you know about Oceanhorn which is a sort of Zelda clone. What we love about this title, aside from its resemblance to Zelda, are the top notch graphics. These actually give you a glimpse of the ATV’s capability as a gaming console for less derivative games. Overall, the game is really fun to play, yet it’s not a masterpiece by any means. However, it does prove that titles such as it may be a convincing leap to a bigger screen.

3. Alto’s Adventure

Alto's Adventure main screen

If you have an iPad or an iPhone, chances are that you may have already played Alto’s Adventure. This is a very fun and interesting game to say the least. Not only that, but it features smooth animations, stark colors, amazing environments, and minimal artwork. All of these combined result in a world that captivates you and makes you want to play more. As you’ll zip down the slopes, all you have to do is jump. You can also hold the button to perform backflips, so playing the game is very simple. If you’re into very simple games that you can play either on the subway or at home while having a cup of tea, then Alto’s Adventure is a title you should certainly not miss.

4. Bean Dreams

Chilli bean

Bean Dreams is probably one of the funniest games we’ve ever played on the Apple TV. In the game you’ll play as a Mexican bean that simply can’t stop itself from jumping. This means that you just need to use your thumb to move the character right or left. When playing it on the Apple TV, you can either use a controller or the Siri Remote to enjoy it. Overall, Bean Dreams resembles Mario a lot and it’s a fresh take on the game that we think you’ll love. We’ve also had a lot more fun playing it with the Siri Remote rather than a third party controller, but your mileage may vary.

5. Skylanders: Superchargers

Skylanders Superchargers print

If you never thought that cramming a 10 GB game on a console is impossible, then you’re wrong. Skylanders Superchargers managed to do just that and you can now play it on the Apple TV. What makes this game special is the fact that it uses the app thinning technique on the tvOS to stream various parts of the game on the fly. Better yet, since it also features iCloud Saves, you can literally play this game anytime and anywhere as long as you’re connected to the internet.

If you want to play the game, you also have the option to purchase a 75-dollar starter pack, a vehicle, 2 figurines, and a controller. If you don’t want that, then rest assured. You can have just as much fun by opting for the in-app purchases. Have fun!

The post Top 5 games to play on your Apple TV right now appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/02/10/5-games-play-apple-tv/feed/ 0
Can You Control Your Apple TV Without The Remote? https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/02/06/control-apple-tv-remote/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/02/06/control-apple-tv-remote/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2017 20:12:32 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111185 “Can you use apple tv without remote?” Sure you can! In fact, Apple has made it easy for you to enjoy the Apple TV with or without their remote control. Setting up your Apple TV is generally a breeze, but...

The post Can You Control Your Apple TV Without The Remote? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
“Can you use apple tv without remote?” Sure you can! In fact, Apple has made it easy for you to enjoy the Apple TV with or without their remote control. Setting up your Apple TV is generally a breeze, but not so if you want to set up apple tv without remote. However, did you know that you can actually use your Bluetooth keyboard, iPhone, and iPad to set up your Apple TV? That’s right! Many people simply don’t like to turn on tv with apple tv remote or basically use the Apple TV remote. So if you’re currently wondering how to use other devices with your Apple TV, then you’re in the right place. In today’s article we’ll tell you exactly how to do that.

Use an iPhone or iPod Touch to set up your Apple TV

If you’re wondering how to turn on apple tv without remote or how to control apple tv without remote, wonder no more! You can easily use your iPod Touch or iPhone to control your Apple TV. To wirelessly set up your device to use them, you’ll need to boot your Apple TV until the language screen pops up. Turn on Bluetooth on your device and place it on your Apple TV. Once you do that, a screen will appear where you have to sign in to your iTunes account.

Note: If you plan on buying content from iTunes, then you may want your Apple TV to remember your sign in credentials. This way, the next time you want to buy something you won’t have to enter your Apple ID and password again.

At this screen you also have the option to choose whether you’d like to help Apple improve user support and products. You can help them by agreeing to send info to Apple about how you use your Apple TV. If you don’t wish to do that, then just select No Thanks.

The setup process will then continue on the Apple TV. The device will use your access point to connect to the internet. The access point is provided automatically by your iPhone or iPad (whichever you’re using). Also, entering your router’s access point isn’t necessary, since the iOS device will handle that for you. At this point, your Apple television is fully activated. To access the iTunes Store, you’ll now just have to use your account information and login. Once you do that, you’ll see the home menu and can proceed to using iphone as apple tv remote. You can also use your iPad, depending on which device you paired with the Apple TV.

Note: In case your apple tv siri remote not working or you lost it, then you may wonder how to turn on apple tv without a remote. Well, doing so is simple and you just have to use a Bluetooth keyboard. This way, you don’t have to worry about ordering a replacement remote for apple tv anytime soon.

Setting up your Bluetooth keyboard

If you want, then while here you may also go to Settings, General, and then navigate to Bluetooth. By doing so, you can pair a Bluetooth keyboard to your Apple TV. It’s certainly going to come in handy whenever you need to type in any text.

Set up your Apple TV by using a Bluetooth keyboard

To do this, you’ll first of all need to turn on apple tv. At the language screen, you’ll also be informed that you can use a Bluetooth keyboard with your Apple TV. Pairing it is simple and all you have to do is turn on the keyboard and bring it close to the Apple TV.

A pairing code will appear on the screen. Enter it on the keyboard and then hit Enter. Your attempt may not be successful at first, so if that’s the case, be sure to try again. Once you manage to pair your keyboard with the Apple TV, you can use it to step through your menus. You’ll find it to be a lot more convenient, especially when searching for things online.

If you’d like to advance to the next screen, hit Enter. Now when it comes to the Wi-Fi screen, selecting your desired Wi-Fi access point is easier than ever and can be done by using the arrow keys. Once you select your desired Wi-Fi, you have to enter the password for it. Since you have a keyboard, doing so is a lot easier.

Again, you’ll be asked whether you want to send info to Apple to helps improve its user support or products. Click OK if you agree or No Thanks if you don’t want to send such data to Apple. Once you do that, you’ll be taken to the home screen menu.

Note: You still have to set up your iTunes account. To do that, go to Settings and then navigate to iTunes Store.

Controlling your Apple TV with an Android device

If you’d like to use your Android device to control your Apple TV, then you need to download an android apple tv remote app. This app is called Air Remote and you can easily download it through the Google Play Store. The interface is easy-to-use interface and the app works great.

Now that you know how to connect to apple tv without remote, you don’t have to worry about buying a new remote if you damaged or lost yours. Just follow our simple tips and you’ll be able to enjoy your Apple TV just as much with or without its original remote!

The post Can You Control Your Apple TV Without The Remote? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/02/06/control-apple-tv-remote/feed/ 3
Top 8 best Apple TV apps you should try right now https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/30/8-best-apple-tv-apps-try/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/30/8-best-apple-tv-apps-try/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2017 14:37:47 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111067 When Apple released the Apple TV, Tim Cook said that the future of TV is apps. Well, we couldn’t agree more with that, but the truth is that the App Store simply has too many junk apps available. We bet...

The post Top 8 best Apple TV apps you should try right now appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
When Apple released the Apple TV, Tim Cook said that the future of TV is apps. Well, we couldn’t agree more with that, but the truth is that the App Store simply has too many junk apps available. We bet that you’ve already deleted many of them just because you rarely use them! So if you’re the type who wants to install the best apple tv apps on your TV, then you need to look for them. Luckily, today we’re going to make this a lot easier for you. In the paragraphs below, we reviewed some of the best apps you can install on your Apple TV. Let’s check them out!

CARROT Weather (Apple TV only)

If you travel a lot or you’re simply interested in how the weather is going to be today or tomorrow, then you need to get the CARROT weather app. What’s great about it is that you can use it in order to store multiple locations. Better yet, it also features some pretty great animations that you’ll certainly like. Whatever you do though, just make sure you don’t poke its ocular sensor!

Wikify (universal)

Wikify (universal)We’re all aware of Wikipedia and we’ve probably used it more than we think. However, having Wikipedia on your TV may seem a little bit weird at first. However, Wikify is more like a travel companion. The way it works is that if you travel somewhere, you can use it in order to zoom on your location. As you zoom, you’ll notice a lot of red pins will start to pop up. Each of those pins actually represents interesting locations that you may want to visit. While this kind of functionality may sound like it’s better suited for a phone, we cannot refute its usefulness.

TVPlayer (universal)

If you have an Apple TV, then there is a chance that it’s plugged into an actual TV that can play live broadcasts. If that’s not the case, then don’t worry about it. Using TVPlayer you can gain access to a lot of TV channels right away. If you want, then you can also pay something extra and access a lot of private channels as well. According to users, this is by far one of the most interesting apps for apple tv, so be sure to give it a shot!

TV Maps (universal)

Many people may scoff at the idea of using maps on their TV. That’s because it’s unrealistic that while traveling, you’ll have your Apple TV with you in your car, trying to zoom up on the highway to find the next gas station. However, you can look at this app in a different way. You can use it in order to explore. TV Maps offers you a three dimensional view of popular landmarks. If you want, then you can also receive directions that you can then send to your mobile device through the TV Maps app. How great is that?

Streaks workout

For those who want to get in shape and never really get to do something about it, Streaks Workout may be the answer they’re looking for. Using this app, you only need some desire to get in shape, a floor, and your Apple TV. In terms of exercising, you can choose the exercises you want to do and how long you want to exercise. With Streaks Workout, you’ll be able to track your workout and see how much fat you burn. Thanks to this great app, you can set weight loss goals and lose fat without having to go to the gym. Just give it a try to convince yourself of how useful it actually is!

Speedtest by Ookla (universal)

best apple tv apps 2016We’ve all used a speed test tool or website at least once, but did you know that they’re generally inaccurate? Therefore, if you have trouble streaking your favorite content on the Apple TV, then you may want to use Ookla to test your broadband speed. Based on its reviews, Ookla is one of the best apple tv apps 2016 and you should certainly install it on your TV. Now when it comes to the internet speed test, it takes about a minute. Once it’s over, you’ll know all about your download and upload speed.

Solar Walk 2 (universal)

Have you ever wanted to explore the solar system? If the answer is yes, then we have good news for you! With Solar Walk 2 you can easily do that! This app is available of the Apple TV and it’s simply amazing. You can use it to explore the Moon, the planets in our solar system and also the moon. There are also infographics which tell you a lot about Earth and the rest of the planets in the solar system. Pretty interesting stuff for sure!

Plane Finder

If you’re an armchair plane geek, then Plane Finder may very well be an indispensable app for you. Using it you can see almost live maps of planes that hurtle through the sky. You can also search for certain flights, filter by company, and even zoom to track specific planes. On the other hand, if you like something more conventional, then you may want to give FlightBoard a try.

If you’re looking for the best apps for apple tv, then now you have them. Check them out and see how much you like them, but don’t forget to let us know about it in the comments section below!

The post Top 8 best Apple TV apps you should try right now appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/30/8-best-apple-tv-apps-try/feed/ 1
How to Factory Reset your Apple TV in just a few steps https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/24/factory-reset-apple-tv-steps/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/24/factory-reset-apple-tv-steps/#respond Tue, 24 Jan 2017 12:42:08 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111046 Sooner or later you may want to sell your apple TV or maybe even gift it to one of your friends. Or, you’ve tried to jailbreak your TV and in the process bricked it. Whichever the case though, the good...

The post How to Factory Reset your Apple TV in just a few steps appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
Sooner or later you may want to sell your apple TV or maybe even gift it to one of your friends. Or, you’ve tried to jailbreak your TV and in the process bricked it. Whichever the case though, the good news is that you don’t need to worry about getting another one. How come? Well, if you know how to reset apple tv then you can once again enjoy watching your favorite content on it in no time.

If this is the first time you’re trying to reset your Apple TV, it’s important to know that there are 2 ways you can do this. The first method involves resetting the TV from the Settings menu. This assumes that you can boot up the TV and use the menus. If you can do this, then way to go!

On the other hand, if you haven’t really used your TV in a while and you don’t think you’re ever going to use it anytime soon, then you may want to donate or sell it. Before you do that, you need to wipe off any sensitive data on it. Doing so is simple and you just have to use iTunes to complete the process.

There’s also the case when your TV doesn’t work anymore because you tried to update the firmware and accidentally lost power to the device. Or maybe you did something else that bricked it. With that in mind below we’ll take a closer look at your options.

You can boot your Apple TV

If your Apple TV boots, then you can use the console in order to reset it. To do that, you should access the main menu and then go to Settings. Here, make sure to click on General. After you access this menu, you should scroll to the bottom. There you’ll see that you can actually reset your Apple TV without unplugging it and then proceeding to plug it back in. Choose the Reset option.

how to reset apple tv

At this point, you’ll be able to cancel or restore your device to the original settings it shipped with. You can also reset your configuration and account. The option for doing so is called Reset All Settings.

Keep in mind that if you click Restore, then you’ll not only wipe the data on your Apple TV, but you’ll also download and install the latest software updates for it.

You can’t boot your Apple TV

If something bad happened and you cannot boot your Apple TV or maybe your Apple TV doesn’t operate properly, then don’t worry. This can be easily fixed by restoring it. Just connect it to your personal computer or laptop and factory reset it by using iTunes.

The first step you have to take though is to unplug the Apple TV. Next, get a mini USB cable and plug it into the back of the Apple TV. The USB port can be found below the HDMI port. The other end of the USB cable should be plugged into your laptop or personal computer.

At this point, your Apple TV should be connected, so be sure to plug it back in. If it’s not already running, iTunes will be launched automatically to recognize the Apple TV. There are 2 options you can choose from now, but remember that we want to fix the Apple TV. Therefore, we’ll click on Restore Apple TV.

can't boot Apple TV

Once you do that, you’ll be requested to confirm that you want to restore your Apple TV. Click on Restore and Update. You will need to wait a while, depending on your internet connection, for the Apple TV software to be installed. When the installation is complete, you’ll be able to boot the Apple TV and reconnect it to your TV.

Protect your privacy

Knowing how to factory reset your Apple TV goes a long way into helping you enjoy it once again. Once Apple will release a new Apple TV, a lot of people who currently own one may decide to sell it. Knowing how to reset it in order to wipe out sensitive data is very important to protect your privacy. Therefore, we certainly hope that this guide has helped you reset your device to the default factory settings. If there’s anything you’d like to add, please let us know about it in the comments section below.

The post How to Factory Reset your Apple TV in just a few steps appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/24/factory-reset-apple-tv-steps/feed/ 0
What You Need To Know About the Apple Tv 5th Generation https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/19/apple-tv-5th-generation/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/19/apple-tv-5th-generation/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2017 16:08:07 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=110977 Apple has decided to remove the old 3rd generation Apple TV from its lineup and this means that now we’re left only with the 4th generation Apple TV. Even so, the latest Apple TV is still far behind the competition...

The post What You Need To Know About the Apple Tv 5th Generation appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
Apple Tv 5th Generation Image 2Apple has decided to remove the old 3rd generation Apple TV from its lineup and this means that now we’re left only with the 4th generation Apple TV. Even so, the latest Apple TV is still far behind the competition and if apple wants to still be relevant in this market, they need to come up it a 5th generation Apple TV fast. In fact, various sources say that Apple is feeling the pressure, forcing them to come up with an apple tv 5th generation that will yet again set a new standard in the industry.

Apple is already facing fierce competition

In ’15, most of the first 4K UHD set top boxes emerged for the entertainment technology market. Some of the most popular examples of that time include Nvidia Shield, the Amazing Fire 4K TV box, and also the famous Roku 4. Compared to the Apple TV, they were all sporting much better features and the performance was also greater. But while all these alternatives to the Apple TV were great, Apple’s name and notoriety made it difficult for them to thrive and replace Apple’s set top box. However, in 2016 the same companies released their newest set top boxes which were way above what Apple could offer at the time in terms of performance and features. Almost all of them feature 4K support and some of them even support HDR.

Apple TV lags behind in terms of features

It’s true that over the years, Apple has actually released many generations of the device, with the latest iteration surfacing in 2015. This is when the Apple TV 4th generation was released and featured a lot more power than previous generation set top boxes. Currently though, Apple’s set top box lacks a lot of features compared to what the competition offers. On top of that, it doesn’t have the most modern specs users are craving for. This includes support for HDR and 4K UHD resolution. To make it even worse for Apple, their set top box is not cheap at all. In fact, even though it doesn’t offer HDR and 4K support, it still is a lot more expensive than the Amazon Fire TV box, the Roku Premiere Plus, and the Roku Ultra.

At this point Apple finds itself in a situation where they don’t offer the 3rd generation of their Apple TV for sale, but their 4th generation set top box still lags behind. Fortunately, there are signs showing that Apple may be working on the apple tv 5th generation set top box and if we’re lucky, we could easily see it launched this year.

The fans aren’t happy

While the 4th generation Apple TV was released at the end of ’15 and many people loved it, there were also many complaints about it not supporting 4K. In their defense, Apple claimed that due to the relative scarcity of 4K TVs and content they decided that launching a 4K compatible Apple TV is not feasible.

While in 2016 UHD content was still low in volume, it seems that in 2017 this is about to change in a big way. There are now more and more 4K TVs being released and this means that 4K is becoming more mainstream. In fact, at the end of 2016, about forty percent of all TVs sold in the United States (larger than fifty inches) were Ultra HD TVs.

Apple Tv 5th Generation Remote

As we also previously iterated, there’s also a lot of competition that Apple needs to deal with. As we all know, Apple is regarded as an innovating company that always brings something new to the market. However, their Apple TV 4th generation is currently outdated and people are happy to support the competition because they pay less and also get more. In fact, even Chromecast Ultra (from Google) supports 4K content, while Apple’s TV doesn’t.

The Apple Tv 5th Generation launch is imminent

At this point, Apple is feeling the heat and it doesn’t like it. Since they removed the 3rd generation Apple TV from their website, this is a clear sign that they’re working on something new. On top of that, the 4th generation is also due for a replacement very soon.

By considering all these things, it’s clear that Apple doesn’t want to be left behind. It’s not really about losing sales, since they’re making a killing with their iPhone lineup. Apple wants to be regarded as the best company in the world and wants people to think of it as the only company that truly innovates. So if you’re currently thinking about getting a 4K TV, then you should certainly proceed with getting it, since Apple will release their next generation Apple TV sooner than you think. Once they do that, we’ll also see a sharp decrease in price for their 4th gen Apple TV. Great things are to come from Apple, so stay tuned for more updates!

The post What You Need To Know About the Apple Tv 5th Generation appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/19/apple-tv-5th-generation/feed/ 2
How to Delete Apps on the Apple TV https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/15/delete-apps-apple-tv/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/15/delete-apps-apple-tv/#comments Sun, 15 Jan 2017 18:53:45 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111018 As you may know, if you already bought an Apple TV, there are a lot of apps you can use with it and the good news is that new ones are being added often by Apple. If you want though,...

The post How to Delete Apps on the Apple TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
As you may know, if you already bought an Apple TV, there are a lot of apps you can use with it and the good news is that new ones are being added often by Apple. If you want though, you can also download your very own apps from the TV’s App Store. Thanks to it, you have access to a wide range of 3rd party apps that make your Apple TV experience that much more exciting. For simpler and easier navigation, the TV comes with the new Siri remote that supports voice commands and also features a trackpad.

In terms of operating system, the Apple TV features TVOS. From a first look, it does bear certain similarities to the iOS, meaning that managing apps on the Apple TV is very simple. You can also choose what apps you want to keep using and what apps you wish to delete. In the paragraphs below, we’ll divide our short guide into 2 parts.

Delete Apps Apple TV

One of them will focus on how to delete apps on apple tv and the other on how you can move apps on your Apple TV. Both of these parts imply the use of a 4th Gen Apple TV.

Moving apps on your Apple TV

Once you start downloading apps to your Apple TV, you should take some time to arrange the layout as you like it. By doing so, you’ll have quick access to your most used and favorite apps, including the free apps for apple tv.

Compared to Apple TV devices of previous generations, you can now move applications in and out of the top shelf. In the past, the top shelf was reserved for Apple own apps. Speaking of which, whether you like them or not, you cannot delete them.

Now, in order to move the apps, you need to highlight their icon and then press and hold the trackpad. Do so until you notice the icon starts to wiggle. When it does, swipe across the trackpad and move it to your desired spot. To finalize the move you just have to click the trackpad once.

Deleting apps from your Apple TV

Apple TV Delete Apps

If you want to know how to delete apple tv apps, then that’s simple. In fact, it’s very similar to the command used to move them. Highlight the app icon, press and hold the trackpad to the point the icon starts to wiggle and then press the play\pause button on the remote. Once you do so, you’ll be asked to confirm that you want to delete the app. Once confirmed, the app will be deleted.

Using the Settings app to delete apps from the Apple TV

If you want, you can also use the Settings app to delete apps from your Apple TV. Here are the steps to doing so:

  1. Launch the settings app.
  2. Go to General.
  3. Under Usage heading, go to Manage Store.
  4. Click the trash icon next to any of the apps you’d like to remove.
  5. Confirm the removal by clicking delete.

That’s about it! While the first method is indeed very simple, the second method is very useful if you wish to remove more than 1 app. So which one do you like most?

The post How to Delete Apps on the Apple TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/15/delete-apps-apple-tv/feed/ 1
What is Apple TV good for and why should you get one? https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/12/apple-tv-device-define/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/12/apple-tv-device-define/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2017 00:01:23 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111073 What is apple TV good for? Well, if you’ve never used an Apple TV before and you’re wondering why you need to get one, then you’re in the right place. First of all, with an Apple TV you gain access...

The post What is Apple TV good for and why should you get one? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
What is apple TV good for? Well, if you’ve never used an Apple TV before and you’re wondering why you need to get one, then you’re in the right place. First of all, with an Apple TV you gain access to thousands of TV shows, movies, apps, and a lot of high quality content. Secondly, many apps on the App Store are very affordably priced, so you don’t need to worry about poking your wallet to get some if you really want to. If you never had an Apple TV before, then below we’ll tell you more about it and why you may need to get one fast.

Pros

  1. The Apple TV is a stylish, easy to use and affordable set top box.
  2. It costs $149 and $199 for the 32GB and 64GB variant, respectively.

Cons

  1. The Apple TV ties in to iTunes, which some people may not really like.

What is Apple TV?

Apple TV Buy Reasons

The Apple TV is basically a set top box that give you access to a lot of content, including movies, TV shows, apps, and more. You can purchase them or rent them from iTunes and other services, including Netflix, YouTube, etc. In other words, Apple TV simply takes the content that would otherwise be tied to your Mac, iPad, and iPhone and lets you enjoy it on a bigger screen. In terms of quality, the Apple TV is capable of outputting content in Full HD resolution.

Apple TV channels

One thing you need to know is that the Apple TV doesn’t actually offer you access to free to air channels as it’s the case with a regular TV. On top of that, it’s also not a digital video recorder that can help you record your favorite movies or shows while you’re at work. On the other hand, it does offer you access to channels where you can watch a lot of content based on your preferences. You can also use OnDemand services in the same way you would on your iPad and iPhone.

If you’re in the US, then by getting an Apple TV you can gain access to a lot of useful apps and channels. Some examples include WatchESPN, Lifetime, History, but also A&E, PBS, Disney Junior, Disney XD, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, and more. The good news is that Apple adds new channels quite frequently, so the amount of content you can access greatly increases over time. This is amazing if you’re the type who wants to keep up with the latest TV shows and movies.

Can I use my current TV with it?

One of the first things you need to know if you want to get an Apple TV is whether your current TV is compatible with it. As long as your TV has an HDMI port, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to use the Apple TV with it. Keep in mind that your TV needs to also be capable of 720P or Full HD output at 50/60Hz. While the chance your TV may not meet these requirements is low, there may be expectations. This is usually the case if you have an old CRT TV. Also, in order to access content stores, including the iTunes store, you need to have a broadband connection.

What can you play on the Apple TV?

The Apple TV supports a wide range of file formats, including M-PEG, MPEG-4, and H.264. In terms of audio, it supports Audible (formats two, three, four), MP3 VBR, MP3, protected AAC, AAC, HE-AAC (V1), WAV, and Apple Lossless. In terms of image formats, the Apple TV supports TIFF, GIF, and JPEG images.Apple tv what can it play

One of the most important things you need to know about the Apple TV is that you can use it to turn your dumb TV into a smart TV. You can easily access the likes of Vimeo, YouTube, Netflix, but also iTunes movies and TV programs to enjoy the latest video content. Better yet, you can also view images on Flickr and watch Sky news live.

Verdict

As you can see, there are many things to like about the Apple TV. First of all, it’s simple to use and it’s very well built as well. On the other hand, some people may argue that they don’t really have access to as much content as they would like. If you look at the competition (we’re looking at you Roku!) you’ll notice that there are other options you may want to check out.

Truth be said, there are certain features that will only work with the Apple TV, so that’s also something you may want to bear in mind. All in all, the Apple TV is a great way to access large libraries of content and keep up with your favorite movies and TV shows. If you’re a couch potato or find yourself spending too much time looking for great content on your cable TV, then you may want to switch to the Apple TV as soon as possible. It’s definitely worth it!

The post What is Apple TV good for and why should you get one? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/12/apple-tv-device-define/feed/ 1
Apple releases tvOS 9.1 with support for Remote app and Siri for Apple Music https://www.appletvhacks.net/2015/12/09/apple-releases-tvos-9-1-with-support-for-remote-app-and-siri-for-apple-music/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2015/12/09/apple-releases-tvos-9-1-with-support-for-remote-app-and-siri-for-apple-music/#respond Wed, 09 Dec 2015 00:06:06 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=9984 Apple today released tvOS 9.1 for Apple TV 4. It ads Siri support for Apple Music as well as the much-requested support for the Remote app for iPhone and iPad. watchOS 2.1, that was also released today, lets you navigate the new Apple TV...

The post Apple releases tvOS 9.1 with support for Remote app and Siri for Apple Music appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
apple_tv_4-update

Apple today released tvOS 9.1 for Apple TV 4. It ads Siri support for Apple Music as well as the much-requested support for the Remote app for iPhone and iPad. watchOS 2.1, that was also released today, lets you navigate the new Apple TV using the Remote app on your Apple Watch.

Support for Remote app is a nice additions, but Apple TV 4 still lacks support for Bluetooth keyboards. Hopefully it will be included in the next update.

To download the update, go to Settings -> System -> Software updates.

Holiday Gift Guide: Best Accessories for Apple TV 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gen.

You may also want to read:

AP2-ER-300x250

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on TwitterFacebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Apple releases tvOS 9.1 with support for Remote app and Siri for Apple Music appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2015/12/09/apple-releases-tvos-9-1-with-support-for-remote-app-and-siri-for-apple-music/feed/ 0
Twitter introduces Digits for tvOS to make logging into apps on Apple TV easier https://www.appletvhacks.net/2015/12/02/twitter-digits-for-tvos-logging-into-apps-on-new-apple-tv-4/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2015/12/02/twitter-digits-for-tvos-logging-into-apps-on-new-apple-tv-4/#respond Wed, 02 Dec 2015 19:46:42 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=9920 After releasing verified email to make verifying users simpler, Twitter has focused on solving another challenge for developers: verifying users for apps on TV. Today the company introduced Digits for tvOS to make this process easier. According to Twitter, logging into apps...

The post Twitter introduces Digits for tvOS to make logging into apps on Apple TV easier appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
digits-for-tvos-apple-tv

After releasing verified email to make verifying users simpler, Twitter has focused on solving another challenge for developers: verifying users for apps on TV. Today the company introduced Digits for tvOS to make this process easier.

According to Twitter, logging into apps on Apple TV is hard for end users for a number of reasons:

  • First, web views and login methods that rely on oAuth (i.e., social login) aren’t supported.
  • Second, traditional login methods (i.e., username/email and password) are tedious on the TV given the nonstandard input style. Just imagine if your user has to sign up for a service, confirm his/her account and then sign in with his/her full email and password via the TV remote without a keyboard.

With Digits, users can now “seamlessly and safely” log into the Apple TV apps. All it takes is a few lines of code.

How it works

Using Digits’ device authorization, an app on the Apple TV will show a short alphanumeric code. The user then simply enters the code on digits.com/appletv via their laptop or smartphone to authorize the device to their account. Once that’s done, the TV device receives a Digits session for the user’s account which developers can use to instantly identify the user and personalize their experience.

digits

Twitter said it will be rolling out access to customers throughout the day.

AirServer

Most of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are still there: 

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on TwitterFacebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Twitter introduces Digits for tvOS to make logging into apps on Apple TV easier appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2015/12/02/twitter-digits-for-tvos-logging-into-apps-on-new-apple-tv-4/feed/ 0
Plex on Apple TV 4 explained (video) https://www.appletvhacks.net/2015/11/23/plex-on-apple-tv-4-explained-video/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2015/11/23/plex-on-apple-tv-4-explained-video/#respond Mon, 23 Nov 2015 16:49:04 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=9789   Running Plex on an Apple TV prior to tvOS isn’t something new – people have been running custom Apple TV apps like Plex for years by using custom markup languages and JavaScript combined with simple DNS trick. Now, that Apple offers...

The post Plex on Apple TV 4 explained (video) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
 

Running Plex on an Apple TV prior to tvOS isn’t something new – people have been running custom Apple TV apps like Plex for years by using custom markup languages and JavaScript combined with simple DNS trick.

Now, that Apple offers customers an Apple TV App Store and Xcode to developers, Plex has released official Plex app.

To run Plex (Player) on Apple TV 4 you need to have the latest Plex Media Server running on a Mac, PC, Linux, FreeBSD or a NAS that can transcode. More info can be found on Plex Support.

Here is my video showing the new Apple TV app with Plex Server running on a NAS.

Also check out: Infuse 4 for Apple TV 4: first look (video)

You can find more videos on my YouTube channel AskUncleDave.

Note that DRM-protected content (such as video from the iTunes store), ISO disc images, and VIDEO_TS folders are not supported in Plex for Apple TV.

Plex app is free in the Apple TV App Store.

Also available in the Apple TV App Store is Simple X – a third party client for Plex Media Server. It can browse and play videos from Plex servers both on the local network and remotely. However, it does not currently support Mucis or Photo sections in Plex.

AP2-ER-300x250

Also read:

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on TwitterFacebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Plex on Apple TV 4 explained (video) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2015/11/23/plex-on-apple-tv-4-explained-video/feed/ 0