Along with OS X Yosemite 10.10.3 and iOS 8.3, Apple today released a new Apple TV firmware. According to the official release note, Apple TV Software Update 7.2 only includes “general performance and stability improvements.”

The new software is only available for Apple TV 3.

Yesterday, HBO NOW standalone streaming service has gone live on Apple TV.

Also read: Apple TV 4 with Siri and App Store reportedly coming this June

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

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Update: The new Apple TV software beta brings iCloud Family Sharing to the big screen.

Apple today released Apple TV 7 beta 1 firmware to developers. This new beta is supposed to be used for “testing AirPlay with iOS apps.” As we previously reported, one of the new iOS 8 features is the new peer-to-peer connection for AirPlaying to Apple TV.

Interestingly, the new beta software only supports Apple TV 3. Does this mean Apple will definitely drop support for Apple TV 2?

Apple TV 7 Beta 1 Known Issues
• Stuttering (dropped frames) may occur intermittently during video playback. In some cases, playback may stop.
• Apple TV may crash (return to main menu) after purchasing a music video.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest AppleTV-related news.

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So you didn’t update your Apple TV 2 firmware to version 6.0 (iOS 7) when it came in September, hoping for a jailbreak for 5.3 software (iOS 6.1.4 – 10B809) to come sooner or later? The wait is finally over as an updated version of FireCore‘s Seas0nPass now allows for an untethered jailbreak of Apple TV 5.3 (Apple TV 2 only).

The update was possible thanks to the help from @iH8sn0w, @winocm, and @SquiffyPwn.

FireCore also revealed that “there has been some encouraging progress made on Apple TV 6.0+” (thanks to the work of @evad3rs and @nitoTV) and they hope to have more news available “soon”.

If you’re on 6.0.x but have the SHSH blobs saved for 5.3, you can use Seas0nPass to first downgrade and then jailbreak your atv2.

Here is how to jailbreak (instructions provided by FireCore):

Option 1 – if you’re already running 5.3

1. On the ATV2, navigate to Maintenance > Manage Extras
2. Install the Maintenance (2.4) update and the Click to Untether (1.2) items – restart the Apple TV when prompted.

Option 2 – to update or reinstall 5.3

1. (Optional) Navigate to Maintenance > Settings > Manage Backups and create a new backup. Double-check to ensure the backup is listed in the Restore From Backups menu.
2. Download the latest version of Seas0nPass.
3. Open and run Seas0nPass normally, to update the Apple TV to 5.3 untethered.
4. Download and run the new 2.4 version of aTV Flash (black) to reinstall.

If you’re new to aTV Flash (black) you can read our full review here.

Note: The current version of Seas0nPass doesn’t provide a jailbreak for the Apple TV 3.

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

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AllThingsD reports that “despite speculation about new Apple TV hardware on the way, Apple won’t be unveiling any new boxes next week,” but will release a new software for the second and third generation hockey pucks. That’s, as usual, “according to people familiar with the company’s plans.”

Sources said that one new feature in the works will let people who’ve bought content from Apple play that stuff on other users’ Apple TVs, via Apple’s Airplay system and Apple’s server. So if you bought a TV show or movie from Apple’s iTunes store, you could watch it at a friend’s house by calling it up on your iPhone and telling your friend’s Apple TV to start streaming it. (The files wouldn’t need to be stored on your iPhone or iPad)

The new Apple TV firmware will also bring the ability to pair your iDevice directly with your Apple TV and control it via Bluetooth. iTunes Radio and OS X Mavericks multi-display support will be added too.

According to 9to5mac’s Mark Gurman, “Apple has some Apple TV related announcements up its sleeves for the coming months, but major hardware changes aren’t expected until at least next year.” His sources say that “Apple has been working on ways to control the Apple TV (whether that be a full on display – or just a box) via motion.”

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ to be first to know when the new Apple TV software is out.

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Apple has just released an update to the second and third generation Apple TV adding five new channels/apps: long-rumored Vevo TV, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Weather Channel and Smithsonian.

Vevo, Weather Channel and Smithsonian are free, while both Disney channels require a pay TV subscription with cable and satellite providers that have a deal with Disney (these include Comcast, Cox, AT&T U-verse, Charter, Optimum, Midcontinent Communications and Verizon FiOS; big players like Time Warner Cable, Dish or DirecTV currently don’t offer access to the Disney channels).

As always: if you are on jailbroken ATV2, stay away from this update for now if you don’t want to lose your jailbreak. It appears to be “just” an over-the-air content update – new apps show up automatically after rebooting – so no need to be worry about losing the jailbreak.

Here is Apple’s description of the new channels:

Disney Channel

Gather the whole family for Disney Channel on Apple TV. Enjoy original films like Teen Beach Movie, first-run television series like Jessie and Phineas and Ferb, theatrically released movies, and more. It’s all free with your subscription through participating cable and satellite providers.

Disney XD

Keep the kids entertained with the best shows and movies from Disney XD.8Watch popular shows like Lab Rats,Crash & Bernstein, Kickin’ It, and more — all on your schedule.

Smithsonian Channel

Explore the history of our planet, life, and culture by enjoying this 100 percent original — and 100 percent free — programming. Watch family-friendly shows including Aerial America, Mighty Ships, and more.

The Weather Channel

Plan the best day possible with instant access to local and national weather forecasts. Stay informed on developing conditions with weather radar and severe weather reports. And enjoy surprising and dramatic documentary shows that reveal how weather shapes our world.

VEVO

Grab a front row seat for all the latest music videos and live streaming concerts — free, 24/7, and in HD. Dive into VEVO’s entire catalog of 75,000 music videos from more than 21,000 artists.

According to a press release from Vevo, its new app is available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., Brazil, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, and Poland. Other new apps are only available in the U.S.

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Apple has just released a big update to the second and third generation Apple TV. Apple TV software version 5.3 adds HBO GO and WatchESPN, which are now available directly on our little black boxes. In addition, three new content providers are also available today on Apple TV including Sky News, Crunchyroll and Qello offering live news, sports and current TV programming.

HBO GO users get unlimited access to their favorite HBO shows, including HBO original programming, hit movies, sports, documentaries, comedy specials and more. This includes full seasons of the best of HBO, plus bonus features and special behind-the-scenes extras. HBO GO on Apple TV requires a subscription to HBO through participating television providers.

WatchESPN on Apple TV delivers a one-stop video destination for sports fans with live access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3 and ESPN Buzzer Beater/Goal Line to those who receive ESPN’s networks as part of their video subscription from affiliated providers. Popular sports and fan-favorite shows include college football and basketball, Monday Night Football, MLB, NBA, major golf tournaments, all four Grand Slam tennis events, SportsCenter, PTI and more. Additionally, curated on-demand video featuring the most recent and relevant content—including highlights and news clips from ESPN.com as well as short-form segments from programs such as E:60, Outside The Lines, SC Featured, Sport Science and others—will be accessible through WatchESPN for the first time via Apple TV to all users.

Sky News on Apple TV delivers a live 24/7 news feed to users in the US, UK and Ireland, including breaking news and headlines from business, politics, entertainment and more. In addition to the live feed, users can catch up on specific stories at any time via the extensive on-demand news library.

As always: if you are on jailbroken ATV2, stay away from this update for now if you don’t want to lose your jailbreak.

The latest jailbreakable Apple TV software version is 5.2 (untethered) or 5.2.1 (tethered).

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ to be first to know when the jailbreak for Apple TV 5.3 comes out.

Here are the direct download links:

AppleTV2,1_5.3
AppleTV3,1_5.3
AppleTV3,2_5.3

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Here is a step by step tutorial on how to tether jailbreak Apple TV 2 5.2.1 using Seas0nPass:

NOTE: This is a TETHERED jailbreak. This means every time there is a need to reboot your Apple TV, you have to connect it to a computer. Functionally, both tethered and untethered jailbreak are identical.

NOTE 2: The current version of Seas0nPass doesn’t provide a jailbreak for the Apple TV 3.

Pre-launch checklist

1. Download and install the latest version of iTunes (check for updates through Software Update located in Apple menu).
2. Download Seas0nPass for Mac [10.6 or later] or Windows [XP or later].
3. A micro USB cable will be required to complete the jailbreak.
4. Disconnect any iPods, iPhones, and iPads from your computer.

Jailbreaking

Step 1: Unzip the ‘Seas0nPass.zip’ file and launch Seas0nPass.

Step 2: Select the ‘Create IPSW’ button to start the jailbreak process.

Step 3: The latest Apple TV software will be downloaded and used to create a custom ‘jailbroken’ software file.

Step 4: When prompted, connect your Apple TV using a micro-USB cable (leave power disconnected).

Once the light on the front of the Apple TV begins to flash rapidly, point the remote at the AppleTV and hold both the MENU and PLAY/PAUSE buttons for 7 seven seconds.

Note: This step will require the silver (aluminum) Apple TV remote that was included with the ATV2. The older, white (plastic) remotes will not work.

Step 5: iTunes will open automatically and start the restore process.

The post How to jailbreak Apple TV 2 5.2.1 (iOS 6.1.3) using Seas0nPass (tethered; Mac & Windows) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

AppleInsider discoverd a growing thread at the Apple Support Communities website where users report issues after updating their Apple TVs (2nd and 3rd generation) to the latest Apple TV 5.1 software. It looks like many Apple TVs are getting bricked after running the update:

After running the software update option on the Apple TV, a number of users indicated that the hardware simply displayed a blinking light, while nothing but a black screen is shown on their HDTV. Others found that their Apple TV could no longer connect to their network after updating, rendering the streaming-centric device useless.

According to AppleInsider, manually downgrading the Apple TV software to version 5.0.2 has been discovered to work as a possible fix:

The process requires installing an IPSW restore file from Apple, plugging the Apple TV into a Mac or PC with a micro USB cable, and force restoring the software through iTunes.

Remember that if you’ve previously saved your Apple TV’s firmware signatures (SHSH blobs) using TinyUmbrella or aTV Flash (black), you can downgrade Apple TV 2 software using Seas0nPass.

Here are the IPSW restore files:

Apple TV 2:
https://appldnld.apple.com/AppleTV/041-4362.20120605.t8i4U/AppleTV2,1_5.0.2_9B830 _Restore.ipsw

Apple TV 3:
https://appldnld.apple.com/AppleTV/041-4361.20120605.grjot/AppleTV3,1_5.0.2_9B830 _Restore.ipsw

Apple TV software update 5.1 has been released on September 24, 2012. The biggest changes included support for Shared Photo Streams, the ability to switch between iTunes accounts and to send audio content from Apple TV to AirPlay-enabled speakers and devices

The post Users report bricked Apple TVs after updating to 5.1 firmware appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Apple has just released a minor software update 5.0.2 (9B830) for the 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TV. Apple’s support web page has not been updated but according to The Mac Observer, Apple TV 5.0.2 includes an Australia-specific issue with Parental Controls: the patch “addresses an issue which caused content restrictions to be incorrectly applied for the iTunes Store in Australia.” There are no new features added.

nitoTV tweeted that 5.0.2 firmware is still vulnerable to the pod2g’s untethered jailbreak for the Apple TV 2, so we can expect the updated version of FireCore’s Seas0nPass for Apple TV 5.0.2 soon. Seas0nPass has been updated for Apple TV 5.0.2. Still untethered.

According to ModMyi, the quiet nature of the software update “could prove essential to a bigger software release or product refresh coming out of WWDC next week.” BGR reported last week that Apple is planning to unveil a brand new version of the Apple TV operating system next week at WWDC. A “trusted source” has told BGR that the new OS will be much more feature-complete than the current Apple TV OS and that it’s apparently the one that the long rumored Apple TV set will run.

Daring Fireball’s John Gruber believes Apple will be announcing something big at this year’s WWDC and his guess is a new developer platform and apps for Apple TV.

Apple will kick off WWDC with its keynote presentation at 10 a.m. PST on June 11^TH .

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ for the latest updates on the WWDC 2012.

The post Apple TV 5.0.2 (9B830) software update released for 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Apple has just released a minor software update for Apple TV 2 and Apple TV 3. Apple TV 5.0.1 (9B206f) adds HD previews for TV shows and movies in the iTunes store and brings fixes to Netflix, AirPlay and Home Sharing.

Here are the details from Apple’s support page:

• iTunes previews: Previews for movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store can now be viewed in HD.
• AirPlay: Fixes an issue that caused some iOS apps to have trouble connecting via AirPlay.
• Home Sharing: Improves the reliability of Home Sharing connections.
• Netflix: Addresses an issue affecting Netflix login and navigation.
• Stability and performance: Includes fixes for issues affecting stability and performance.

As always, stay away from this update if you don’t want to lose your jailbreak.

UPDATE: nitoTV: AppleTV 5.0.1/5.1.1 jailbroken!

You may also want to read: 
FireCore: Work is underway on Apple TV 3 jailbreak and Apple TV 2 5.0 untethered jailbreak
How to jailbreak Apple TV 2 5.0 (iOS 5.1) with Seas0nPass (tethered)
Source unveils design and features of Apple HDTV
How to install IceFilms on your jailbroken Apple TV

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