Apple has just released a minor software update for Apple TV 3. According to the official release note, Apple TV Software Update 7.2.1 only includes “general performance and stability improvements.” However, Apple also posted a security document listing a whole bunch of security fixes included in the new firmware.

If you don’t have automatic updates turned on, go to Settings -> Software Update and select “Download and Install” to apply for the update.

Back in January Apple released the first beta of tvOS 9.2 for Apple TV 4 that adds Podcasts app, support for Bluetooth keyboards, folders for grouping apps, new Siri languages and a new app switcher. The final version of tvOS 9.2 is expected to be released  in March.

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

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Very few people noticed that Apple released Apple TV software update 7.0.1 for the 3rd gen Apple TV yesterday alongside iOS 8.1. Although the company hasn’t updated the Apple TV support page yet, it seems that the update only addresses some security vulnerabilities.

According to this Apple product security page, the 7.0.1 update contains two security fixes:

• Impact: A malicious Bluetooth input device may bypass pairing. Description: Unencrypted connections were permitted from Human Interface Device-class Bluetooth Low Energy accessories. If a device had paired with such an accessory, an attacker could spoof the legitimate accessory to establish a connection. The issue was addressed by denying unencrypted HID connections.

• Impact: An attacker may be able to decrypt data protected by SSL. Description: There are known attacks on the confidentiality of SSL 3.0 when a cipher suite uses a block cipher in CBC mode. An attacker could force the use of SSL 3.0, even when the server would support a better TLS version, by blocking TLS 1.0 and higher connection attempts. This issue was addressed by disabling CBC cipher suites when TLS connection attempts fail.

Let us know in the comments if you discover any other changes in Apple TV 7.0.1.

Update: 

Apple TV Software Update 7.0.1—Apple TV (3rd generation) only

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

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Rumors on the Apple TV 4 has been pouring in from all ends of the virtual net, lately. The baseline speculations hit a spike couple of weeks back when iLounge learned from a reliable source that the next Apple TV will support native gaming. It was reported to come with a revamped iOS-based firmware and an build-in Apple TV App Store. We were also told that a Bluetooth controller is in the works and predicted Apple TV 4 to be in shelves as early as March.

Later 9to5Mac reported that the Apple TV 4 will come with integrated Airport Express component to avoid an intermediary modem for streaming and AirPlay. Pairing with iOS devices as a controller and in-built TV tuner card were also speculated.

In the meantime, Apple gave Apple TV a special profile in the Apple Online Store and were also said to be setting up their own Content Delivery Network.

But all the speculations received a new backbone this evening as things become close to official. Developers have spotted references to an unlaunched Apple TV 4.1 within iOS 7 builds. According to 9to5Mac:

The reference is inside of an Apple TV framework related to the device’s AirPlay functionality. The mention of the next Apple TV is the highlighted “AppleTV4,1.” The current Apple TV is “AppleTV3,2″ while “3,1″ is the 1080P model introduced in March 2012, and 2,1 is the first iOS model introduced in September 2010.

The sighting of Apple TV 4,1 is confirmation that the new device is in the works. The nomenclature also indicates that the new Apple TV model will remain as part of the Apple TV product family. The jump from 3,2 to 4,1 also confirms that the device will see notable changes in terms of internal components.

They’ve also found references to a new game controller system but they’re not sure whether they “are just left over from the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch or if they indicate confirmation of Game Controllers being able to connect to the next-generation Apple TV product.”

So this is the take away: an Apple TV launch is imminent. Though not sure of the exact changes or the release date, we can be sure that it will happen soon. Apple unveiled the last Apple TV in March and also the iOS 7.1 is said to be arriving in March. So is the next Apple TV just a month away? Let us know what do you think!

Stick around here at Apple TV Hacks (Facebook, Twitter, Google+) for more coverage on the Apple TV 4.

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Alongside the release of iOS 7.1 beta, Apple has issued a new Apple TV software beta. The new beta specifically “enables users to mirror content of an iPad to an Apple TV using AirPlay.”

The update doesn’t go into too much detail to explain what this statement refers to, but I expect it is tackling some issues which have arisen from the recent enhancements to AirPlay on Apple TV as a result of the new iOS 6.0 firmware recently deployed to Apple TV.

If you’re a developer you can find the Apple TV software beta in the iOS developer center. Apple notes that this latest firmware is being provided to test the latest AirPlay functionality with iOS apps.

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

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Apple has today released new support documentation for the newly implemented Apple TV setup feature that was introduced last week in the Apple TV 6.0 software update.

Owners of the third generation Apple TV running the new 6.0 firmware can use an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch running iOS 7 to automatically transfer network settings, Apple ID information, and language preferences to the Apple TV.

The information exchange is done via Bluetooth by simply touching the iOS device to the Apple TV, which takes advantage of the Bluetooth LE built into all Apple devices after the iPhone 4.

Apple’s recently published support article offers further detailed instructions of the process:

1. Connect your Apple TV to your television and power and wait until your Apple TV displays the setup screen.

2. Unlock your iOS 7 device and ensure that Bluetooth is enabled. Also ensure that you are connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to use with Apple TV.

3. Touch your iOS device to your Apple TV and wait for the prompts to appear on your iOS device and Apple TV.

4. Enter your Apple ID and password on your iOS device.

5. Choose if you want Apple TV to remember your Apple ID password, and if you want Apple TV to send data to Apple.

Note: This does not change your iOS device preferences.

6. Your Apple TV will start the configuration process, including connecting to your Wi-Fi network, activating Apple TV, and setting up your iTunes Store account.

Setting up an Apple TV has also been a tedious task, using the infrared remote to slowly input your WiFi password and Apple ID account. Now, the setup procedure in Apple TV 6.0 is quick and easy.

The touch setup feature requires an iPhone 4S or later, a iPad 3rd Generation or later, an iPad Mini, or iPod Touch 5th Generation.

Let us know in the comments below if you’ve had a chance to try it out.

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

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According to the nice intrusive update screen that just popped up on my Apple TV, and our lovely commenters, it seems Apple has fixed whatever the issue was and it’s go time again.

Apple has issued a new release of the 6.0 firmware with a build number of 11A502 which marks a substantial increase from the pulled 11A470e version.

Check out our thread highlighting the new features Apple TV 6.0 brings, which includes iTunes Radio, iTunes Music Store, AirPlay from iCloud and much more.

Apple TV 6.0 Download

Here’s some direct downloads if you’re that way inclined:

• AppleTV(2G) (AppleTV2,1) 6.0 (11A502)
• AppleTV3,1 (AppleTV3,1) 6.0 (11A502)
• AppleTV3,2 (AppleTV3,2) 6.0 (11A502)

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

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It’s only been a few days since we posted about a new firmware bringing Apple TV to version 6.0 and an array of new features, but the update has since been pulled following a few issues including connectivity problems and even reports of bricking.

If you haven’t updated to Apple TV 6.0 then you’re going to have to wait since the update is no longer available. For most, Apple TV 6.0 brought iTunes Radio support, support for Shared Photo Streams, and an AirPlay update. However, for others their Apple TV got bricked and they were forced to grab a USB cable and connect it to a Mac or PC and restore it.

Apple haven’t come out with any official statement regarding pulling Apple TV 6.0 but checking for a software update shows Apple TV 5.3 as the latest version.

If you haven’t updated to Apple TV 6.0 yet, make sure you wait until a safer update has been issued with whatever issues were present fixed. Apple will activate a new Apple TV 6.0 when it is considered stable via the software update, so make sure you don’t download it from any other source, or you’ll be experiencing issues.

Drop us a comment if you had any issues with Apple TV 6.0.

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: Although it has been confirmed by @MuscleNerd that evasi0n would support Apple TV 2, it seems that it doesn’t. Based on earlier news from evad3rs team, we believed their jailbreak was compatible with Apple TV 2 when publishing the below post just a few minutes after evasi0n went live. We are very sorry for causing confusion. We now have to wait for Seas0nPass to be updated with iOS 6.x support for Apple TV 2. We believe it won’t take long.

UPDATE 2: How to jailbreak Apple TV 2 5.2 (iOS 6.1) using Seas0nPass (untethered; Mac & Windows)

Evad3rs, a group of four top iOS hackers (@pod2g, @musclenerd, @pimskeks and @planetbeing) has just released a long-awaited evasi0n jailbreak for all iDevices running iOS 6.0 through 6.1, that include Apple TV 2 running software version 5.1, 5.1.1 or the latest 5.2. This is an untethered jailbreak, meaning you will be able to reboot your Apple TV without attaching it to a computer. Evasi0n jailbreak doesn’t support Apple TV 3 (however, there is some hope that it will in the future).

Here are the direct download links:

• evasi0n jailbreak for Mac OS X
• evasi0n jailbreak for Windows
• evasi0n jailbreak for Linux

Official mirrors.

Requirements:

• 5 minutes of your time
• A computer running Windows (XP minimum), Mac OS X (10.5 minimum) or Linux (x86 / x86_64)
• An Apple TV 2 running iOS 6.0 through 6.1 (Apple TV firmware 5.1 through 5.2)
• A micro USB cable to connect ATV to the computer

Apple TV 2 running iOS 5.x (atv software version 5.0.2 and earlier) can be jailbroken using Seas0npass.

The post Evasi0n iOS 6.x untethered jailbreak for Apple TV 2 released (updated) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Are you one of the many unfortunate people to attempt Apple’s latest update on your Apple TV? Did you click the update button only to be met with an error message, an incomplete download, or a completely useless little black puck like all the folks on Apple Forums? Well, if this is not you, breathe a sigh of relief. If this is you, have no fear, Apple TV Hacks is here!

We have come across a fix posted by the folks at TidBITS, and the likely cause, of this little blunder. As usual, you can blame CABLE! No, not Comcast or Time Warner but the Ethernet cable! It would seem that this is happening to those of you whom are attempting to do the update via an Ethernet connection. To fix the problem, follow the steps below:

ITEMS NEEDED:

• Apple TV
• WIFI

STEPS

• Use WiFi instead of Ethernet to update your Apple TV to 5.1.1

According to TidBITS:

The solution is to unplug the Ethernet cable and update over Wi-Fi. That has worked for many people for whom the update wouldn’t install. However, if your install failed such that the Apple TV won’t boot at all, you can manually restore the Apple TV by unplugging the power and HDMI cables, and connecting it to your computer with a micro USB cable (for a third-generation Apple TV, you’ll have to reconnect the power cable after this).

It is so easy, that it is insulting.

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 iOS 5.1.1 firmware build number is 10A831.

You can download the firmware directly from here.

The post How to Fix Apple TV 5.1.1 Update Issues appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Here is what’s new in 5.1.1:

iTunes Up Next
Adds support for Up Next with iTunes 11 or iTunes Match. See upcoming songs when playing music on your Apple TV. Add new songs and edit what’s queued with your Remote or with the Remote app.

Stability and performance
Includes performance and stability improvements with the iTunes Store, AirPlay, Netflix, iTunes Match, and wired Ethernet connections.

Unfortunately, it looks like an issue which caused serious problems to some users after updating their Apple TVs (2nd and 3rd generation) to the latest Apple TV 5.1 software remains unfixed.

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 iOS 5.1.1 firmware build number is 10A831.

You can download the firmware directly from here.

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