We also want to mention that some of the applications in our list focus on music, books, and media in general, while others focus on task management and collaboration. While some of them are great for accessing personal documents, others are great for the entire family.

In verifying and testing the applications below, we’ve used the amazon fire HD 8. Depending on your device, your experience using these applications may very well vary. Before we begin taking a look at each one, we also encourage you to let us know in the comments box of any app that you think should be included on our list. Here we go!

Duolingo

Let’s be honest about one thing: if you want to learn a new language, then this is probably going to take you quite a long time. If you’re an adult, then the learning process can be even more time consuming and difficult. Luckily, with Duolingo, you can easily get started with learning a new language. Even more, the app is free and it offers you the chance to learn more than 10 languages. Learning your preferred language can be done at your own pace and the tests and lessons all scale nicely in terms of difficulty. As a result, the app will certainly keep you engaged during your learning process.

VLC for Fire

Do you have one or more movies or videos that you’d like to view on your tablet? Well then, you certainly need to download VLC. This is an open source and free application that supports a wide range of video formats. While it doesn’t look great, it does its job well and you can easily watch your favorite videos using it.

Comics by Comixology

Are you a fan of reading comics? If the answer is yes, then Comics is one of the best platforms you can use in order to read tens of thousands of comics. With a library of more than 75 thousand comics, you’re never going to run out of comics you can read while commuting to work or taking a lunch break. You can take advantage of multiple sales in order to stock up on some pretty amazing books, too!

ES Mobile File Explorer

If you’re the kind of user that wants to use his amazon fire for a lot more than streaming media, games, and applications, then you should get your hands on ES Mobile Fire Explorer. Using it, you can access your amazon fire‘s file system in order to remove unwanted files and easily manage content. If you bring a lot of documents or local media onto your tablet, then you’ll find this application very useful.

SoundCloud

While many of us use Spotify in order to listen to our favorite artists, if you want something different, then you definitely need to check out SoundCloud. This is a community of collaborators and creators that share their remixes, demos, and many other aural masterpieces. Using the SoundCloud app, you can tap into a large database of free music offerings and listen to artists that you’d otherwise not know of.

Photo Editor by Aviary

The amazon fire is quite affordable if you are to compare it with some of the top tablets on the market. Because of its low cost, it’s understandable that its cameras aren’t that great. However, if you still want to edit your photos and make them look better, now you can do that thanks to the Aviary Photo Editor.

This is a free tool that allows you to make all sorts of tucks and nips to your photographs. You can add frames, filters, but also make a wide range of fine edits so that your photos look perfect. Using this app is very simple and you could realistically edit photos sometimes in less than 10 seconds.

Pocket

No one denies that tablets aren’t great reading devices, but there are times when you just don’t have the time to read a lengthy, but interesting article. In this case, all you need to do is download Pocket and save that article for offline reading. So the next time you have some free time on your hands, you can pull up the article from Pocket and read it. How great is that?

These are some of the amazon fire tv apps you can install on your tablet. There are definitely a lot more though, so let us know in the comments section about your favorite ones!

The post 7 Excellent Apps you need to install on your Amazon Fire Tablet right now! appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Single Sign-on is one of the most important features of tvOS 10, but it wasn’t available with the software update. Apple did not give a specific release date for the feature, but stated that it would be available before the end of this year.

Apple released the tvOS 10.1 beta to registered developers recently. At first, we didn’t notice anything new, but hidden somewhere in Settings, there it was. The Single Sign-on feature finally available.

Single Sign-on

With the Single Sign-on feature on tvOS 10, users can sign-in to a pay-TV provider and it’ll automatically sign them in to all other apps associated with the provider. No need to enter your credentials every time you want to watch something.

This is very useful, as it saves a lot of time, and you can just ask Siri to directly start streaming a show without having to sign-in first. Here’s Apple’s description of the feature;

For the first time, customers in the US will have a simplified way of enjoying pay-TV video channels by using single sign-on. Starting this fall, users only have to sign in once on Apple TV to enjoy immediate access to their favorite video channels that are included as part of their pay-TV subscription.

• Once a user is signed into one network app, any other app on Apple TV from participating pay-TV providers will automatically log the user into all other supported apps requiring authentication.

• During the single sign-on process, customers can view a page of all the authenticated apps that a pay-TV provider offers to more easily discover, download and enjoy all of their favorite video channels.

• Any network-TV app can take advantage of this technology to enable single sign-on and simplify the process for their viewers.

• Single sign-on will be available on both Apple TV and iOS.

As of now, tvOS 10.1 and iOS 10.2 beta users can enjoy the Single Sign-on feature, but not to its fullest. The feature currently only supports cable services such as DISH, GVTC Communications, Sling TV, and HotWire.

The feature will also find all the apps that are compatible with the pay-TV credentials you have. You can then download those and access them whenever.

To enable the Single Sign-on feature on the Apple TV, launch the Settings app, then head to Accounts. Over here, you’ll find and option called TV Provider. Use your pay-TV credentials to Sign-in over here and voila!

All the apps and channels linked to that will be automatically signed in and ready to view. This along with the upcoming TV App should make watch watching your favorite channels, sports and shows a much better experience.

Availability

Like we mentioned earlier, you’ll have to be a developer to be able to try out the Single Sign-on feature. The latest tvOS 10.1 beta has the feature enabled. Therefore, the final version of this software will make the feature available for all.

The feature is still limited to only select cable TV or Pay TV providers, but more should be available in the near future.

Have you tried the feature on your Apple TV 4 yet? Let us know what you think of it. 

The post Single Sign-on Enabled in tvOS 10.1 and iOS 10.2 Beta appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Apple is aware of the issue and has stated that a fix is in the works and will be released soon. This issue only affects the 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TV and has surfaced after the recent software update.

The 2nd and 3rd gen Apple TV don’t run on tvOS software, which is why Apple is taking longer to provide a fix. Apple recently phased out the 3rd gen Apple TV as well, and stated that they’re going to focus on tvOS and newer models.

Apple TV Issue: No Channels or Apps on 2nd and 3rd gen Apple TV

Several reports on Reddit and other forums point out to the Apple TV issue. Users were thrown out of apps such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO, etc and taken to a Home page with only three apps.

Some have even reported that their Apple TV screen just blinked and all the apps disappeared. Only the Computers, Music and Settings app were available.

Trying to restart the device, unplug and plug it back again, and even restoring the software hasn’t fixed the problem.

Apparently, there was an Apple TV update for the 2nd and 3rd gen models that was released on the first of November. This is what caused the problem for several users, although most of them haven’t had any issues with their Apple TV.

Fix for No Apps or Channels

Some users have been successful in getting rid of the problem by changing DNS settings. Others were temporarily able to fix it by changing the region. But mostly, users trying to restart, reset, reset the router, restore software, and unplug and plug the Apple TV again, haven’t been able to fix it.

According to a Reddit thread, an Apple representative asked users to keep restarting their device every hour or so to check for an update. This new update should fix the problem.

There’s no ETA on the update, but keep checking to see if there was any update or if there’s a new one. You can open the Settings app and check if any new updates are available.

Have you been facing this Apple TV issue on your 2nd or 3rd gen model? If so, keep checking for new software updates. 

The post Apple TV Issue: 2nd and 3rd Gen Apple TV Not Showing Apps appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Apple recently released a software update for the public as well. The previous public release, tvOS 10.0.1, was only released a week ago.

The new 10.1 beta comes almost a month after the release of tvOS 10, which included several new features and improvements. Some of the features include better search, improved Siri, Continuity that allows you to use iPhone to input text, a new Dark mode, automatic App downloads, and much more.

tvOS 10.1 Beta

Now, Apple has released the first beta for tvOS 10.1, which is yet another minor update, most likely. The last update, tvOS 10.0.1, did not bring the Single-Sign on feature to the Apple TV.

This update doesn’t include the feature either, so you may have to wait longer to get Single Sign-on, which is a really useful feature.

The latest beta is only available for developers as of now. It is strictly for testing and providing valuable feedback. If you’re a registered Apple developer, you can download the latest update using over the air (OTA).

You will need to have the Apple beta profile installed on your Apple TV to be eligible for the OTA updates. To do so, you’ll need to connect your Apple TV 4 to your Mac using a cable. Then, download and install the beta profile. Follow these instructions to learn how to do it.

Once you’ve installed the profile, you will get the latest tvOS 10.1 beta over the air. You can now install the software and try it out.

This update is most likely a bug fix update, and doesn’t include any substantial changes or new features. We’re not sure how many more betas will be released before this version is available for everyone.

Apple also announced a new TV App, which should also be available next month, along with the Single Sign-on feature.

The post Apple Seeds tvOS 10.1 Beta for Developers appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

We previously posted an article detailing all that’s new in the tvOS 10.0.1 betas. The first beta was released on September 21st. Now, regular Apple TV 4 users can finally download and install the software to see what’s new.

This is the first minor update for the 4th gen Apple TV since the release of tvOS 10 last month. As this is a minor software release, you will not find any features as such.

The Single sign-on feature is also not included in this update. That feature, is probably going to be available in tvOS 10.1.

tvOS 10.0.1

The latest software update for the Apple TV includes several bug fixes and improvements. Bugs and issues that were discovered in tvOS 10 have most likely been patched in this update. Apple also mentioned that the update brings some security improvements.

Updating your Apple TV to the latest software is easy. If you haven’t already enabled automatic software updates, then here’s how to do it manually.

Open the Settings app, then head to System>Software Updates>Update Software. Wait for the update to show up, then follow the instructions. Your Apple TV will reboot two times, after which, you’ll be greeted with a What’s New message.

As this is a minor update, you will not find a lot of information on the What’s New screen. Also, most likely, you won’t even have to check for the update manually. By default, the automatic software updates is enabled and your Apple TV will do the needful automatically.

In case you don’t want the Apple TV to update software automatically, then head over to System>Software Updates in the Settings app. Here, turn off ‘Automatic Update‘ and you should be good to go.

The tvOS 10.0.1 update is only available for the latest 4th generation Apple TV. Have you updated yet?

The post Apple Releases tvOS 10.0.1 Update for Apple TV 4 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Apple released the first beta for iOS 10.0.1 on September 21st, and has released a total of four betas so far. The beta software is only available for registered Apple developers.

tvOS 10.0.1 Beta

The first beta of tvOS 10.0.1 didn’t really bring anything new to the table. It was released only a week after the release of tvOS 10 to the public. The update is a minor one and is only supposed to fix issues with tvOS 10.

In the second beta release, which came two weeks after the first one, there’s still nothing substantially new. You may notice some tweaks here and there, and little bit of lag at times. That’s because this is beta software and is only meant for developers.

The single sign-on feature is still not available in the beta. The third beta was released just one week later. Once again, the update only features performance improvements and bug fixes.

Few days ago, Apple released tvOS 10.0.1 beta 4, and still, no sign of the single sign-on feature. If you’re a developer, you should probably install the betas to test them out and give your feedback.

How to Install tvOS 10.0.1 Beta

To install a tvOS 10.0.1 beta on the fourth generation Apple TV, you will have to install the beta configuration file first. After that, you can choose to either get over the air updates, or do a new install every time a beta is out.

Either way, you will have to connect the Apple TV to your Mac using a USB Type C to USB A cable. Now, follow these steps to install the tvOS Configuration profile from Apple.

1. Go to developer.apple.com/download/ on your Mac and Login to your account.
2. Look for tvOS beta configuration profile and download it.
3. Head to the Mac App Store and install Apple Configurator.
4. With your Apple TV plugged in to the power, connect it to your Mac.
5. Now open Apple Configurator, select Add Profiles and select the downloaded configuration profile.
6. Reboot your Apple TV after the install is complete.

You will now be able to download the latest software updates over the air by navigating to System>Software Updates in Settings app. This is the simplest method to install the latest beta software wirelessly.

Remember, you cannot backup your Apple TV, so if you choose to use the iTunes method, it will be erased completely. Also, you’ll have to plugin the device to the Mac every time.

We will update this article when newer betas are available. Stay tuned. If you find anything new in the latest beta, do let us know in the comments section.

The post tvOS 10.0.1 Beta: What’s New So Far appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Apple recently released the public version of tvOS 10 for Apple TV 4 as promised and it includes some new and useful features. Here’s how to install tvOS 10 on your Apple TV.

tvOS 10 is only available for the fourth generation Apple TV, which is going to be disappointing for some. If you own an older Apple TV, it’s best you upgrade or continue using tvOS 9.2 for now.

The latest update includes several new features, improvements and bug fixes. Prior to releasing the software update, Apple released the new Apple TV Remote App. The app lets you control your TV using your iPhone as the remote. You can use your iPhone as a game controller as well.

The most important new feature in tvOS 10 is the ability to use Siri to control your Apple TV. You can launch apps, channels, search for videos and a lot more. With the new Siri Remote included in the Apple TV 4, it is super easy to search for a movie or a TV Show.

Apple has also included a new Dark Mode, which makes the background go dark and makes the movie/music posters and photos pop. There’s a new Single sign-on feature that lets you launch apps such as FXNow and HBO GO by using your credentials only for the first time. After that, it’ll automatically sign in.

Other changes with the update includes a new interface for Apple Music, which makes it easy to find music. tvOS 10 supports  HomeKit, allowing you to dim lights, lower temperature and control other HomeKit connected devices right from your Apple TV. There’s a new Memories section in iCloud Photos, which will show you new photos and videos that you haven’t looked at or forgotten about.

How to Install tvOS 10 on Apple TV 4

It’s quite easy to install the latest tvOS update on your Apple TV. If you own the latest 4th generation Apple TV and have automatic software updates enabled, then the update will be installed on its own.

If you haven’t enabled automatic updates, then you’ll need to download tvOS 10 manually. Here’s how to do it;

• Turn on Apple TV, open Settings and navigate to System.
• Now select Software Updates under Maintenance.
• Next, click on Update Software and select Download and Install when asked.
• Once the download is done, click on Update Now.

That’s about it. Wait for the update to finish and your Apple TV to reboot. You’ll now be on the latest software available for the Apple TV 4.

Let us know how you like the latest tvOS 10 software and what’s your favorite feature. 

The post tvOS 10 Now Available for Apple TV: How to Install appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

As of now, the latest version of tvOS available for the Apple TV is version 9.2.2. It was released late last month and includes several bug fixes and general performance improvements.

The latest beta for tvOS 10 doesn’t bring anything new to the table. If you’ve already got the previous beta running on your Apple TV, then you can simply update to the latest one. The tvOS 10 software is only available for the fourth generation Apple TV. Older gen Apple TV’s will have to be happy with the tvOS 9 software update.

tvOS 10 brings plenty of new features to the 4th gen Apple TV. Some of the main new features in tvOS 10 include, improved Siri capabilites, a Dark Mode, Single sign-on for cable Apps, and much more. There’s a new Apple TV Remote app as well, which was recently released to the public and works with tvOS 9.2.2.

It’s not an easy task to install the tvOS 10 beta on your Apple TV. First, you’ll have to connect your Apple TV to the computer. Then you’ll have to download the required software and use iTunes or Apple Configurator to install it on your Apple TV. After that’s done and the beta profile is installed, you can download the beta using the OTA feature. Here onwards, all the betas will be delivered to you over the air.

The new betas don’t really have any significant changes other than under-the-hood improvements. Mostly, Apple just listens to the feedback provided by the developers and fine tunes the software. In the tvOS 10 beta 5, there’s nothing that’s noteworthy.

Apple will release the final tvOS 10 update, which will be available for the public, in September.

The post tvOS 10 Beta 5 Released for Apple Developers appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

After two months of testing and feedback from registered developers, Apple has finally released the final version of tvOS 9.2.2 for the Apple TV 4th generation. If you’ve got the ATV4, then you’ll want to download the latest update right away.

The tvOS 9.2.2 update is only a minor update, as in it only features some bug fixes and improvements. This is the second minor update following the release of tvOS 9.2 almost four months ago. Apple included plenty of new features and improvements on the tvOS 9.2 update.

You can download the latest tvOS 9.2.2 update by turning on your Apple TV and heading over to System>Software Update. The latest update will be automatically installed if you have enabled automatic software updates on your set top box.

The update focuses on resolving bugs that were discovered in tvOS 9.2.1, some security enhancements and performance improvements throughout the system. Remember, this update is only for the latest Apple TV 4th gen.

This is most likely the last software update that the Apple TV 4 will receive before being updated to tvOS 10. Apple is currently beta testing tvOS 10 and it includes several new features. You get an overall improved Siri search, single sign-on for cable, game controller support, Dark Mode, redesigned Remote app, automatic downloads for apps, and more .

Apple will release the final public version of tvOS 10 alongside the launch of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus/Pro in September this year. Until then, you will have to enjoy tvOS 9.2.2. You can read about the security content of the latest update over here.

The post tvOS 9.2.2 Released With Bug Fixes and Improvements for Apple TV 4th Gen appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Apple today announced a major update to its tvOS operating system for Apple TV 4. New features include expanded Siri capabilities, single sign-on for Apple TV, dark mode, HomeKit suport, redesigned Apple Music, app badging and many more.

New Siri features and functionality

• Topic search for movies: the ability to ask Siri for a movie by topic or theme (e.g. “Show movies about baseball”)
• YouTube search: users can ask Siri to search YouTube (coming later this month)
• Live tune-in: ask Siri to go directly to a live channel inside a supported app, such as “Watch CBS News” or “Watch ESPN.”
• Manage HomeKit accessories: Apple TV gives users control of HomeKit-enabled accessories. It also allows users to control HomeKit accessories when they are away from home or use it for home automation with the Home app on their iOS device.

Single sign-on for pay-TV apps

Customers in the US will have a simplified way of enjoying pay-TV video channels by using single sign-on. Starting this fall, users only have to sign in once on Apple TV to get immediate access to their favorite video channels that are included as part of their pay-TV subscription.

Once a user is signed into one network app, any other app on Apple TV from participating pay-TV providers will automatically log the user into all other supported apps requiring authentication.

Single sign-on will be available on both Apple TV and iOS.

New tvOS APIs and tools available for developers include:

• ReplayKit to enable developers to record and live broadcast from their apps;
• PhotoKit to allow third-party app access to photos and videos in iCloud Photo Library and iCloud Shared Stream;
• HomeKit to create apps to control HomeKit devices from Apple TV;
• App badging on the Home screen, to make it easier for users to know something new for them is available inside an app; and,
• Game Center enhancements and support for up to four game controllers at a time.

Additional features and updates

• iOS users can download the new Apple TV Remote app with touch navigation, Siri and game play support.
• Apple Music has an all-new design. The Library, For You, Browse and Radio tabs have been completely redesigned, and a Search tab has been added “to make finding music even easier.”
• Photos for Apple TV now supports the new Memories feature.
• Users can now select a dark background for Apple TV.
• Universal apps will now automatically download on Apple TV and show up on the Home screen when an app has been added to a user’s iOS device.
• When a keyboard appears on Apple TV, one will also appear on nearby iOS devices that are logged into the same iCloud account, making entering text more convenient.

The new tvOS will be available this fall as a free software update for Apple TV.

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

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