The first batch of HomeKit enabled smart devices went up for order yesterday. Correspondingly, Apple released a support document to help early users get started with HomeKit. And thanks to the document, we now know more about Apple TV’s role in HomeKit.

Like we reported earlier, an Apple TV will be integral to your smart home setup, if you need to control devices while away from home. Here is what Apple says:

“Control your accessories away from home
If you have an Apple TV (3rd generation or later) with software version 7.0 or later, you can control your HomeKit-enabled accessories when you’re away from home using your iOS device.

Sign in with the same Apple ID on your iOS device and Apple TV, and you’ll be able to use Siri commands to remotely control your accessories.“

You will be able to control your HomeKit-enabled accessories remotely via their apps itself. However, if you need to use Siri to control them while away, then an Apple TV is a must. Once you sign into your Apple TV and the iOS device using the same Apple ID, you can start commanding your digital minions, wherever you are.

It is also clear now that you can create groups within the HomeKit setup, like lights, fans, thermostat etc. and also based on rooms and areas, so that commands like “Hey Siri, turn down the heat in the living room” does what is expected.

We earlier believed that only the refreshed version of Apple TV 3 (A1469) would be compatible with the new OS and carry HomeKit, but Apple confirms that any Apple TV 3 running software version 7.0 or above are capable. Any iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch with iOS 8.1 or later will be able to take smart-home commands as well.

Apple mentions the compatible Apple TV as “3rd gen or above” which seems to be a cheeky hint to the Apple TV 4 which is expected to be announced next week.

Apple HomeKit support document is an interesting read. And if you are planning to buy some HomeKit devices, check out the first ones or the Apple’s dedicated sub site.

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

The post Here is how Apple TV will work with HomeKit devices appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Apple Events channel has just showed up on Apple TV main menu ahead of today’s Apple special event. Streaming via Apple TV requires second- or third-generation Apple TV with software 6.2 or later. Tune in at 10:00 a.m. PDT to watch today’s event live.

It is expected that Apple will unveil the next generation iPads, new Macs and release OS X Yosemite at the event. Though the initial rumors placed Apple TV 4 for an early 2015 launch, the tagline of the event’s invite, “It’s been way too long” gives some hope to Apple TV fans too.

And since the latest beta of Apple TV 7.0.1 software turned Apple TV into the master of HomeKit, it wouldn’t surprise us if Apple announced something regarding this topic as well.

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

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A couple of weeks back, we received some unconfirmed reports stating that Apple sneaked in HomeKit support to Apple TV with the 7.0 update. But things became official on Tuesday, when the Apple TV 7.0.1 beta 2 was rolled out to developers. In the changelogs, Apple has acknowledged that the update “can be used for testing AirPlay and HomeKit with your iOS apps.”

More details were dug out by Apple Insider from Apple’s own development forums, where an engineer explains how HomeKit, CloudKit, smart appliances and Apple TV will work together to create the iHome.

All your smart gadgets connect to Apple’s HomeKit, which in turn is looked over by the CloudKit. You can log in to your iCloud account on your Apple TV and that’s it, your Apple TV becomes the central hub to controlling everything smart in your home, like bulbs, doors, garden sprinklers, thermostats and more.

[..] information from their connected home will automatically be synced with the TV accessory. This is made possible because HomeKit uses CloudKit to store home and accessory info in the cloud, while Keychain is used to store paired keys, the developer said.

Apple TV also acts as the “remote access peer” for HomeKit, so that you can control your smart home even if you are on a vacation. Using an iOS device, a Mac/PC or even from the iCloud website, you will be able to connect to your Apple TV and control the HomeKit enabled services.

Serving as a remote access peer will enable the Apple TV to help control connected accessories when they are away from home. When a user is accessing their smart home remotely, Apple’s system reportedly scans available remote access peers and searches for the one with the lowest latency.

It is now clear that future Apple TVs will play a dual role of delivering the content you love plus, automating your home. The new update, when it comes out of beta, will be available only on Apple TV 3 while, the HomeKit services are believed to be the hallmark of the next Apple TV too.

Though initial rumors predicted Apple TV 4 for an early 2015 launch, the recent turn of events have placed high hopes on Apple’s October 16th event.

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

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Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Best Accessories for Apple TV

Though Apple TV 7.0 software update is one of the most evident overhauls the set-top box has received lately, most users are a bit skeptical about it. Especially those relying on OpenPlex and PlexConnect to broadcast Plex from their Mac or PC, fearing that the hacks would be patched in the update. In fact, most of the comments and mails we received after the 7.0 release, were regarding Plex.

It has been confirmed short after the release of Apple TV 7.0 that OpenPlex and PlexConnect are working on a new firmware. However, while Trailers and WSJ channels work well just as they worked on the previous software versions and can be hijacked as usual to serve Plex streams, hijacking iMovie Theatre doesn’t work anymore in the common way.

Fortunately, @Baa, the developer behind PlexConnect, has already updated GitHub with the latest fix, so if you were hijacking iMovie Theatre to access Plex, the best way to get it working again after 7.0 update is to restore your Apple TV and install Plex by following on of these tutorials:

• How to install Plex Apple TV 3 – Mac tutorial
• How to install Plex Apple TV 3 – Windows tutorial

Learn more on Plex working on Apple TV 7.0 on the related thread on the official Plex forum.

In short, the happy days of Apple TV Plexing are not over yet. All you Plex guys can breathe, as you’ll be able to enjoy all your 1080 movies via PlexConnect and still get the latest Apple TV firmware.

Go ahead and hit that update now or read more about the new changes in Apple TV 7.0 here.

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: Best Accessories 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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Though released along with iOS 8, the 7.0 update for Apple TV is essentially just catching up with what iOS 7 offered on iPhones and iPads. Apart from the flat design, the new iCloud Photo Sharing feature is a perfect exhibit.

Not sure if you guys have ever used it, but in the Share sheet in iOS 7 Photos app, there is an iCloud option which can be used to share photos, videos or albums with friends and family. Up until now, the other guy could see the shared media only on an iOS device or a Mac/PC.

With the 7.0 update, Apple TV has also picked up this feature.

Your photos and videos – As seen on TV
With iCloud Photo Sharing, invitations to view your photos and videos can be sent to friends and family who also have Apple TV, so they can share in the fun. And uploading the photos and videos from a summer vacation or any other event is as easy as doing nothing at all.

So if your parents don’t have any iDevice, but have an Apple TV 3 at home, you can send an invite to them. This notification can be opened to view your college photos or baby videos on the big screen.

Talking about videos, you will now be able to watch your iMovie projects on Apple TV without the need of syncing or sending them to iTunes. This is a really cool feature, especially if you’re making a casual or personal video. iCloud Photo Sharing combined with the new peer-to-peer AirPlay, will let you show off your creations anywhere, with just a tap.

Read more on the Apple TV 7.0 update.

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

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When iOS 8 was announced, we could find only a handful of new features that had their counterparts on Apple TV. One of them was the peer-to-peer AirPlay capability which could transform your Apple TV into an anywhere-streaming device rather than being confined to the connected indoors.

Peer-to-peer AirPlay enables you to connect your iPhone or iPad to an Apple TV, without requiring them to be connected to the same Wi-Fi Network. Your iOS device itself turns into an ad-hoc Wi-Fi hotspot to which your Apple TV can connect (similar to Wi-Fi Direct) and AirPlay videos, photos and music.

However, this feature has a huge caveat that it is only available to Apple TV 3 devices, post the revision in March 2013. That is, 3rd generation rev A model A1469. If you don’t know your model number, just look under your Apple TV (Apple reference image).

If you do have a supported Apple TV 3, here is how peer-to-peer AirPlay works.

For my test, I went to Wi-Fi settings and “forgot” the router, both on my Apple TV and iPhone. I found that the AirPlay option was still present in the Control Center. Then I tried completely turning off Wi-Fi on my iPhone and… surprise, I could still AirPlay!

I started mirroring OceanHorn and the stream was par perfect. To be honest, I felt that the visuals were much better now, probably because an intermediate device, the router, was removed from the loop.

So, you’ll now be able to carry around your Apple TV and stream to projectors and televisions in your classroom or office without asking around for the Wi-Fi password. Do try this great new feature and let us know how peer-to-peer Airplay works out for you.

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

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As we already reported, the refreshed design of Apple TV 7.0 software includes a new set of flat, iOS 7/8-style icons and a new thinner font.

The new app for Beats Music, the subscription music service Apple purchased earlier this year, comes with the interface similar to that of other Apple TV channels and allows users to log into their Beats accounts to listen to streaming music from the Apple TV.

There is also a 14-day free trial for those signing up directly from the Apple TV.

Introduced at WWDC 2014, Family Sharing allows family members to share purchases from iTunes (music, movies, TV shows) and the App Store, as well as family calendar and photos.

Family members can browse and download each other’s iTunes, iBooks or App Store purchases. Up to six members can participate, each with their own Apple ID. Parents can create Apple IDs for children, which includes Ask to Buy, requiring parental permission for purchases.

Apple is also expected to soon change the way AirPlay works in iOS 8 by adding peer-to-peer, the same protocol which it used in AirDrop to share files.

Peer-to-peer AirPlay discovery and playback.
With iOS 8, you can wirelessly connect iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to Apple TV without first connecting to the organization’s network. Which means you can present or share your work even if you’re offline or the organization has a complex network.

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

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