There are only a few steps you need to take to update your Apple TV 4th Generation. Once the apple tv update is complete, you’ll be able to access new features and of course, benefit from many performance improvements.

How to update your Apple TV 4th Generation

One of the things you’ll love about the latest Apple TV is that you can easily update it via the Over the Air mechanism on the TV itself. To do that, you’ll have to take the following steps:

Turn on the Apple TV ad then go to the Settings application and then navigate to System. Here you’ll need to look under Maintenance.

You will see a menu called Software Updates. Click on it and then go to Update Software. Once you click on it, the Apple TV will start looking for updates. If it finds an update, then you’ll be prompted to install it.

Once you’re prompted to install the latest tvOS update, you have to click on Download and Install. Upon doing so, the installation process will begin and you will be able to see the progress on your screen. Usually the update takes a minute or more, depending on your internet connection. After the installation is completed, the Apple TV will automatically restart.

How to update your Apple TV 2nd and 3rd Generation

If you have a second or maybe a third generation Apple TV, then the update process is rather similar. This is how to update them:

1. Turn on the Apple TV, go to the Settings app on it and then go to General. Once you’re here, you have to click on Software Update.
2. Click on Update Now and the update process will begin.

Again, it’s important to bear in mind that the update process will depend largely on the speed of your internet connection. The faster your internet, the sooner the update will complete.

If you want, then you should know that there is also another way you can consider to update your Apple TV. You can do that through iTunes by going through the IPSW. For this, you’ll need a computer and a USB cable. This approach though is a bit more complex and it’s rarely used. However, if possible, then you should always go for the Automatic update features on the TVOS.

The good news is that many of the Apple TV devices do have updates available to them. This is especially the case if they have not yet been used or if they’re now. If you just bough your Apple TV, then you have to check and see if there are any updates you can download for it. If there are, then download them at once to benefit from a wide range of useful features and performance improvements.

About updating ATV software

Keep in mind that once you initiate the Apple Update process, the TV will start downloading the update files in the background. During this process you should not disconnect the TV from the internet.

Once the download and installation process are complete, the TV will restart. You may also notice that the status light will slowly flash during the installation process, so don’t panic. This is normal behavior. All in all, by keeping these tips in mind, applying the latest apple tv update should be a breeze!

The post How to check for updates and update your Apple TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

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.

Specs and Design

Apple TV:

1. A8 CPU (dual core)
2. HDMI output.
3. 2GB of RAM.
4. 1080 output resolution.
5. 32GB or 64GB storage.
6. 425 grams.
7. Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi‑Fi, 10/100BASE‑T Ethernet.

Roku Ultra:

1. 900 MHz Broadcom BCM2836 CPU (quad-core).
2. Optical audio, HDMI output.
3. RAM: Unknown
4. 256MB of built in storage (unconfirmed).
5. USB port and MicroSD card slot for extra storage.
6. 4K UHD resolution with High Dynamic Range support (60hz).
7. Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, 10/100BASE‑T Ethernet.

Specs breakdown

One thing you need to keep in mind is that specs don’t really matter that much. After all, the devices need to stream content and they have to do it well. They may have a powerful CPU and a lot of memory, but if the stream quality is not there, that beefed up CPU and memory don’t really matter that much.

Now, the Roku Ultra does have a more powerful CPU compared to the Apple TV. That’s because it needs extra juice for the 4K content. In terms of memory, 1GB should be enough. The Apple TV has 2GB, while the Roku may have about 1.5GB.

The difference in storage between the 2 is massive. The Apple TV can have up to 64GB of memory, while the Roku only has 256MB. This is because the Roku focuses on streaming everything.

The Roku supports 4K HDR, while the Apple TV can only handle Full HD. There isn’t too much 4K HDR content out there yet, but it’s good to know that the Roku is future proof in this regard.

Remote control comparison

First of all, the Roku Ultra features a physical remote that you can also use as a game controller. Even better, it features a built-in headphone jack, too. This means you can plug in your headphones in the remote (the Roku comes with a free pair) and the sound will be directed directly to your ears (through the remote).

The Roku remote comes with a speaker as well. If you can’t find it, then you need to press a button on the Roku Ultra and the remote will play a sound that allows you to find it easier. Quite useful, don’t you think? Lastly, the Roku offers voice search as well, making it easier to search for your favorite movies, shows, etc.

When it comes to the Apple Remote, you can use Siri, speak into the remote and look for content. As expected, the Siri remote can also be used to command your Apple TV. The Apple TV remote also has a touchpad which is quite useful if you don’t like to press buttons all the time. Better yet, you can easily use it to adjust the volume as well. As such, no longer will you need to worry about having a separate remote for adjusting the volume.

OS and content

The OS on the Apple TV (tvOS) has been updated and revamped. It’s fluid, smooth and it’s very pleasing to the eye. Not only does it have HD screensavers, but it also has a very useful Search feature. You can now use it in order to search through channels, even if you don’t yet have them. This can be pretty useful. This means that if you search for movies with Leonardo DiCaprio, you’ll get results not only from the iTunes store, but also from HBO Go, Netflix, and any other app you may have installed.

The Roku Ultra’s operating system is called Roku OS7. You get about twenty five hundred channels, but that’s not the best part. The best part is the Roku Feed which makes it a breeze to bookmark your favorite movies and TV shows. What happens next is that when one of the channels Roku offers has that movie in it, you’ll be notified. How great is that? This sounds very much like the Apple TV’s universal search, but it’s certainly a lot more useful since it tracks your favorite content and then notifies you when you can watch it.

Apple TV vs Roku: Price and verdict

Trying to come to a conclusion on which of these players is the best is very difficult. In terms of price, the 4th gen Apple TV with 32GB of memory is $149, with the 64GB version costing $199. In comparison, the Roku Ultra costs only $129 which is much cheaper.

For the asking price, you get the amazing Siri remote that has a lot of functionality and can help you enjoy your Apple TV a lot more than the traditional remote. If you love games, then you can safely go with the Apple TV. You can download thousands of games from the App Store and many of them are quite affordable as well. Then again, with the Apple TV you don’t get 4K HDR support, while the Roku Ultra offers it. This year, the popular streaming services, including Amazon Instant Video and Netflix are focusing on 4K content, including HDR, so if you’re into it, then the Roku may be a great choice to consider. If you opt for the Apple TV, then you’ll need to settle with Full HD resolution.

Calling a winner in this battle is definitely very difficult. Our take is that if you want the highest quality content, then go for the Roku. On the other hand, if you’re into games and apps, then go for the Apple TV!

The post Apple TV 4 vs. Roku Ultra: Which is better? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

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.

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.

Apple announced at this year’s WWDC  they are working on a new version of the Remote app for iPhone and iPad that will get all the features of the Apple TV Siri Remote, including touch navigation, Siri and game play support. According to CNET, the redesigned app will be released to the public this summer but the beta version is now available for testing and can be accessed by registered developers.

After downloading the Apple TV Remote IPA, you will be able to install the app directly to your iPhone or iPad via iTunes. The app requires an iPhone or iPad running iOS 9.3.2 or later, and the Apple TV running tvOS 9.2.1 or later.

9to5Mac’s Jeff Benjamin has already got his hands on the new app. Taka a look at his video walkthrough:

As noted by 9to5Mac, the new Apple TV Remote will allow you to:

• Navigate Apple TV with touch gestures
• Ask Siri to find something great to watch, listen to, or play
• Dictate text, including usernames and passwords
• Enter text with the keyboard
• Play games using the accelerometer and gyroscope on your iOS device
• Game Mode with simplified game controls, available while holding your iOS device in a landscape orientation
• Controll the movie, TV show, or song that’s currently playing in the Now Playing screen

Learn more about everything Apple announced at WWDC 2016.

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

The post Apple TV Remote app for Apple TV 4 now available for testing appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

The official NASA app turned out to be a very popular piece of software that has been downloaded more than 17 million times across all platforms (iOS, Android, Fire OS). Today the agency released its app for a new platform, the 4th gen. Apple TV.

The NASA app for Apple TV offers the following features:

• Watch live streaming NASA TV, and get a real-time view of the Earth from the International Space Station
• View more than 15,000 images individually or as a continuous slideshow
• Play on demand NASA videos
• Find the next opportunity to view the International Space Station and other NASA satellites pass overhead, based on your location.
• Display 2-D and 3-D satellite tracking maps
• Discover the latest NASA mission information
• Listen to Third Rock internet streaming radio
• View the Earth as Art image gallery

Search for “NASA” on your Apple TV’s App Store to download the free app.

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

The post NASA launches official Apple TV 4 app with live streaming from ISS appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Just ahead of WWDC 2016, Apple updated the official conference app for iOS and released a tvOS version. The WWDC app on your Apple TV 4 will let you watch live streamed sessions as well as the kickoff keynote presentation that will be held on Monday, June 13 at 10 a.m. PDT.

You will be also able to download videos from WWDC 2016 and previous conferences.

The main features include:

• Watch live streamed sessions on iOS and tvOS.
• Stream or download WWDC videos from this year and previous years.
• Start watching on one iOS device, and pick up where you left off on another iOS device or on the new Apple TV.
• Browse times, locations, and descriptions for sessions, labs, and special events.
• Mark schedule items as favorites.
• Keep up with the latest news, get important notifications, and see new photos throughout each day.
• View accessible maps to find your way around Moscone West.
• Provide feedback on content and speakers for each session.
• Add your pass to Wallet for faster check-in at WWDC.

Worldwide Developers Conference sessions will be streamed live throughout the week (13-17) via the WWDC website, Apple Events channel on Apple TV 2 and 3, and through the WWDC app on Apple TV and iOS devices.

Search for “WWDC” on your Apple TV’s App Store to download the app.

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 today released the final version of tvOS 9.2.1 for the 4th generation Apple TV. The update includes general performance and stability improvements. No new features were added in this release.

You can update your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software.

It is highly expected that Apple will unveil the next-generation operating system for the new Apple TV at this year’s WWDC that will be held between June 13-17 in San Francisco.

Back in March Apple released tvOS 9.2 software update for Apple TV 4, a major update that brought folders for grouping apps on the home screen, support for Bluetooth keyboards, new Siri languages and an updated app switcher UI to the new Apple TV.

Learn more about the new features in tvOS 9.2.

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

The post Apple releases tvOS 9.2.1 software update for Apple TV 4 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

MrMC is the most popular app for bringing Kodi on Apple TV 4. However, it doesn’t provide a “100% Kodi experience”: it strips out all of the prohibited features that go against the terms of service for the App Store, like python add-ons, which are the basis for many of the most popular Kodi add-ons. A YouTube user Nandor, “an Apple TV 4 and Hackintosh Enthusiast”, posted a video in which he shows how to install a pre-alpha version of the “real” Kodi on Apple TV 4 using Xcode and an iOS App Signer app. This version of Kodi is supposed to let you use all your favourite add-ons, skins and other features.

This is 100% Kodi!!! You need to understand that this is an “unofficial pre pre pre alpha” release of Kodi for tvOS. So there will be bugs and not all add-ons will work right now. Unless you are able to get them to work yourself.

Downloads:

• iOS app signer
• kodi tvos.deb

You can find more tutorials on Nandor’s website.

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

The post How to install Kodi on Apple TV 4 using Xcode (video) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

“Take control of Apple TV” is a book by TidBITS managing editor Josh Centers that is said to answer every question you may have about the 4th generation Apple TV. It explains how to set it up and use it to watch movies and TV shows, play music, display your photos, and run all types of apps on the big screen.

Josh walks you through cables, ports, and setup, and explains how to use gestures and spoken commands with the Siri Remote—yes, you can talk to your TV! He helps you navigate and customize the Home screen, plus describes getting-started settings such as inputting your Apple ID and enabling parental controls.

In Take Control of Apple TV you’ll read about:

• The easy Siri Remote shortcut for sleeping your Apple TV
• Checking the battery level and charging your Siri Remote
• Three ways to rewind on the Siri Remote
• Alternatives to the Siri Remote
• Connecting your Apple TV to iCloud Photo Library, iCloud Photo Stream, iCloud Photo Sharing, or to photos stored on your local computer
• Beaming the display of your Mac or iPhone screen to your TV
• Making Mac or iOS audio play through your TV’s speakers
• Ripping DVDs and Blu-ray discs
• Running iTunes Home Sharing to play media from a local computer
• Using Plex Media Server to take your media library beyond iTunes
• Essential items to pack if you’ll be giving a presentation via an Apple TV
• What you can do with Conference Room Display mode
• How to tell if an iOS app includes a free copy of its Apple TV version
• How to reset or restore an Apple TV—useful for troubleshooting or for handing your device to a new owner

The second edition of the book includes What’s New in tvOS 9.2 that discusses the most importnat features of tvOS 9.2, like support for Bluetooth keyboards, Dictation, and the capability to display your iCloud Photo Library.

The book costs $15 and is available in PDF, EPUB and mobi formats from takecontrolbooks.com.

You can also get a free sample.

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

The post “Take control of Apple TV” – the ultimate guide appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.