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.

Setting up your Apple TV

The first thing you need to understand is that if you want to connect your Apple TV to your TV, then you need to do so by using the HDMI port. This port is used for delivering both video and audio. Before setting up the Apple TV, check the ports on your TV and be sure you have the required cables.

1. You will need an HDMI cable to connect your Apple TV to your home theater receiver or TV.

2. (Optional) You may also need an optical digital audio cable. This cable can be used if you’d like to connect your Apple TV to a receiver.

Connecting the cables

At this point you’ll need to connect the cables. Using the HDMI cable, connect one end of it to the back of the TV. The other end should be connected to the appropriate port on the back of your Apple TV. Some people may use an optical digital cable for audio. If that’s the case for you, then be sure to connect one end of it to the appropriate port on your Apple TV (optical digital audio) and the other end to the audio input on your TV or receiver.

Note: The Apple TV features 802.11 Wi-Fi technology, allowing it to connect to your network automatically and wirelessly. However, if you have an Ethernet based network, be sure to use an Ethernet cable to connect your Apple TV to it.

Connect the power cord

One end of the power cord needs to be connected to a power outlet and the other to the power port you’ll find on the back of the Apple TV.

Note: You should never place any objects on top of the Apple TV. Doing so may result in bad signal. Placing the Apple TV on top of electronic equipment is also not recommended.

Turn on your TV and select the input

Since this is the first time you’re using the Apple TV, you’ll be greeted by a screen where you have to select your language and network. However, if the only thing you see is a black screen, then don’t worry. All you have to do is check whether the input setting selected on your TV is the same as the input you connected the cables to on your home theater receiver or TV.

Configuring your Apple TV 3rd gen

If you want to connect to iTunes, then you’ll be very happy to know that the Apple TV can help you configure your wireless network to do so. With iTunes, you can watch and listen to a lot of high quality content from the iTunes library.

Configuring your Apple TV

When configuring your Apple TV, you need to have your Apple Remote, but also your network pass and name ready. The path between the Apple TV and the remote should also be clear. Keep in mind that if you’re on an Ethernet network, then the Apple TV will detect your network automatically. If you’re on a wireless network, then the Apple TV will help you connect to it.

Using the Apple Remote, make sure to enter your network name or select it from the list and then enter the network pass (if you’ve set one).

Entering your IP address along with your DNS address, router address, and subnet address may be necessary if you do not connect using DHCP. Be sure to follow the onscreen instructions to complete the network connection.

How to connect to iTunes

If you’d like to use your Apple TV to access the content of your iTunes library, then you need to have the latest iTunes installed (recommended). Any version earlier than 10.5 won’t work so be sure to keep that in mind. If you do have iTunes, but you’re not sure if you have the latest version, then update it. You can do this by using Software Update (if you’re on a Mac). If you’re using a Windows machine, go to iTunes Help to update the software.

How to set up home sharing

Once your network connection is finally set up, you have to set up your Apple TV and iTunes so you can share your iTunes library. To do so, you need to use Home Sharing on both the Apple TV and iTunes. If you’d like to set up Home Sharing in iTunes, then you need to open iTunes, go to Advanced, and there you’ll see Turn On Home Sharing. You’ll now need to enter your Apple ID and your password. Next, click on Create Home Share.

Now, if you’d like to set up Home Sharing on your Apple TV, then you first of all need to go to settings and then to Computers. Here you’ll see an option that says Turn on Home Sharing. Click it and again, enter your Apple ID and pass (the same ones you entered on your laptop or computer).

As you can see, setting up your Apple TV 3rd generation is not hard at all. Just follow these tips and you’ll be able to watch your favorite videos, movies, shows, and also listen to your favorite music in no time!

The post How To Set Up Apple Tv 3rd Generation appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

If this is the first time you’re trying to reset your Apple TV, it’s important to know that there are 2 ways you can do this. The first method involves resetting the TV from the Settings menu. This assumes that you can boot up the TV and use the menus. If you can do this, then way to go!

On the other hand, if you haven’t really used your TV in a while and you don’t think you’re ever going to use it anytime soon, then you may want to donate or sell it. Before you do that, you need to wipe off any sensitive data on it. Doing so is simple and you just have to use iTunes to complete the process.

There’s also the case when your TV doesn’t work anymore because you tried to update the firmware and accidentally lost power to the device. Or maybe you did something else that bricked it. With that in mind below we’ll take a closer look at your options.

You can boot your Apple TV

If your Apple TV boots, then you can use the console in order to reset it. To do that, you should access the main menu and then go to Settings. Here, make sure to click on General. After you access this menu, you should scroll to the bottom. There you’ll see that you can actually reset your Apple TV without unplugging it and then proceeding to plug it back in. Choose the Reset option.

At this point, you’ll be able to cancel or restore your device to the original settings it shipped with. You can also reset your configuration and account. The option for doing so is called Reset All Settings.

Keep in mind that if you click Restore, then you’ll not only wipe the data on your Apple TV, but you’ll also download and install the latest software updates for it.

You can’t boot your Apple TV

If something bad happened and you cannot boot your Apple TV or maybe your Apple TV doesn’t operate properly, then don’t worry. This can be easily fixed by restoring it. Just connect it to your personal computer or laptop and factory reset it by using iTunes.

The first step you have to take though is to unplug the Apple TV. Next, get a mini USB cable and plug it into the back of the Apple TV. The USB port can be found below the HDMI port. The other end of the USB cable should be plugged into your laptop or personal computer.

At this point, your Apple TV should be connected, so be sure to plug it back in. If it’s not already running, iTunes will be launched automatically to recognize the Apple TV. There are 2 options you can choose from now, but remember that we want to fix the Apple TV. Therefore, we’ll click on Restore Apple TV.

Once you do that, you’ll be requested to confirm that you want to restore your Apple TV. Click on Restore and Update. You will need to wait a while, depending on your internet connection, for the Apple TV software to be installed. When the installation is complete, you’ll be able to boot the Apple TV and reconnect it to your TV.

Protect your privacy

Knowing how to factory reset your Apple TV goes a long way into helping you enjoy it once again. Once Apple will release a new Apple TV, a lot of people who currently own one may decide to sell it. Knowing how to reset it in order to wipe out sensitive data is very important to protect your privacy. Therefore, we certainly hope that this guide has helped you reset your device to the default factory settings. If there’s anything you’d like to add, please let us know about it in the comments section below.

The post How to Factory Reset your Apple TV in just a few steps appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

How to set up and use a Chromecast

It’s been a while since Google announced their popular video streaming dongle. While in the meantime their product has indeed changed, the basic setup instructions have not. Before you can begin the chromecast setup process, there are a few things you need to consider.

Chromecast requirements

One of the first things you need to bear in mind is that if you want to use Google Chromecast, then you need to have a TV with an HDMI port and a USB port. If your TV doesn’t have a USB port, then you need to at least be able to plug in a USB cable to a mains adaptor near the television set. In order to connect that device, you’ll need to have an active Wi-Fi connection, but also a device that can be used as a remote control. If you have a tablet, such as an iPad, an iPhone or any other tablet that runs Android or iOS, you can use it as a remote. You can also use your Mac, PC or laptop as a remote.

Setting up Chromecast

1. If you want to know how to connect chromecast to tv, then this is quite simple. If you got the original Google Chromecast, then you know it comes with a short HDMI extension cable and an HDMI port. The cable can be used as an extension cable based on the location of your television set’s HDMI ports. If you bought the newest Chromecast version, then you have probably noticed that it has a longer HDMI dongle. Therefore, you may not need to worry about extending it. However, when it comes to the Chromecast, it does still connect to your TV and is powered in the same way as the original.

2. At this point, you’ll need to find a free HDMI slow on your TV and then plug in your Chromecast. Next, be sure to write down the exact port you’ve connected the Chromecast to. Next, you’ll need to plug in the micro-USB cable you’ve got with the Chromecast into the other end of the device. You can connect it to either a USB adaptor and then plug it into a mains power outlet or attach it to a USB port on your television set.

3. You will now need to turn on your TV. If Chromecast is not detected and the TV doesn’t switch to the right input, then you have to select the HDMI input you’ve noted on step one by using the TV’s remote control. Once you do that, a setup screen will pop up.

4. To control Chromecast, you need to go to chromecast.com/setup or install the Google Home application. At some point during the installation you’ll be asked to accept the ToS. Before you do that, ensure that your device is connected to your Wi-Fi network that you plan on using for your Chromecast device.

5. If you look at the top right of the Google Home app, you’ll notice the devices icon. Be sure to select it and let it search for any casting hardware on the network. Once it finds your Chromecast, be sure to select it and then start setting it up.

6. You will now see a code popping up on your handset. The code needs to match the code that’s displayed on your TV screen. If you want to continue, then be sure to tap I See The Code.

7. At this point you may wish to change your Chromecast’s name to one you like. Once you change its name, you just have to click Continue.

8. Look for your Wi-Fi network and then click Continue. Once you do that, the Chromecast will connect to the internet. It’s also possible that certain updates may be downloaded and installed in order to ensure the device works at peak performance. Completing the setup process is simple. Just sign in to your Google account and follow the installation steps.

9. You are finally ready to stream. The good news is that there are also plenty of applications that support casting. If you’d like to begin streaming, then all you have to do is look for the Cast icon on their interface and then choose your Chromecast. Mirroring your Android tablet or phone’s screen is also possible. You can do this by using the Google Home application and then selecting Cast screen/audio. Next, just choose Chromecast and you’re set.

The post How to Connect Chromecast to your TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

One thing you need to know about the Apple TV is that it comes preinstalled with a lot of useful apps. Some of them include MLB.TV, YouTube, WatchESPN, HBO GO, but also PBS, Hulu, Netflix, and more. However, maybe these apps are not enough for you and you’d like to add more apps to it. If that’s the case though, then how to add apps to apple tv? Well, about that and more we’re going to tell you more below. One more thing to keep in mind: adding apps to apple tv also depends on the Apple TV model you have.

4th Gen Apple TV: Yes

Okay, so you have a 4th Gen Apple TV and you would like to add apps to apple tv. Can you do that? Fortunately, the answer is yes! The 4th Gen Apple TV was introduced in late 2015 and as Tim Cook said at the time, the TV was built around the idea that applications are the future of TV.

When it comes to installing the apps on your device, it’s as simple as installing them on your iPad or iPhone. It’s true that the operating system is a bit different and this means the installation process also differs. However, it’s not a big difference. Here’s a short guide on how you can download apps on apple tv and install them.

1. Search for the app you want to install, highlight it and then view the detail screen for it by clicking the touchpad.
2. At this screen, you’ll need to click the Install button. If the app is paid, you’ll see a price instead of the Install button. Begin the installation by highlighting the button and clicking the touchpad.
3. To proceed with the installation, you may need to enter your Apple ID password. Do this by using the onscreen keyboard and the remote control.
4. Once the installation is launched, you’ll notice an icon appearing in the button that shows how long until the installer completes.
5. When the app is finally downloaded and installed, the button’s label will change to Open. You can open the application by selecting it or returning to your Apple TV’s home screen.

3rd Gen Apple TV and Earlier: Channels are added regularly by Apple

Can you download apps on apple tv 3rd gen? Unfortunately, the answer is no, but luckily Apple does add them on a regular basis. For instance, when the Apple TV was launched, it featured less than 10 channels of online content. Currently, there are dozens of them and what’s surprising is that Apple continues to add a lot of them as new ones appear.

It’s important to note that there isn’t a fixed schedule for new channels to be added to the Apple TV and users also have no control over whether they’re installed or not. So if you just turned on your Apple TV and noticed a new icon on the home screen, then this means that you can access new content. There are also cases when new applications are bundled together with certain updates to the Apple TV’s software. These days though, channels are added to your Apple TV as they’re ready.

3rd Gen Apple TV and earlier: No

If you want to know how to get apps on apple tv 3rd generation, well, you cannot actually do that. While it’s true that the operating system for the Apple TV 3rd Gen and earlier is similar to the one the iPad and the iPhone use, it has limited features. Most importantly, you won’t be able to download apps and install them. Fortunately, new apps do get added to it.

Adding apps via Jailbreak

Without a doubt, there are many people who aren’t happy with the idea that Apple is the only one that decides what apps make the cut and which apps do not. Therefore, if you’d like to install apps that Apple currently doesn’t allow, then you may want to jailbreak your device. Jailbreaking is a process that makes certain changes to the device’s core software in order to remove certain restrictions imposed by Apple (usually on installing software).

If you would like to actually jailbreak your device, then you can do so by using special software. Some examples include Pangu, iJailbreakPro (this is a paid tool), and Seas0nPass (free tool). Jailbreaking may not be possible on all Apple TVs (firmware version is very important as well), so be sure to keep that in mind before deciding to jailbreak your device.

Once the jailbreaking process is over, you can proceed to install tools such as XMBC or Plex so you can access content that Apple currently restricts. At this point you may be wondering “can you add apps to apple tv?”. Sure, you can install a lot more apps than before, but the apps need to be compatible with your Apple TV.

Now that you know how to get new apps on apple tv, you can start checking the most popular ones and see how you like using them with your Apple TV. Have fun!

The post How to Add or Install Apps on your Apple TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Requirements for installing the chromecast extension

One of the first things you need to keep in mind when it comes to installing the extension is that it’s currently supported only by Chrome and Opera. If you don’t know what Google Chrome is, well, this is a free browser that competes with Apple’s Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and IE.

The operating systems the browser is available for include Mac, Linux, and Windows. Right now we’re going to tell you how to install the chromecast extension on your Chromecast. If you don’t have Chrome installed yet, be sure to download and install it first.

Installing chrome with the Chromecast Extension

You can skip this step if you already have Google Chrome installed. It’s also important to mention that if you want, then you can also install Chrome for iOS and Android devices. Now, in order to download and install Google Chrome, you’ll need to take the following steps:

1. Download Google Chrome from here. Once the link loads, you should click on Download Chrome and the download will start.
2. Once the installation is complete, the installer will launch automatically. If it doesn’t, then you need to locate where the file was downloaded and start the installation manually.
3. At this point the installation process will begin. Be patient as your computer installs Google Chrome. Once Chrome is installed, you can proceed to installing the chromecast extension.

Chromecast extension installation

Open up Chrome on your PC and head over to the following link. Once you’re there, you’ll have to add it to Chrome by clicking the button. Your computer will not start to download and install the chromecast plug-in. Once complete, you’ll notice a small icon if you look at the top right corner of your browser.

Cast videos

At this point you’ll finally be able to cast videos from your computer to your Chromecast. To do that, you have to open any website that you want to cast in Chrome. Once you open it, click on the Chromecast icon in the top right corner. You’ll also have to choose which Chromecast you want to cast to. To stop the casting, you just need to click the cast icon again. The process is very simple, but we guarantee that you’re going to have a lot of fun using this amazingly useful extension.

Installing the Google Chrome extension in Opera

While in the past the chromecast plugin was only available for the Chrome browser, it seems that now it can also be used with Opera. As you may very well know, Opera is one of the most popular browsers in the world and not only is it fast, but it also offers you a lot of options to make the most of it. Being able to install the Google extension on it is one of them. Here’s a guide on how you can do that.

How to install the chromecast extension in Opera?

As you may have imagined, installing the extension in Opera is rather simple. You will need to be a bit patient and thorough though. In our example, we chose to use the Google Cast extension so we can make the most of Chromecast. Here are the steps you should take to install the chromecast extension in Opera:

1. Go online and download Opera.
2. Next, you need to download the Chrome extension that you can find in the add-on galley in Opera.
3. Go to the Google cast extension page in Chrome.
4. Click on Download Chrome Extension and then click to add it to Opera.
5. Once you do that, you’ll be greeted with a message saying that the extension was disabled since it comes from a source they cannot verify. Here you just have to click on Go.
6. You’re now in the Extensions page in Opera where you should click on Install in the Google Cast extension.
7. You’ll be asked once again by Opera to confirm that you want to do this, so please do so.

Once you do that, you’ll have managed to install the chromecast extension for Opera. Enjoy using it in the same way you’d use it in Chrome!

The post How to install the Google chromecast extension appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Connectivity and External Differences

On the outside, the third generation Apple TV and below, but also the 4th generation models and above can be easily confused. While it’s true that they have the same footprint, the latest iteration is about 1/3 lbs heavier and about half an inch taller than the third generation Apple TV.

In terms of connectivity, the third and fourth generation Apple TVs are quite different. Whether the fourth generation is better than the third one or vice versa in this regard is all up to you.

Both generations feature a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port and a power connect. However, in all other aspects they do vary.

3rd generation Apple TV: This Apple TV iteration features a Micro USB port, an optical out audio port, and an HDMI port. It also features support for Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound and 802.11a/b/g/n wireless.

4th generation Apple TV: Compared to the previous generation, the 4th generation Apple TV features a USB-C port and an HDMI port version 1.4. While you don’t get an optical audio out port, you do get 802.11AC Wi-Fi capability (MIMO). The latest Apple TV model also supports Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.

Remote Differences

While it’s true that both Apple TVs (3rd and 4th gen) support remotes, the fourth generation is a lot more advanced.

3rd generation: The third gen Apple TV remote is silver and features dedicated Play/Pause, Menu, and directional key buttons.

4th generation: The 4th gen Apple TV remote is made of aluminum and comes in black. It sports a lot of features, including dedicated buttons for Siri, Play/Pause, Up/Down, Home, Menu, but also a gyroscope, an internal accelerometer, a Glass Touch surface (which is great for directional control) , but also features 2 microphones. Thanks to Siri Voice Command, you can control your Apple TV by issuing voice commands.

It’s true that the Apple TV 4th gen remote is a lot more advanced and comes with great features, but its build quality is not that great. On top of that, it now comes with rechargeable batteries that will last you months, instead of years as it was the case with previous generation Apple TV remotes. The remote also supports 3rd party controllers which may potentially open productivity and gaming possibilities.

Identification Differences

If you put them next to each other, the third and fourth generation Apple TVs are easy to differentiate. On the other hand, there are 2 third generation iterations, and the second generation of the Apple TV looks visually the same as the third generation. Because of that, identifying them by looks alone is not feasible.

To better identify what generation your Apple TV is, you need to check their EMC and Model Number. You can check these by turning the Apple TV upside down checking the small text there.

Internal Differences

If we are to compare the hardware of the third and fourth generation Apple TV, then you’ll see there are many differences between them. For example, the Apple TV third generation features a twenty eight nanometer Apple A5 CPU (single core), 8GB of storage (flash), and 512MB RAM.

The fourth generation on the other hand features a twenty nanometer A8 CPU (dual core), between 32GB and 64GB of storage (flash), and 2GB of RAM.

While the 4th generation does have much faster and newer hardware than the previous generation, both of them do not yet support 4K video.

Software Differences

Both Apple TV generations are based on the iOS platform, but at the same time they run on different OS.

The Apple TV third generation features the 5.1 Apple TV version which offers support for selective application-like functionality and built-in channels.

The Apple TV fourth generation runs on the tvOS which allows you to connect to an app store and use fully fledged apps.

While Apple is dedicated to updating its products and software for the Apple TV third generation, we can safely assume that they won’t be doing so much longer. After all, they’re currently focused on the tvOS and working hard towards improving it.

The post What generation is my Apple tv? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

In terms of operating system, the Apple TV features TVOS. From a first look, it does bear certain similarities to the iOS, meaning that managing apps on the Apple TV is very simple. You can also choose what apps you want to keep using and what apps you wish to delete. In the paragraphs below, we’ll divide our short guide into 2 parts.

One of them will focus on how to delete apps on apple tv and the other on how you can move apps on your Apple TV. Both of these parts imply the use of a 4th Gen Apple TV.

Moving apps on your Apple TV

Once you start downloading apps to your Apple TV, you should take some time to arrange the layout as you like it. By doing so, you’ll have quick access to your most used and favorite apps, including the free apps for apple tv.

Compared to Apple TV devices of previous generations, you can now move applications in and out of the top shelf. In the past, the top shelf was reserved for Apple own apps. Speaking of which, whether you like them or not, you cannot delete them.

Now, in order to move the apps, you need to highlight their icon and then press and hold the trackpad. Do so until you notice the icon starts to wiggle. When it does, swipe across the trackpad and move it to your desired spot. To finalize the move you just have to click the trackpad once.

Deleting apps from your Apple TV

If you want to know how to delete apple tv apps, then that’s simple. In fact, it’s very similar to the command used to move them. Highlight the app icon, press and hold the trackpad to the point the icon starts to wiggle and then press the play\pause button on the remote. Once you do so, you’ll be asked to confirm that you want to delete the app. Once confirmed, the app will be deleted.

Using the Settings app to delete apps from the Apple TV

If you want, you can also use the Settings app to delete apps from your Apple TV. Here are the steps to doing so:

1. Launch the settings app.
2. Go to General.
3. Under Usage heading, go to Manage Store.
4. Click the trash icon next to any of the apps you’d like to remove.
5. Confirm the removal by clicking delete.

That’s about it! While the first method is indeed very simple, the second method is very useful if you wish to remove more than 1 app. So which one do you like most?

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AirPlay requirements

One thing you need to know about AirPlay is that you can use it on basically any device that Apple currently sells. This important and incredible feature was introduced with iTunes 10 for the Mac. Later on, Apple decided to also add it to the iOS with version 4.2 on the iPad and version 4 on the iPhone.

To run AirPlay, you need to have the following:

1. At least iOS 4.2
2. A 2011 Mac or newer
3. An Apple Watch
4. At least an iPhone 3GS
5. Any iPad model
6. At least a second Gen iPod touch

Unfortunately, you cannot use AirPlay on the original iPod touch, iPhone, and on the iPhone 3G.

AirPlay for Photos, videos, and music

With AirPlay, you can stream video, music, and photos from your iOS device to Wi-Fi connected stereo components, speakers, and computers. However, they all need to be AirPlay compatible to begin with.

While that’s not possible for all components, a lot of manufacturers have begun to release products that support AirPlay.

If you do have a pair of speakers though that doesn’t support AirPlay, you can still use AirPlay with them. How? Well, with an AirPort Express of course! This is a small Wi-Fi base station that you can easily use with AirPlay. All you have to do to use your speakers with AirPlay is connect AirPort express to the Wi-Fi network and then use the appropriate cables to connect the speakers to it. Once you do that, you’ll be able to stream music to your speakers.

If you have a 2nd Gen Apple TV, you should know that it works in the same way with your home theater system or your big screen TV.

Just keep in mind that you need to make sure all devices use AirPlay and share the same Wi-Fi network. For example, you cannot use your iPhone at work in order to stream music to your car.

AirPrint: AirPlay for printing

Did you know that AirPlay also makes it easy for you to print content from your iPhone or any other compatible iOS device to Wi-Fi connected printers that support this technology? You may actually have a printer that doesn’t support AirPrint and if that’s the case, then don’t worry about it. You can easily connect it to an AirPort express (as you did with the speakers) and make it compatible.

AirPlay Mirroring

Generally speaking, AirPlay Mirroring is used in order to display content from devices with smaller screens to bigger screen devices (such as your HDTV). Thanks to AirPlay, you can show the video, game, website or any other content you’re currently watching to your friends, family, coworkers, and more. You can do this via Wi-Fi, but the good news is that you can also achieve it via wire mirroring.

Using this method, you’ll need a cable that connects the iOS device to the TV (basically, an HDMI cable). For this type of mirroring you do not need to have an Apple TV. As for the devices that support AirPlay Mirroring, they include:

1. 2nd Gen Apple TV or newer.
2. Mac.
3. iPad 2 and newer.
4. iPhone 4s and newer.

How to enable AirPlay and stream music/movies on the iPhone

To do this, the first thing you need to do is download 5KPlayer and then launch it. By doing so, you’ll enable iPhone to PC/Mac AirPlay that is otherwise not possible by using independent AirPlay.

Thanks to this connection, you’ll be able to turn your iPhone into an AirPlay sender to PC/Mac to enjoy your favorite music or video content.

Instructions:

1. Connect the iPhone and the PC/Mac so you can activate AirPlay. Prior to turning on AirPlay, you need to ensure that your PC/Mac and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. If your iOS version is 8, 9 or newer, you need to launch the control center and then enable AirPlay from there.
3. Thanks to the AirPlay server 5KPlayer, you can enable AirPlay to your PC or Mac so you can then stream videos from your personal computer to your Apple TV.

To turn on AirPlay on your Mac, be sure to take the following steps:

1. Download 5KPlayer on your Mac and install it.
2. Tap the AirPlay icon to activate AirPlay. A user guide will appear if you click the AirPlay icon in the main interface. Please note that if 5KPlayer acts as a receiver on the Mac, the process ends here.

AirPlay supported files

AirPlay supports a lot of files, including MP3, AAC, M4A, MOV, M4V, and MP4. If you want to stream files of a different format, then you’ll need to cover them to one of the supported file formats before you can play them.

AirPlay is by far one of the best features Apple has introduced to its devices, making it a great way to share content with friends, family, and coworkers in a few simple taps. Now that you know how useful it is, how about you give it a try and let us know how you like it?

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