apple tv 4 – Apple TV Hacks https://www.appletvhacks.net Get more from your shiny box of joy: Taking Apple TVs to the next level Mon, 06 Feb 2017 20:20:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Can You Control Your Apple TV Without The Remote? https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/02/06/control-apple-tv-remote/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/02/06/control-apple-tv-remote/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2017 20:12:32 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111185 “Can you use apple tv without remote?” Sure you can! In fact, Apple has made it easy for you to enjoy the Apple TV with or without their remote control. Setting up your Apple TV is generally a breeze, but...

The post Can You Control Your Apple TV Without The Remote? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
“Can you use apple tv without remote?” Sure you can! In fact, Apple has made it easy for you to enjoy the Apple TV with or without their remote control. Setting up your Apple TV is generally a breeze, but not so if you want to set up apple tv without remote. However, did you know that you can actually use your Bluetooth keyboard, iPhone, and iPad to set up your Apple TV? That’s right! Many people simply don’t like to turn on tv with apple tv remote or basically use the Apple TV remote. So if you’re currently wondering how to use other devices with your Apple TV, then you’re in the right place. In today’s article we’ll tell you exactly how to do that.

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.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/02/06/control-apple-tv-remote/feed/ 3
Top 8 best Apple TV apps you should try right now https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/30/8-best-apple-tv-apps-try/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/30/8-best-apple-tv-apps-try/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2017 14:37:47 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111067 When Apple released the Apple TV, Tim Cook said that the future of TV is apps. Well, we couldn’t agree more with that, but the truth is that the App Store simply has too many junk apps available. We bet...

The post Top 8 best Apple TV apps you should try right now appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
When Apple released the Apple TV, Tim Cook said that the future of TV is apps. Well, we couldn’t agree more with that, but the truth is that the App Store simply has too many junk apps available. We bet that you’ve already deleted many of them just because you rarely use them! So if you’re the type who wants to install the best apple tv apps on your TV, then you need to look for them. Luckily, today we’re going to make this a lot easier for you. In the paragraphs below, we reviewed some of the best apps you can install on your Apple TV. Let’s check them out!

CARROT Weather (Apple TV only)

If you travel a lot or you’re simply interested in how the weather is going to be today or tomorrow, then you need to get the CARROT weather app. What’s great about it is that you can use it in order to store multiple locations. Better yet, it also features some pretty great animations that you’ll certainly like. Whatever you do though, just make sure you don’t poke its ocular sensor!

Wikify (universal)

Wikify (universal)We’re all aware of Wikipedia and we’ve probably used it more than we think. However, having Wikipedia on your TV may seem a little bit weird at first. However, Wikify is more like a travel companion. The way it works is that if you travel somewhere, you can use it in order to zoom on your location. As you zoom, you’ll notice a lot of red pins will start to pop up. Each of those pins actually represents interesting locations that you may want to visit. While this kind of functionality may sound like it’s better suited for a phone, we cannot refute its usefulness.

TVPlayer (universal)

If you have an Apple TV, then there is a chance that it’s plugged into an actual TV that can play live broadcasts. If that’s not the case, then don’t worry about it. Using TVPlayer you can gain access to a lot of TV channels right away. If you want, then you can also pay something extra and access a lot of private channels as well. According to users, this is by far one of the most interesting apps for apple tv, so be sure to give it a shot!

TV Maps (universal)

Many people may scoff at the idea of using maps on their TV. That’s because it’s unrealistic that while traveling, you’ll have your Apple TV with you in your car, trying to zoom up on the highway to find the next gas station. However, you can look at this app in a different way. You can use it in order to explore. TV Maps offers you a three dimensional view of popular landmarks. If you want, then you can also receive directions that you can then send to your mobile device through the TV Maps app. How great is that?

Streaks workout

For those who want to get in shape and never really get to do something about it, Streaks Workout may be the answer they’re looking for. Using this app, you only need some desire to get in shape, a floor, and your Apple TV. In terms of exercising, you can choose the exercises you want to do and how long you want to exercise. With Streaks Workout, you’ll be able to track your workout and see how much fat you burn. Thanks to this great app, you can set weight loss goals and lose fat without having to go to the gym. Just give it a try to convince yourself of how useful it actually is!

Speedtest by Ookla (universal)

best apple tv apps 2016We’ve all used a speed test tool or website at least once, but did you know that they’re generally inaccurate? Therefore, if you have trouble streaking your favorite content on the Apple TV, then you may want to use Ookla to test your broadband speed. Based on its reviews, Ookla is one of the best apple tv apps 2016 and you should certainly install it on your TV. Now when it comes to the internet speed test, it takes about a minute. Once it’s over, you’ll know all about your download and upload speed.

Solar Walk 2 (universal)

Have you ever wanted to explore the solar system? If the answer is yes, then we have good news for you! With Solar Walk 2 you can easily do that! This app is available of the Apple TV and it’s simply amazing. You can use it to explore the Moon, the planets in our solar system and also the moon. There are also infographics which tell you a lot about Earth and the rest of the planets in the solar system. Pretty interesting stuff for sure!

Plane Finder

If you’re an armchair plane geek, then Plane Finder may very well be an indispensable app for you. Using it you can see almost live maps of planes that hurtle through the sky. You can also search for certain flights, filter by company, and even zoom to track specific planes. On the other hand, if you like something more conventional, then you may want to give FlightBoard a try.

If you’re looking for the best apps for apple tv, then now you have them. Check them out and see how much you like them, but don’t forget to let us know about it in the comments section below!

The post Top 8 best Apple TV apps you should try right now appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/30/8-best-apple-tv-apps-try/feed/ 1
Apple TV 4 vs. Roku Ultra: Which is better? https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/27/apple-tv-4-vs-roku-ultra-better/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/27/apple-tv-4-vs-roku-ultra-better/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2017 13:06:55 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111061 Roku has been long in the game of set top boxes and now with its latest release, the Roku Ultra, it’s hoping to meet everyone’s needs. This is their best set top box yet and it’s one that many people...

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

]]>
Roku has been long in the game of set top boxes and now with its latest release, the Roku Ultra, it’s hoping to meet everyone’s needs. This is their best set top box yet and it’s one that many people have already bought and enjoy. As expected, it has the most features compared to all other models in its lineup. That’s not all though: the Roku Ultra also has 4K support. However, a lot of people seem to think that the Apple TV 4th Gen is better than the Roku Ultra. If you’re currently looking to buy a set top box, then stay tuned. Below we’ll compare the apple tv vs roku to see which of them is the absolute best set top box. Let’s see!

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.

apple tv vs roku

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.remote control comparison apple tv roku

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.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/27/apple-tv-4-vs-roku-ultra-better/feed/ 5
How to Add or Install Apps on your Apple TV https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/22/add-install-apps-apple-tv/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/22/add-install-apps-apple-tv/#respond Sun, 22 Jan 2017 18:39:50 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111023 As a proud Apple TV user, the first thing you will want to know after you get it is how to download apps on apple tv. After all, the Apple TV is an excellent device for streaming music, movies, and...

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

]]>
As a proud Apple TV user, the first thing you will want to know after you get it is how to download apps on apple tv. After all, the Apple TV is an excellent device for streaming music, movies, and TV from the internet to your TV. Whether it’s content from Hulu, a song you found on Apple Music or a movie you rented from the iTunes Store, thanks to the Apple TV you can easily enjoy your favorite digital content on the big screen and from the comfort of your favorite armchair (or sofa).

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.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/22/add-install-apps-apple-tv/feed/ 0
How to Delete Apps on the Apple TV https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/15/delete-apps-apple-tv/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/15/delete-apps-apple-tv/#comments Sun, 15 Jan 2017 18:53:45 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111018 As you may know, if you already bought an Apple TV, there are a lot of apps you can use with it and the good news is that new ones are being added often by Apple. If you want though,...

The post How to Delete Apps on the Apple TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
As you may know, if you already bought an Apple TV, there are a lot of apps you can use with it and the good news is that new ones are being added often by Apple. If you want though, you can also download your very own apps from the TV’s App Store. Thanks to it, you have access to a wide range of 3rd party apps that make your Apple TV experience that much more exciting. For simpler and easier navigation, the TV comes with the new Siri remote that supports voice commands and also features a trackpad.

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.

Delete Apps Apple TV

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

Apple TV Delete Apps

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?

The post How to Delete Apps on the Apple TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/15/delete-apps-apple-tv/feed/ 1
What is Airplay Mirroring and why should you care? https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/14/airplay-mirroring/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/14/airplay-mirroring/#comments Sat, 14 Jan 2017 21:45:30 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111028 What is airplay mirroring? Shortly said, it’s one of the best features on iOS. As you can tell by the name, this is a feature that allows you to mirror your iPad screen to a nearby Mac or Apple TV....

The post What is Airplay Mirroring and why should you care? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
What is airplay mirroring? Shortly said, it’s one of the best features on iOS. As you can tell by the name, this is a feature that allows you to mirror your iPad screen to a nearby Mac or Apple TV. This means that whatever you’re doing on it can now be viewed on a bigger screen. As you can imagine, this is truly a great feature for demos, screencasts, and presentations, but also for gaming and entertainment as well.

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?

The post What is Airplay Mirroring and why should you care? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/14/airplay-mirroring/feed/ 1
What is Apple TV good for and why should you get one? https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/12/apple-tv-device-define/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/12/apple-tv-device-define/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2017 00:01:23 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=111073 What is apple TV good for? Well, if you’ve never used an Apple TV before and you’re wondering why you need to get one, then you’re in the right place. First of all, with an Apple TV you gain access...

The post What is Apple TV good for and why should you get one? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
What is apple TV good for? Well, if you’ve never used an Apple TV before and you’re wondering why you need to get one, then you’re in the right place. First of all, with an Apple TV you gain access to thousands of TV shows, movies, apps, and a lot of high quality content. Secondly, many apps on the App Store are very affordably priced, so you don’t need to worry about poking your wallet to get some if you really want to. If you never had an Apple TV before, then below we’ll tell you more about it and why you may need to get one fast.

Pros

  1. The Apple TV is a stylish, easy to use and affordable set top box.
  2. It costs $149 and $199 for the 32GB and 64GB variant, respectively.

Cons

  1. The Apple TV ties in to iTunes, which some people may not really like.

What is Apple TV?

Apple TV Buy Reasons

The Apple TV is basically a set top box that give you access to a lot of content, including movies, TV shows, apps, and more. You can purchase them or rent them from iTunes and other services, including Netflix, YouTube, etc. In other words, Apple TV simply takes the content that would otherwise be tied to your Mac, iPad, and iPhone and lets you enjoy it on a bigger screen. In terms of quality, the Apple TV is capable of outputting content in Full HD resolution.

Apple TV channels

One thing you need to know is that the Apple TV doesn’t actually offer you access to free to air channels as it’s the case with a regular TV. On top of that, it’s also not a digital video recorder that can help you record your favorite movies or shows while you’re at work. On the other hand, it does offer you access to channels where you can watch a lot of content based on your preferences. You can also use OnDemand services in the same way you would on your iPad and iPhone.

If you’re in the US, then by getting an Apple TV you can gain access to a lot of useful apps and channels. Some examples include WatchESPN, Lifetime, History, but also A&E, PBS, Disney Junior, Disney XD, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, and more. The good news is that Apple adds new channels quite frequently, so the amount of content you can access greatly increases over time. This is amazing if you’re the type who wants to keep up with the latest TV shows and movies.

Can I use my current TV with it?

One of the first things you need to know if you want to get an Apple TV is whether your current TV is compatible with it. As long as your TV has an HDMI port, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to use the Apple TV with it. Keep in mind that your TV needs to also be capable of 720P or Full HD output at 50/60Hz. While the chance your TV may not meet these requirements is low, there may be expectations. This is usually the case if you have an old CRT TV. Also, in order to access content stores, including the iTunes store, you need to have a broadband connection.

What can you play on the Apple TV?

The Apple TV supports a wide range of file formats, including M-PEG, MPEG-4, and H.264. In terms of audio, it supports Audible (formats two, three, four), MP3 VBR, MP3, protected AAC, AAC, HE-AAC (V1), WAV, and Apple Lossless. In terms of image formats, the Apple TV supports TIFF, GIF, and JPEG images.Apple tv what can it play

One of the most important things you need to know about the Apple TV is that you can use it to turn your dumb TV into a smart TV. You can easily access the likes of Vimeo, YouTube, Netflix, but also iTunes movies and TV programs to enjoy the latest video content. Better yet, you can also view images on Flickr and watch Sky news live.

Verdict

As you can see, there are many things to like about the Apple TV. First of all, it’s simple to use and it’s very well built as well. On the other hand, some people may argue that they don’t really have access to as much content as they would like. If you look at the competition (we’re looking at you Roku!) you’ll notice that there are other options you may want to check out.

Truth be said, there are certain features that will only work with the Apple TV, so that’s also something you may want to bear in mind. All in all, the Apple TV is a great way to access large libraries of content and keep up with your favorite movies and TV shows. If you’re a couch potato or find yourself spending too much time looking for great content on your cable TV, then you may want to switch to the Apple TV as soon as possible. It’s definitely worth it!

The post What is Apple TV good for and why should you get one? appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2017/01/12/apple-tv-device-define/feed/ 1
Dark Mode on Apple TV: Here’s How to Enable It https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/10/27/enable-dark-mode-apple-tv/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/10/27/enable-dark-mode-apple-tv/#respond Thu, 27 Oct 2016 20:30:25 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=110820 With tvOS 10, Apple included a small new feature called Dark Mode. It does what it says and here’s how to enable the Dark Mode on Apple TV 4. If you want a theater like experience on your Apple TV,...

The post Dark Mode on Apple TV: Here’s How to Enable It appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
With tvOS 10, Apple included a small new feature called Dark Mode. It does what it says and here’s how to enable the Dark Mode on Apple TV 4.

If you want a theater like experience on your Apple TV, or use it more at night, then you will love the Dark Mode feature. It is a simple little cosmetic add-on that very much enhances user experience.

Enabling Dark Mode on Apple TV will change the appearance of menus and backgrounds to black. This will help reduce the strain on your eyes when you’re browsing through the movie list at night. The icons and information will become easier to read thanks to the blackish background.

Turn on Dark Mode on Apple TV

Enabling the Dark mode is very simple and there are more than one methods to do it. By default, your Apple TV 4 running tvOS 10 will feature a Light appearance. This will make all the posters and icons pop, but will be too bright for night use.

To turn on Dark Mode on the Apple TV, open the Settings app, then navigate to General>Appearance. Here, select the Dark option. All your menus and backgrounds will have a darker appearance now. To switch back to a Lighter appearance, choose the Light option.

Another way to enable Dark mode on your Apple TV 4, is with the help of the Siri Remote. Simply press the Siri button on the remote and say ‘Enable Dark mode.’ You can also say ‘Dark mode’ and Siri will enable it for you.

If you want to go back to the Light side, then say ‘Light mode.’ And that’s how you enable the Dark mode on Apple TV 4.

Obviously, the Siri method is much faster and easier to perform. However, it would be nicer if Apple had included an Auto mode that would automatically switch the appearance according to the time of day.

So, what side are you on? The Dark side or the Light side? Let us know in the comments section. 

The post Dark Mode on Apple TV: Here’s How to Enable It appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/10/27/enable-dark-mode-apple-tv/feed/ 0
Buy Tickets Online with StubHub Apple TV App https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/10/25/buy-tickets-stubhub-apple-tv-app/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/10/25/buy-tickets-stubhub-apple-tv-app/#respond Tue, 25 Oct 2016 20:59:14 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=110804 The StubHub Apple TV app is now available and allows users to search, browse, and buy tickets to your favorite events right from your couch. You can download the app from the tvOS App Store for free right now. The app...

The post Buy Tickets Online with StubHub Apple TV App appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
The StubHub Apple TV app is now available and allows users to search, browse, and buy tickets to your favorite events right from your couch.

You can download the app from the tvOS App Store for free right now. The app was designed specifically for the 4th gen Apple TV, and it looks great. The app has large visuals for events, detailed information, easy navigation, and a very clean interface.

This is the very first of its kind on the Apple TV, the first ticket purchasing app for the big screen. It has slightly different interface and visuals compared to the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and the Android app.

Because the StubHub Apple TV app believes in showcasing the event first, the experience is much different than on a mobile device. You can browse through and learn about all the sport events, concerts, and other events in a certain city or nearby you. As of now, the App only shows events in the United States.

stubhub-app

The designers of the app had to envision a new interface that will indulge the users more. If an user is confused about an event, this app should help clear it out. Also, you can do all this while sitting with your family or friends on the couch, bed, etc. It’s easier to get everyone involved.

The app includes high-res maps for the seating arrangement in an event, making it easier for the user to check the view. StubHub did a thorough feedback before releasing the Apple TV app. Marcus Shelksohn, director of mobile product, stated;

We know that most people will be interacting with our app from their couch, as they’re looking for something to do, so we kept the StubHub app for Apple TV focused on browsability and discovery, to better motivate people to get up and get out.

The StubHub design team wanted to create a more custom interface to reflect the emotional nature of event discovery – and the result is an engaging look and feel that maximizes event imagery and seat maps, and is highly intuitive to navigate.

The app lets you look for and purchase tickets for sport events like MLB, NFL, NHL, WWE, UFC, NBA, and more. You can also find tickets for concerts, comedy shows and several other events.

The StubHub Apple TV app is currently available for download from the tvOS App Store. Simply search for ‘StubHub’ on the store, or ask Siri to download it for you.

Source

The post Buy Tickets Online with StubHub Apple TV App appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/10/25/buy-tickets-stubhub-apple-tv-app/feed/ 0
Apple Releases tvOS 10.0.1 Update for Apple TV 4 https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/10/24/tvos-10-0-1-update-apple-tv-4/ https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/10/24/tvos-10-0-1-update-apple-tv-4/#respond Mon, 24 Oct 2016 20:53:47 +0000 https://www.appletvhacks.net/?p=110795 Apple has released tvOS 10.0.1 software update for 4th generation Apple TV users. After providing 4 betas for testing, the software is now available for the public. We previously posted an article detailing all that’s new in the tvOS 10.0.1 betas....

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

]]>
Apple has released tvOS 10.0.1 software update for 4th generation Apple TV users. After providing 4 betas for testing, the software is now available for the public.

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.

]]>
https://www.appletvhacks.net/2016/10/24/tvos-10-0-1-update-apple-tv-4/feed/ 0