tvOS is the operating system for Apple TV. Every year we see major upgrades in the tvOS and 2021 is no different. In the WWDC on Monday, Apple revealed some of the biggest upgrades in tvOS 15.
Apple affirmed that the updates reported at WWDC will be coming at some point this autumn, which conforms to the standard September delivery date of earlier years for tvOS. The arrival of tvOS 15 will probably match with the rollout of iOS 15.
What are the New Features?
Well, tvOS is jam-packed with great updates revolving around the interface of the TV homepage, integration with Siri, and the ability to screen-share programmes with friends using SharePlay.
Siri HomePod mini voice support
Users with Apple HomePod mini can now use voice control to control their TV and play their desired episodes or movies on Apple TV. This is something already available on rivals such as Amazon Fire TV with Alexa, so it’s nice to see Apple introducing this feature and offering a more accessible way to watch things.
Apple is also bringing specific voice authentication with this new upgrade. Siri can now register the voice of specific users in the family and each user can have their own custom preferences and playlists. This feature outstands Apple’s competitors in the market.
SharePlay
SharePlay is an upgrade integrated with FaceTime which comes with the new iOS 15. This will allow users to watch videos and stream content together via screen sharing on FaceTime, along with real-time chat interaction alongside the apps. The video and audio will play in sync for viewers on the call. Now with SharePlay integrated with Apple TV as well, users can either go for Picture-in-Picture and use their mobile screen for streaming the content through FaceTime, or users can directly cast their content screen on Apple Tv while having the FaceTime call on their mobile.
Apple showcased the feature using an episode from Apple TV+, but SharePlay also has support for Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, NBA, Twitch, TikTok, MasterClass, ESPN+, Paramount+, and Pluto TV. Apple is also making the API available to developers, so other apps could also integrate in the future.
For All of You
If you have got multiple people in the household with distinctive viewing habits and history, then there is now a brand new row with pointers that are suitable for everyone. You can add or remove user profiles for this row, a good way to regulate the suggestions even in addition depending on who’s watching.
Developers can now install the tvOS 15 beta 1 on their Apple TVs. According to Apple, a public beta for users registered in the Apple Beta Software Program will be available in July. The official release of tvOS 15 is expected this fall.
tvOS 15 is compatible with Apple TV HD (4th generation) and both models of Apple TV 4K (5th and 6th generation). Some features may be limited for newer Apple TV models.
