apple tv
Latest
'Journey' creator's mobile game 'Sky' officially launches July 11th (updated)
Thatgamecompany's Sky: Children of the Light has technically been available in beta for a long time, but now it's really, truly ready for launch... well, almost. The Journey creator's social exploration game is now slated to reach iOS and Apple TV users on July 11th, with the App Store offering pre-orders (it's listed as free) as we write this. If you'll recall, this was advertised as an Apple device exclusive -- don't expect an Android counterpart to arrive any time soon.
Fox Sports will stream every Women's World Cup game in 4K
Fox Sports offered 4K streams for the 2018 FIFA World Cup last year, but in order to watch them, you had to own a HiSense TV. For the Women's World Cup that begins Friday in France, those higher quality streams will be more readily available. The network told Engadget that for the first time 4K broadcasts will be available inside the Fox Sports and Fox Now apps. They'll still be somewhat limited though: You'll need an Apple TV or Roku device to watch the action on the pitch in 4K (2160p).
We cut down Apple’s 2-hour WWDC keynote to under 30 minutes
To say Apple's WWDC 2019 keynote was jam-packed would be an understatement. Apple offered its usual previews of the next versions of iOS, macOS, tvOS and watchOS, but it also broke some new ground. The iPad now has its own operating system, for starters. There were also meaningful updates to the HomePod and a new privacy-focused sign-in. And of course, there's the not-so-small matter of the redesigned Mac Pro -- Apple has finally shown its long-in-the-making workstation. It's a lot to take in. Never fear, though, as we've boiled things down to a shorter video that gives you the gist of Apple's many, many announcements.
The new Apple TV app debuts on macOS Catalina
Apple TV is finally coming to macOS. While it was expected that the streaming video platform would finally make the leap to Apple's desktop operating system, the company made it official today at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The app will be available with the release of macOS Catalina.
Apple announces separate Music, Podcast and TV apps for Mac
Apple has announced it's releasing separate apps for Music, TV and Podcasts in macOS Catalina later this year, breaking up the iTunes hegemony that's been in place for 16 years, and hammering a nail in the coffin of that messy, neglected software. Rumors emerged in April about the separate apps, while screenshots of Music and TV leaked last week.
Apple TV will support PlayStation and Xbox controllers
Apple has been gradually improving its tvOS over the past couple of years, thanks to features such as zero sign-on for cable-powered apps and added support for Dolby Atmos audio. Most recently, the company also launched an overhauled version of the TV app, which is designed to be a one-stop-shop for all the entertainment needs of Apple TV owners. And today, at WWDC 2019, Apple has revealed tvOS 13, featuring support for Xbox One and PlayStation DualShock 4 controllers. This announcement is meant to complement Apple's upcoming game subscription service, Apple Arcade, which is expected to arrive this fall.
Apple could be done with iTunes
If you have some time this weekend, maybe open up iTunes and double check your MP3 tags again, just for old-times sake. On Monday Apple's WWDC 2019 event starts with a keynote, and as we've heard before, it could mark a final shift away from the company's overburdened media app. Apple has already launched a TV app that will help its Apple TV+ video service reach more platforms this fall. According to Bloomberg, what we'll see on Monday will mark the end of iTunes once Apple shows off macOS desktop apps that mimic their counterparts on iOS, with separate ones for Music, TV and Podcasts. If you need to manage your iThings (local backups, OS updates, etc.), the Music app will take over there just as iTunes always has. The timing makes sense, and not just because Apple is now making billions of dollars from services that didn't exist when it launched the iTunes Music Store in 2003. We're also expecting to see the "Marzipan" apps that devs can port from iOS to the Mac, and iTunes is too old-school to fit that mold.
NBC launches its free news streaming service
True to its word, NBC has launched its free news streaming service. NBC News Now will air live programming between 3PM and 11PM Eastern through both the web as well as the NBC News apps on mobile devices as well as Apple TV, Fire TV and Roku. It'll offer an ad-supported mix of live programming (both on-the-hour segments and breaking news) as well as pre-recorded features and interviews.
Apple's new TV app is a work in progress
Apple's approach to digital video can best be described as slow and steady. While iTunes and the iPod effortlessly transformed the way we purchased and listened to music, it took the company years to figure out how to position the Apple TV. For the most part, films and TV were just additional categories in iTunes, which, as its name implies, was primarily focused on music. But now that Apple finally has a solid 4K set-top box, the next issue is helping people organize everything they have to watch.
Samsung's 2019 TVs can now use Apple's updated TV app
The redesign of the Apple TV app goes live today, and Samsung is claiming its spot as the first TV manufacturer to support it. The company announced that 2018 and 2019 models of Samsung smart TVs will offer access to the updated Apple TV app and AirPlay 2. Owners of the TVs will have to download and install a firmware update, which will be available starting today, in order to use the Apple services.
Apple's redesigned TV app arrives today
If you've been patiently waiting for Apple's redesigned TV app, which was revealed back in March, today is your lucky day. The company is now rolling out the updated application to iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and compatible Samsung smart TVs, complete with a fresh look, the new Channels feature and curated sections such as "For You" and "Kids." Aside from the overhauled design, which focuses on offering big, beautiful imagery for movies and TV shows and a UI that's intended to help you swipe/scroll less, the biggest changes to the TV app are the addition of Channels and the full iTunes library.
Apple opens a beta test for its new TV app and subscriptions
Apple News+ arrived last week with iOS 12.2, and now you can get an early taste of the updated Apple TV app through the official beta program. The redesigned app touted by Apple during its event earlier this week is available in the public beta version of iOS 12.3 and tvOS 12.3.
The old 1080p Apple TV box is now 'Apple TV HD'
After today's event, Apple changed the name of its fourth-generation Apple TV to Apple TV HD. The 1080p device, first introduced in 2015, is still priced at $149 and now has a clear title that differentiates it from the Apple TV 4K -- a slightly newer, pricier and, of course, 4K-compatible version of the set-top box.
All the important stuff from Apple's services event (+)
Apple just wrapped up its services event, giving us nearly two hours of news -- well, more like an hour-plus of news and 45 minutes of details on its forthcoming original programming. Still, there's a ton to unpack, even though the vast majority of Apple's announcements won't be useful for you, dear reader, until later this year. We'll run all the major details down here, as well as when you can give these new subscription services and apps a shot.
Apple TV+ subscribers can expect ad-free original shows and movies this fall
On stage at today's "show time" event, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced Apple TV+, an ad-free subscription home for the company's new push into original content. With the Apple TV app now extending onto other smart TV platforms while collecting shows and movies from other outlets into Channels, it's giving people even more of a reason to stick with Apple by adding exclusives you can't get anywhere else. According to senior VP Eddy Cue, "Apple TV+ will be home to some of the highest quality original storytelling that TV and movie lovers have seen yet." We've heard a lot about its content buying spree over the last year or so, but on stage, execs kicked things off with a video featuring big names like Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard and Octavia Spencer. Spielberg himself appeared on stage first to talk about Apple TV+ and the stories he wants to tell. Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston showed up to talk about their new project The Morning Show, along with co-star Steve Carell, before Alfre Woodard and Jason Momoa hit the stage to talk about See, a new sci-fi series coming to the service. Kumail Nanjiani was up next, discussing his experiences as an immigrant that will be a part of the series he's writing with his wife for Apple, Little America.
Apple's redesigned TV app is coming to smart TVs and Macs
Apple has redesigned its TV app to make it easy to watch its new Channels, which includes video content from CBS All Access, Cinemax, Comedy Central Now, Epix, HBO, Showtime and Starz, among others. With the overhauled tvOS application, you won't have to use the standalone apps from these networks or streaming services, as you'll have access to everything they have to offer directly from the Apple TV app. Thanks to features like "Up Next" and "For You," Apple says its machine learning is smart enough to know what users should have in their queue, whether that be an episode of a series they're already watching or a new movie they might like.
How to watch Apple's streaming service launch event
With its hardware announcements out of the way, the stage is set for Apple's main event. Today is all about Apple's shift to services: video streaming, news and gaming subscriptions, and maybe even a credit card. And you'll be able to watch the keynote live as it happens at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino right here at 1PM Eastern/10AM Pacific. Or, if you spend all your time on Twitter, you can watch it there and get live updates from Apple's official account. We'll also be on the ground with live coverage direct from Apple's campus.
What to expect from Apple's streaming video event
Can Apple actually take on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon in the increasingly crowded world of streaming video? We're about to find out on March 25th, when Apple is expected to give us a glimpse at its long-awaited video service. It's something the company has been building out in the open over the past few years, so it's not exactly a secret. After high profile flops like Planet of the Apps and Carpool Karaoke, it's a bit tough to feel that excited about whatever Apple is cooking up -- but there's always the chance that it could offer something truly unique.
PlayStation Vue's multi-picture mode comes to Apple TV
You don't have to pick up a PS4 to take advantage of PlayStation Vue's multi-picture mode in your living room. Sony is introducing the multi-view feature to the Apple TV (not pictured here) on March 18th through an update, and it'll even one-up the PS4 version by supporting four channels at once instead of three. If you absolutely have to keep tabs on news and sports, you won't have to feel like you're missing out.
Brie Larson will star in a CIA drama for Apple
In addition to taking on the role of Captain Marvel in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson is also going to become a top line star for Apple's upcoming lineup of original content. According to Variety she has signed on to star in and executive produce a currently untitled series that will place her in the role of a CIA agent. The show will be based on a yet-to-be-published memoir from former CIA spy Amaryllis Fox.
