tvos 13
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Apple is selling Microsoft's Xbox controller in its online store
Now that Apple's mobile and living room devices support console game controllers, the company is doing something that would have been unimaginable even a few years ago -- it's selling the Xbox Wireless Controller through its online store. Spend $60 and you can use Microsoft's official gamepad to play supporting titles on your Apple TV, iPad or iPhone. While Apple is certainly no stranger to selling Microsoft products (Office has been available for years), it's still an odd sight when the company is positioning the Apple TV as a pseudo-competitor to the Xbox One.
Apple TV update arrives with multi-user support and a new home screen
It's not just iOS 13.1 and iPadOS reaching users -- Apple TV fans have something to look for, too. Apple has released tvOS 13, giving users of its newer media hubs some features that were arguably overdue. Multi-user support is arguably the most practical. You can create profiles for everyone in your home to ensure they get relevant layouts and recommendations. You'll also see a refreshed home screen with full-screen video previews, a Control Center and picture-in-picture to keep videos playing while you use other apps.
Apple TV beta tests iOS-like picture-in-picture
The latest beta version of Apple's upcoming tvOS 13 has an unexpected surprise. The company is introducing support for a picture-in-picture mode that allows you to browse while continuing to watch a video. The feature, available in tvOS 13 beta 2, was not previously announced by the company and wasn't mentioned during its WWDC keynote earlier this month.
Xbox and PlayStation gamepad support extends across iOS 13
During Apple's WWDC 2019 keynote the company showed off so many things even our cut-down version of the event lasts nearly half an hour. One of the reveals was that tvOS 13 will be compatible with PlayStation 4 and Bluetooth-equipped Xbox One controllers -- convenient for both Apple's own Arcade gaming plans and any others with cloud aspirations -- but in case it's unclear, it also extends to iPad and iPhone. Once iOS 13 rolls out, you'll be able to use these console controllers easily with your device, no workarounds needed. With Apple reportedly spending "hundreds of millions" to get games to be a part of its subscription package, it's good to know that controllers we already generally like and probably have laying around will be able to keep doing their job.
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.
