Apple TV 4K will get higher yearly via common software program updates and even the occasional {hardware} bump. But it surely really shines when paired with different Apple gadgets. Listed below are 4 Apple TV 4K options you’ll achieve when utilizing the machine alongside Apple’s different merchandise.
Arms-free playback controls with HomePod
One among my favourite demonstrations of Apple’s ecosystem ‘magic moments’ includes the Apple TV 4K and HomePod.
When a HomePod and Apple TV 4K are in the identical dwelling, you’ll be able to management playback in your Apple TV just by talking to your HomePod.
Simply ask Siri in your HomePod to play, pause, skip again or ahead, or different customary playback controls. No have to press the Siri button in your Siri Distant.
Siri will know that you just’re referring to what’s enjoying in your Apple TV, and act accordingly.
Distant app on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch
One other handy solution to management your Apple TV 4K through one other Apple machine is with the Distant app.
Apple’s Distant app is obtainable for iPhone, iPad, and even Apple Watch.
It offers the identical fundamental performance discovered with the bodily Siri Distant, however utilizing one among your different gadgets.
The Distant app can go even additional although. When you’ve used the app in your iPhone, for instance, you’ll be capable of monitor playback of what you’re watching through the iPhone’s Lock Display screen. That is particularly nice on fashionable gadgets with an always-on show.
I really like having the ability to look at my iPhone to shortly see how for much longer a given present or film has left. It’s a straightforward solution to monitor runtime with out messing with the Apple TV 4K itself.
InSight on iPhone, proper the place you need it
InSight is a new tvOS 18 function that works particularly nicely when used from an iPhone.
InSight offers related performance to Prime Video’s X-Ray function. It’s going to present you data for the actors on-screen at any given time, and no matter music is enjoying.
You should utilize InSight on the Apple TV 4K itself, however I discover it’s way more handy and fewer distracting on the iPhone. InSight is obtainable when utilizing the iPhone’s Distant app, and permits you to examine the related data with out overlaying your TV display with the InSight overlay.
HomePod speaker expertise
Lastly, Apple TV 4K cannot solely be managed through HomePod requests. It could additionally make HomePods your designated audio system—and get a bonus function consequently.
In your Apple TV 4K, open the Settings app, then Video and Audio ⇾ Audio Output and choose your HomePod or HomePod stereo pair as your Default Audio Output.
You will get Dolby Atmos assist this fashion, and in addition profit from a model new tvOS 18.2 function:
Improve Dialogue on HomePod (2nd era) when paired with Apple TV 4K provides you the choice to listen to speech extra clearly over background sounds utilizing real-time audio processing and machine studying.
I really like the usual Improve Dialogue function supplied by tvOS 18, however with the HomePod 2nd era that function will get even higher in tvOS 18.2.
Apple TV 4K options: wrap-up
Apple’s {hardware} and software program ecosystem has lengthy been on the core of the corporate’s success. And Apple TV 4K is a good demonstration of why that ecosystem may be so compelling. It’s a stable product by itself, however when paired with different Apple gadgets, it’s really at its finest.
Which of those Apple TV 4K ecosystem options do you want most? Tell us within the feedback.
Greatest Apple TV 4K and residential equipment
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