Never miss an update Follow AppleInsider
Monday, January 28, 2013, 01:54 pm
Apple TV software update adds Bluetooth keyboard support, hints at new hardware
The Apple TV set-top box was updated to software version 5.2 on Monday, adding enhanced support for iTunes in the Cloud and the ability to connect a Bluetooth keyboard, while also hinting at a minor hardware refresh.
Users can download the update directly to their device by choosing the Settings application on the Apple TV, then choosing "General," and "Software Update." The full list of changes in the update, according to Apple, are:
- iTunes in the Cloud: Brows and play your purchased iTunes music directly from iCloud.
- Up Next: See upcoming songs when playing music, and easily choose what plays next.
- Bluetooth Keyboard: Use your Apple Wireless Keyboard to control your Apple TV.
The company also strangely released three versions of the software update on Monday, including one intended for a previously unknown hardware revision referred to as "AppleTV3,2." Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities revealed earlier this month that the Apple TV would receive a refresh this quarter, but details on the rumored hardware were not provided.
The Apple TV was last updated a year ago with a single-core A5 processor. The faster chip allows the device to output 1080p video, while its predecessor was limited to 720p.
Also on Monday, Apple updated Xcode to version 4.6, adding support for iOS 6.1. The update is available through the Mac App Store.
On Topic: Apple TV
- Apple TV gets iTunes Radio, Conference Room display option in beta update
- Apple to stream WWDC 2013 keynote to Apple TV, official website
- Plex media server comes to non-jailbroken Apple TVs with new hack
- Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer personally visits Hollywood to sell studios on Xbox One
- Microsoft unveils 'Xbox One,' a voice-controlled all-in-one entertainment hub
Previous Comments View All
Awesome.
I would have assumed it already could do BT typing. Guess not. Good addition.
A little $30 BT mini-keyboard by the couch would be tempting, just for easier searching.
Whatever this new version is... I'm in! Time to finally get an AppleTV and be able to stream video from my iPhone 5. AppleTV doesn't cost all that much more than the Lightning Digital AV cable after all. And does much more.
1) Does this include streaming iTunes Match from iCloud?
2) This addition so late to the Apple TV makes me think there is some major changes for this device category coming up shortly.
I would love to see that myself, along with a way to add iTunes cards would be nice, I'm for getting myself a MacBook air or iPad though I think that if it could do at lease the basics, from my tv that would make me love my Apple TV a bit more, they can't say they can't block Hulu, and sites like that since Hulu and they've done before on other devices :)
Now that BT has been enabled they need to revamp how you can initially connect devices to the Apple TV. It's great they have a Remote Control app for your iDevices but since that needs to be connected via WiFi putting in that password can be tedious. I'd like to see the Apple TV allow for a pairing to iDevices (and Macs via iTunes) where these devices ask for a PIN that is displayed onscreen which will allow the Remote Control app to be used even before you set up WiFi so you can take advantage of that on-screen keyboard.
I would have assumed it already could do BT typing. Guess not. Good addition.
A little $30 BT mini-keyboard by the couch would be tempting, just for easier searching.
Not sure the point of adding this, to be honest. Even with the 1st-gen AppleTV I can use my iPhone with the Apple Remote app to type. In fact, once Apple released this app (about a hundred years ago), I put away the little remote that came with the thing and haven't used it since.
I would have assumed it already could do BT typing. Guess not. Good addition.
A little $30 BT mini-keyboard by the couch would be tempting, just for easier searching.
Whatever this new version is... I'm in! Time to finally get an AppleTV and be able to stream video from my iPhone 5. AppleTV doesn't cost all that much more than the Lightning Digital AV cable after all. And does much more.
You won't regret it, I love my aTV 3.
If they don't release the next AppleTV update with downloadable apps, I don't think they should even bother.
I assume those are right above your iLashes, your nose and lips. /s
Latest Apple Headlines
-
High resolution images claim to show 'iPhone 5S,' iPhone 5 display assemblies side-by-side
~1 minute ago -
Steve Jobs discusses his legacy in rare 1994 video interview
~3 hours ago -
Briefly: Sprint LTE service expands to 22 more areas
~5 hours ago -
Facebook for iOS adds privacy options and status icons in update
~5 hours ago -
Google's Nexus 7 tablets dying early, possibly due to cheap memory
~5 hours ago - more...
Want to write for AppleInsider? Submit your application now!
Lowest Prices Anywhere!
| Model | Price | You Save |
|---|---|---|
| 11"1.3GHz/4GB/128GB | $964.18* | $34.82 |
| 11" 1.3GHz/8GB/128GB | $1,061.18* | $37.82 |
| 11" 1.3GHz/8GB/256GB | $1,255.18* | $43.82 |
| 11"1.7GHz/8GB/128GB | $1,206.68* | $42.32 |
| 11"1.7GHz/8GB/256GB | $1,400.68* | $48.32 |
| 11" 1.7GHz/8GB/512GB | $1,691.68* | $57.32 |
| 13" 1.3GHz/4GB/128GB | $1,061.18* | $37.82 |
| 13" 1.3GHz/4GB/256GB | $1,255.18* | $43.82 |
| 13" 1.3GHz/8GB/256GB | $1,352.18* | $46.82 |
| 13" 1.3GHz/8GB/512GB | $1,643.18* | $46.82 |
| 13" 1.7GHz/8GB/256GB | $1,497.00* | $52.00 |
| 13" 1.7GHz/8GB/512GB | $1,788.68* | $60.32 |
* price with Promo Code:
APPLEINSIDER01
|
||
| Click for even more configurations | ||
| Model | White | Black | |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad mini (WiFi only) | |||
| 16GB WiFi |  |
$329.00 | $329.00 |
| 32GB WiFi | |
$429.00 | $429.00 |
| 64GB WiFi | |
$529.00 | $529.00 |
| iPad mini (WiFi + 4G) | |||
 |
 |
 |
|
| 16GB 4G White | $459.00 | $459.00 | $459.00 |
| 32GB 4G White | $559.00 | $539.99 | $559.00 |
| 64GB 4G White | $659.00 | $659.00 | $629.99 |
| 16GB 4G Black | $459.00 | $459.00 | $459.00 |
| 32GB 4G Black | $559.00 | $539.99 | $539.99 |
| 64GB 4G Black | $659.00 | $659.00 | $629.99 |
Nice! Love how the AppleTV is constantly getting more capable. Now if they through it a basic web-browser, would be pretty cool. But I understand why they wouldn't.