Shane Cole
Apple's favorite hobby may soon see a long-awaited update that would add support for iOS games and Bluetooth game controllers, a new report claims.
The update could come as soon as March, according to iLounge. Apple engineers are said to be working on adding support for Bluetooth game controllers, which may indicate that the refresh would also bring a new fourth-generation hardware platform.
Without new hardware, the publication speculates that the set-top box could stream games from iCloud, similar to the ill-fated Ouya streaming device. The Apple TV currently features just 8 gigabytes of built-in memory, used for buffering high-definition video and audio.
Rumors of an Apple TV refresh also surfaced ahead of last September's iPhone 5s launch event with a tweet from journalist MG Siegler that stated "those excited about a software refresh in a week are gonna be *really* excited when new Apple TV hardware is unveiled next month." Ultimately, that update never materialized.
Apple's streamer is locked in a neck-and-neck battle for living room share with rival Roku, which already features its own application marketplace. The two devices account for 80 percent of the set-top market between them.
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66 Comments
WOAH HO HOAH!! That would be awesome. Streaming iOS games from iCloud would be the bomb. I can Airplay some games from my 5s, but they won't go full screen. Really hoping this comes to fruition.
I'd love it more if they would let me install some UK apps such as BBC iPlayer!
I forget, does Apple TV 2 (first black one) have Bluetooth? I know it doesn't support the tap for settings.
I forget, does Apple TV 2 (first black one) have Bluetooth? I know it doesn't support the tap for settings.
I think I used a wireless keyboard on mine, if so it does have it.
that being said, its running a single core A4, so dont expect a lot of games to run smooth this.
[quote name="starbird73" url="/t/161725/update-may-bring-games-controller-support-to-apple-tv-this-spring#post_2461664"]I forget, does Apple TV 2 (first black one) have Bluetooth? I know it doesn't support the tap for settings.[/quote] Yes. I use the Apple bluetooth keyboard with mine. Much quicker than using the remote.