AppleInsider Staff
Apple on Tuesday announced expanded support for Apple TV's universal search feature with the addition of nine new channels, including popular networks DIY, Lifetime and the Travel Channel.
Quietly announced through a Support Pages document, Apple TV universal search now integrates show data from A&E, the Cooking Channel, DIY, Food Network, FYI, HGTV, History, Lifetime and the Travel Channel. The multi-app Siri search feature is currently limited to fourth-generation Apple TVs operating in the U.S.
As with previous universal search additions, indexed content will be presented as viewing options on dedicated show pages. For example, a Siri search for the recent "Roots" remake returns a dedicated show page with viewing options from iTunes, Hulu and History. By indexing content on its servers, Apple allows users to search for shows even if the host app is not installed on their device.
Universal search was introduced alongside the latest Apple TV hardware as a tentpole Siri feature. Users are able to search for shows and other media from anywhere in the tvOS interface through text, dictation or Siri voice request.
The search function was initially limited to iTunes, Netflix, HBO, Hulu and Showtime, but Apple later widened support by opening API access to third party developers. PBS was one of the first providers to jump on board, though uptake has been relatively slow.
Earlier this month content from Bravo, E!, SyFy and USA was added to the list of supported channels.
Charles Martin
Christine McKee
Oliver Haslam
11 Comments
Ok Apple, now bring this all together in a searchable shows guide, somewhat like Tivo's OnePass and you will have a "killer app" on your hands!
Loving the fact that the Siri search results now include Apps you don't have installed (in the tvOS beta).
Is there a "Junk Food Network"? I'm sensing a missed opportunity here...
Really hope expanded support for this is rolled out in international markets soon. Here in Australia it's only supported for Netflix and iTunes. All of the terrestrial/free to air networks now have an AppleTV app with catch up episodes available for most of their programming.