Apple debuts tvOS 14 with HomeKit Video picture-in-picture, better multi-user support

The new tvOS features

Apple has debuted tvOS 14 at WWDC, with new features focusing on HomeKit, content viewing, and multi-user updates.

At Apple's virtual WWDC Keynote, Cindy Lin, Director and Program Manager for Media Products Engineering, has announced tvOS 14. Beyond just bug eradication, Apple has added a number of new features to the set-top box operating system.

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New tvOS 14 Features

Multiuser for games
Better PiP support
Camera feeds on TV
Photos app with AirPlay in 4K
New game controller support
Audio Sharing on Apple TV

When Apple first revealed the fourth-generation Apple TV, they promised that "the future of TV is Apps." While that hasn't exactly taken hold, Apple does offer many of their first-party apps on the platform. With the release of tvOS 14, more features from Apple's first-party apps make their way to the TV.

HomeKit enabled cameras will now show up in the Home View, now located in control center. If someone rings a HomeKit enabled doorbell, the camera feed will show up in a picture-in-picture window.

New multi-user support for Apple Arcade

Switching between user accounts will now let you resume games in Apple Arcade right from where you left off. When you switch users from Control Center, current saves and Game Center data will populate in the Apple Arcade app.

Xbox Elite 2 and Adaptive Controller

The new Xbox Elite 2 Controller and Adaptive Controller for accessibility users will now work with games across the Apple ecosystem.

PiP works across many more app categories like fitness apps

Apple has expanded picture-in-picture support across the OS. Now you can use fitness apps while watching live tv, or even use PiP with an AirPlayed video.

AirPlay also got an update so that users sharing their 4K video to a 4K TV will see their video in full resolution.

When using AirPods that support Audio Sharing on iOS, you can now use that feature on tvOS, and with the new spatial audio feature, you can experience movies together without disturbing the household, plane, or bus you happen to be in.

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5 Comments

StrangeDays 12758 comments · 8 Years

About 3 years ago

ah, sounds like PiP will no longer be completely useless. I hate it currently, all it does is allow me to accidentally activate it while trying to edge-click back or forwards...particularly frustrating because the feature was so limited to use only within the TV app.

Japhey 1767 comments · 6 Years

I was really hoping for Maps to finally make its way to ATV. Flyover and Look Around would be awesome on the big screen. At least an AirPlay option from one of the other OS’s would be nice.

Also, I wonder if the PiP camera feeds from HomeKit are setting the stage for teleconferencing and FaceTime in the next hardware update. That’s second on my wishlist and it pisses me of that Facebook did it first.

pujones1 222 comments · 12 Years

I’m so happy Apple TV is getting some love here. I’m also excited about HomeKit. They should rebrand it Apple Home. Can’t wait for this update.

joeljrichards 23 comments · 6 Years

Japhey said:
Also, I wonder if the PiP camera feeds from HomeKit are setting the stage for teleconferencing and FaceTime in the next hardware update. That’s second on my wishlist and it pisses me of that Facebook did it first.

I hope so too. I can't decide if it would be better to just enable it via HomeKit cameras or have dedicated 1st party hardware. I think part of the reason it hasn't become more popular is that no one has thoughtfully implemented it. We do it sometimes via AirPlay and my brother had a MPC setup to video chat but at the common compression rates it creates an off putting sense of space—especially for the other person. Portal seemed to come close but come on, it's through Facebook, do they need more of my data?!

Apple with their ML and face recognition could do (even a digital) pan and scan to keep the video and audio focused and clear. Apple's new gestures for iOS could mean that the camera defaults to a zoomed in 3/4 shot of whoever is in the frame, but with a flick of the hand, or a lot of movement, zooms out to show the whole room. That would have been great during all the video chats during quarantine, especially for my young daughter who's been basically cut off from her peers for months.