Apple has released an all new Apple TV Remote app for iPhone and Apple TV users, which can be used to control a fourth-generation Apple TV, as well as older model ATVs. The app has previously been available only to developers, following its debut at WWDC 2016 back in June.
App Features Include:
- Navigate Apple TV with touch gestures
- Quickly enter text, email addresses, and passwords using the keyboard
- Ask Siri to find something great to watch, listen to, or play
- Control the movie, TV show, or song that’s currently playing
- Play games using the accelerometer and gyroscope
- Turn on Game Mode for simplified game controls
Device Requirements:
- iOS devices using iOS 9.3.2 or later
- Wi-Fi connection to Apple TV
- Apple TV (4th generation), using tvOS 9.2.1 or later
- Apple TV (3rd generation), using Apple TV Software 7.2.1
- Apple TV (2nd generation), using Apple TV Software 6.2.1
The new Remote app’s screen resembles the controls on the Siri Remote, which comes with the fourth-generation Apple TV. The app displays the name of the music or video content that is currently playing, in a “Now Playing” control view.
The app also makes entering text for searches, passwords, and usernames much easier, with its automatically appearing virtual keyboard. The app also supports Siri voice commands, and dictation. The app even allows the iPhone to be used as a game controller for playing games on the Apple TV, making use of the iPhone’s built-in gyroscope and accelerometer.
The only Siri Remote function the Apple TV Remote app cannot mimic is volume control, due to the lack of an IR blaster in the iPhone to adjust the volume on an audio receiver, TV set or sound bar.
The Apple TV Remote app requires iOS 9.3.2 or later, and it works with fourth-generation Apple TVs running the current version of tvOS, 9.2.2. The app can also control Apple TV 2 and Apple TV 3 models running the latest version of their available firmware.
The Apple TV Remote app is free, and can be downloaded for the iPhone from the App Store. [GET IT NOW]
