Apple TV Accessories Are Getting Smarter Thanks to New Tools
Apple TV accessories are getting smarter thanks to new features recently unveiled in the Made-for-iPhone/iPad/Apple TV licensing program. The new features were first highlighted by 9to5Mac.
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Credit: GearAdviceSupport is now available on Apple TV for App Launch, Wi-Fi Accessory Configuration, new accessibility features, and more. Many bring tvOS in line with previous versions of iOS so the Apple TV can behave more like iPhones and iPads.
With App Launch, an MFI gaming controller could prompt you to launch or install companion apps. For example, these could include apps that catalog compatible software and handle upgrading controller firmware.
These new features launched in October with tvOS 10.1. However, they were only recently added to Apple’s MFi documentation that companies follow to have products approved by Apple and guarantee compatibility.
Wi-Fi Accessory Configuration allows you to share current Wi-Fi settings with wireless accessories without having to select the right network and enter credentials manually. The configuration could benefit wireless accessories such as smart thermostats and smoke detectors.
On the accessibility front, tvOS now includes VoiceOver and Assistive Touch. VoiceOver support allows Apple TV accessories to work with Apple’s built-in audio interface when users can’t see what’s on screen.
These new features launched in October with tvOS 10.1. However, they were only recently added to Apple’s MFi documentation that companies follow to have products approved by Apple and guarantee compatibility.
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