Apple’s reworked TV Remote app is still as minimalist as the real thing

NEWS – Anyone familiar with Apple’s products knows that they value form over function.  Their interfaces tend to be no-nonsense and minimalist, sometimes too much so.  The remote for the Apple TV is a perfect example of this design philosophy.   It has a trackpad-like area, a few buttons, and nothing else.  Despite its simplicity, it manages to work, at least until you have to enter a long WiFi password.  But what if you’ve lost your remote?  There’s an app for that!  Apple recently refreshed their Apple TV Remote app, which basically turns your phone into an Apple remote.  To set it up, you pair it with your Apple TV.

Once paired, it works just like an Apple remote.  You slide your finger around the top, tap it to select, and press the buttons when needed.  Easy.  The recent refresh is mostly under-the-hood performance and stability improvements; nothing to write home about.  Oh, and there’s a new icon, one that looks like a remote!

The Apple TV Remote app can be downloaded for free from Apple’s App Store.

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Apple’s reworked TV Remote app is still as minimalist as the real thing originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 29, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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Leaked firmware hints at new 4K Apple TV with possible HDR10 and Dolby Vision support

Apple’s Home Pod continues to make news even though its official release is still several months away. Home Pod’s Firmware, accidentally released online by Apple, continues to drop hints at possible upcoming products. This time, developer Guilherme Rambo uncovered strings inside that seem to confirm that the next gen Apple TV will indeed be 4K, with possible support for Dolby Vision and HDR10.

Rumors have swirled as far back as February that Apple was working on a 4K version of its popular set top box. Saying that it would have more vivid colors and arrive later this year. Many (like myself) have been waiting for this for a long time. Most other streaming devices like ChromeCast and Roku have supported 4K for years, yet Apple remained apprehensive when it came to updating the Apple TV. Looks like that’s all about to change.

4K may have started out as a gimmick, much like 3D, but most mainstream TV’s  out now, support 4K/HDR10. Manufacturers like LG and Vizio also support Dolby Vision. With more and more movies and shows available in the format, and 4K TV prices continuing to drop, it seems as though Apple is finally ready to throw their hat into the 4K arena. For now, all we can do is wait, and hope.

Lead image mockup by Michael Strange

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Leaked firmware hints at new 4K Apple TV with possible HDR10 and Dolby Vision support originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 7, 2017 at 7:59 am.

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