Apple TV 4K became a more versatile living room device with Monday’s launch of FaceTime on tvOS 17, Apple said, referring to it as “a powerful integration of hardware and software.”
“Users can make calls directly from Apple TV 4K, or start calls on iPhone or iPad, and hand them off to Apple TV 4K,” Apple noted. “FaceTime on Apple TV 4K takes advantage of Continuity Camera support to wirelessly connect to iPhone or iPad, and leverages the devices’ cameras and microphones to bring participants together on the TV.”
tvOS 17 brings FaceTime calls to Apple TV 4K and more
In addition to FaceTime calls appearing on Apple TV 4K, Apple noted that new tvOS apps from Webex by Cisco and Zoom coming later this year will use Continuity Camera to extend their capabilities to Apple TV 4K.
“Developers can make the most of Continuity Camera APIs on Apple TV 4K to integrate iPhone or iPad into their tvOS apps, and create new shared and immersive entertainment experiences for the living room,” Apple added.
And another new tvOS 17 feature on Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD involves an enhanced Siri voice assistant, able to answer more general questions than before.
Apple also noted other new tvOS 17 features:
A redesigned Control Center on Apple TV makes it easier than ever for users to access key settings and information throughout the entire Apple TV experience. From the Home Screen, Control Center now displays system status, including the time and active profile, and expands with other helpful details based on a user’s activity.
The new Siri Remote locator on iPhone strengthens its seamless integration with Apple TV. Users can launch the Apple TV Remote inside Control Center on iPhone to find their Siri Remote (2nd generation) or later. As users get closer to the remote, an onscreen circle grows in size to guide their movement.
Interactivity with Apple Music Sing and Continuity Camera allows users to see themselves onscreen and add entertaining filters as they sing along to their favorite tracks.
Memories as screen savers let users enjoy curated photos from their personal library, Shared Library, or both on the big screen.
Enhance Dialogue separates the dialogue from the background noise and brings it forward to the center channel so users can more clearly hear what is being said over the effects, action and music in a movie or TV show on Apple TV 4K when paired with HomePod (2nd generation).
Source: Apple
