You’ll soon be able to use a Bluetooth keyboard with the Apple TV, and there’s a good chance that devices like the iPad and iPhone will also serve as remotes for the set-top box in the near future.
Bluetooth support has been uncovered in the latest Apple TV model, and iOS 5 will also have this Bluetooth support when it’s released this Fall. Apple is clearly positioning the Apple TV as an all-in-one place for entertainment in the living room, and this Bluetooth discovery hints that the Apple TV will soon become a place for your favorite App Store apps.
9to5Mac uncovered this finding via a video of a jailbroken Apple TV paired with Apple’s own wireless keyboard.
As of right now, it looks like Apple is only intending this Bluetooth support with the Apple TV for keyboards, but this same functionality could be opened up to iDevices like the iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. Apple’s AirPlay technology will already let you interact with your Apple TV using an iPhone or iPad, but what about text input? There’s no reason that the iPad couldn’t be the ultimate remote for the Apple TV.
What’s really interesting about this Bluetooth support is that Apple could eventually bring long-awaited app support to the Apple TV. Users have been clamoring for App Store access on the Apple TV since the product’s launch in 2007. When Apple introduced the second generation Apple TV in 2010, everyone was shocked that Apple didn’t add the product to the App Store ecosystem.
With speculation running rampant about Apple’s upcoming event this Fall, there’s a chance that we could see an updated Apple TV alongside an new iPhone announcement. 1080p video playback, Bluetooth support, and a dual-core A5 processor would certainly the Apple TV a compelling product this holiday season.
What do you think? What features would you like to see in an Apple TV capable of running apps and hooking up with Bluetooth devices? Let us know.
Alex Heath is a journalist who works for Tech Insider. He’s the former co-host of The CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like “ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation.” He lives in Lexington, Kentucky. If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Follow him on Twitter.
19 responses to “Bluetooth Support in iOS 5 Opens the Door to Apple TV Game Console”
I think there’s no question that Apple will at some point in the near future allow develops to start creating apps to run on Apple TV.
There is so much potential for Apple TV it would be foolish for them not to capitalize on it. The quality of some of the apps that are on other iOS devices is already near console quality and they are a fraction of the price of games on other consoles.
I do think they will at some point they need to redesign a new remote for Apple TV. I know how everyone thinks the iPad or iPhone are ideal remotes but they are not. They will do fine for some racing games and the iPad makes a good keyboard but most games need a remote with buttons.
The flat surface on the iPad and iPhone only make a good remote if you are relying on the accelerometer and gyroscope. Many games would not work well without taking your eyes off the TV screen and viewing the screen of the IPad, then you might as well just play the game on your iPad.
Apple needs a remote similar to other game console remotes but one that would also control the ATV for movies, music, etc. There’s plenty of room for Apple to increase the price for the ATV or it could be sold separate. The current remote is barely adequate.
atv is not competing with a xbox, ps3 or wii ,but for sure, will take a piece of gaming maket to our living rooms.
Apps about TV programs, Apps which merge TV content and web, and – of course – games!
ATV won’t compete with Xbox or Wii just as the iPod touch doesn’t compete with Gameboy or other mobile game devices but the iPod touch is used for gaming by many people. I don’t expect that ATV will be a direct competitor with game consoles but adding apps and games to ATV makes it more attractive to users.
I would say there is a 99% chance apps will be added to ATV within 2 years and about a 75% chance they will be added this fall. I would say there is a 5% chance we will see a redesigned remote this fall but about a 50% chance 1 year after apps are added.
I honestly think its a strong competitor to the Wii U.
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Assim não dá, comprei no começo do ano o Apple TV 2 geração e agora vai sair outro. Por favor não.
Assim não dá, comprei no começo do ano o Apple TV 2 geração e agora vai sair outro. Por favor não.
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The usual idea is that you would use NFC to set up the link between the two devices and then do an automatic hand over to a different protocol for doing the actual transfer of data – eg Bluetooth,iphone 5
I think we are due for an update to Apple TV. 1080p should be a must and Apple is foolish if they do not take advantage of iOS in the living room.
I look forward to seeing an iOS TV.