Once again, WWDC 2024 is taking place on June 10. This prompts me to examine my Apple TV 4K (2022) streamer closely and consider how tvOS 18 could improve it.
Recent speculations suggest that new Apple TV 4K hardware is unlikely to emerge very soon, according to reputable sources like Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. While it’s possible that Apple will surprise us at WWDC 2024, for the most part, we can only conjecture as to how the greatest streaming device might be enhanced by updates, such as the fantastic ones Apple included in tvOS 17.2.
The new sidebar navigation panel, which allows you to add tabs to rapidly access streaming services to which you are subscribed, was the main update made to the interface. The panel contains Profiles, which allow you to personalize suggestions and display recently viewed content to make the Apple TV 4K experience unique for every member of the household. Together with enhanced search that now includes options outside Siri, there’s a Store page where you can rent and purchase movies and TV series.
Since tvOS 17.2, updates have been significantly less frequent, which has left room for tvOS 18. We would want to see the following modifications in the upcoming major tvOS version:
1. AI-enhanced Siri search
A significant portion of the pre-WWDC hype is on Siri, an AI-enhanced version that is making its way through the Apple ecosystem. AI holds promise not only for tvOS but also for improving the software powering the top Mac PCs and iPhones in several ways. The new search choices included in tvOS 17.2 included an onscreen menu-based voice search menu that did not use Siri at all. Apple probably included this feature to provide an alternative search option for users who would rather not use Siri. But what if Siri gained greater intelligence and communication skills?
On the Apple TV 4K, Siri-assisted search is often straightforward: type in “Martin Scorcese” to view a list of the director’s films that you can browse and select from. However, more detailed, exploratory search sessions like “Sci-fi movies… from the 1970s… with an ecological disaster theme” would be possible with an AI-enhanced Siri. The possibilities are exciting; comparable technology has been demonstrated by Tivo’s great voice control, but Apple could likely improve it much further by integrating Siri into the dialog.
2. AI-enhanced subtitles
A significant portion of the pre-WWDC hype is on Siri, an AI-enhanced version that is making its way through the Apple ecosystem. AI holds promise not only for tvOS but also for improving the software powering the top Mac PCs and iPhones in several ways. The new search choices included in tvOS 17.2 included an onscreen menu-based voice search menu that did not use Siri at all. Apple probably included this feature to provide an alternative search option for users who would rather not use Siri. But what if Siri gained greater intelligence and communication skills?
On the Apple TV 4K, Siri-assisted search is often straightforward: type in “Martin Scorcese” to view a list of the director’s films that you can browse and select from. However, more detailed, exploratory search sessions like “Sci-fi movies… from the 1970s… with an ecological disaster theme” would be possible with an AI-enhanced Siri. The possibilities are exciting; comparable technology has been demonstrated by Tivo’s great voice control, but Apple could likely improve it much further by integrating Siri into the dialog.
3. Cloud gaming app support
Apps like Xbox may now be utilized on iPhones and iPads thanks to Apple’s earlier this year opening of its App Store to outside cloud gaming services. It’s about time! The next stage is a major push toward cloud gaming, which we hope to see with tvOS 18. With readily available apps for Xbox, GeForce Now, Amazon, Luna, Utomik, and other services, smart TVs from companies like Samsung and LG have made significant progress toward becoming the best TVs with robust gaming platforms. The Apple TV 4K is ready to keep up with smart TVs as a cloud gaming platform thanks to its expanded support for Bluetooth gaming controllers of all kinds. We’d love to see games within cloud apps treated with the same quick access from menus as movies within streaming apps.
4. Extended HomePod support
Apple has not yet fully realized the home theater potential of the Apple TV 4K, primarily by failing to offer a surround-sound option for the HomePod 2 and HomePod mini. We have discussed this problem extensively in previous tvOS wishlists. A pair of Apple’s HomePod 2 wireless speakers can be connected to the Apple TV 4K as an AirPlay 2 audio output and support Dolby Atmos. That’s fantastic if you want an alternative to the best soundbars or a higher-quality sound solution than the built-in speakers on your TV.
But what if the Apple TV 4K could connect wirelessly to a second set of HomePod 2 speakers that are positioned at the back of the screen? For both watching movies and listening to music in Dolby Atmos from the greatest music streaming services, like Apple Music, it would offer a far more immersive audio experience. It seems like a no-brainer to update to Apple TV 4K, and we hope to see it included in tvOS 18.
5. Improved onscreen keyboard
For good reason, the onscreen keyboard on the Apple TV 4K is one of its least popular features. Entering text requires you to scroll back and forth across its nearly full horizontal width, which can be a laborious procedure.
Certain tvOS apps allow you to type text using your iPhone rather than the onscreen keyboard, but not all users of Apple TV 4Ks have iPhones, therefore support for this feature is not universal. Although it can be hit or miss, you can also use Siri to dictate. This could change if tvOS 18 gives Siri more AI intelligence.
To make its onscreen keyboard more user-friendly, Apple needs to upgrade it. A hint: observe what Roku is doing to see how to reduce the time and effort required for onscreen text entry.
Joeal Bright is a committed journalist at WVPrepBB.com, focusing on USA and crime news. With a knack for in-depth reporting and a dedication to delivering accurate and timely information, Joeal keeps readers informed about crucial national events and crime stories. His work on WVPrepBB.com is essential for those seeking comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis of current events in the United States.
