Upcoming Apple TV iOS Update to Unlock Bluetooth Keyboard Support

MacRumors · Dec 8, 2012, 09:49 PM

Last year, it was revealed that Apple may have been working on offering Bluetooth keyboard pairing with the second-generation Apple TV.

Quote:

The ability to pair a Bluetooth keyboard with the Apple TV would obviously make for significantly easier text entry, simplifying such tasks as initial setup with iTunes Store accounts and Wi-Fi network passwords as well as day-to-day content searching.

9to5Mac now reports that Apple seems ready to deploy Bluetooth into its Apple TV products, as the latest Apple TV developer beta now allows you to pair a Bluetooth keyboard to a 2nd or 3rd generation Apple TV.

Once you connect a Bluetooth keyboard to your Apple TV, you can completely control it without using the included remote or an iOS device. The arrow keys are used for navigation, the return key is used to play or pause and the escape key acts as the "menu" or up "one level" button. And of course, searching becomes easier with a full hardware keyboard.

The update only allows Bluetooth keyboards, so pairing Bluetooth speakers, mice or even Macs will not work. 9to5Mac noted that they were able to pair a Logitech Bluetooth keyboard to the Apple TV succesfully, so the update isn't limited to Apple keyboards.

Although currently limited in functionality to a simple keyboard, it's thought that eventually Apple could open up Bluetooth support to allow a mic-based remote or iOS device to use Siri with Apple TV.

Article Link: Upcoming Apple TV iOS Update to Unlock Bluetooth Keyboard Support

dweezle3 · Dec 8, 2012, 09:51 PM

Finally!

dXTC · Dec 8, 2012, 09:53 PM

I have an Apple wireless keyboard that came with my current iMac that never got used (I purchased an extra wired extended keyboard with it). If this happens, this would be beyond awesome.

Xavier · Dec 8, 2012, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dweezle3

Finally....

It would be a welcome update from me!

hlfway2anywhere · Dec 8, 2012, 09:54 PM

hopefully it also comes with the feature where it actually plays half the stuff I try to watch on Hulu Plus. Two AppleTVs, both of them fail on the same videos.

ArtOfWarfare · Dec 8, 2012, 09:54 PM

I have my AppleTV set up to respond to my Comcast remote when it's set to AUX. it's vastly better than the included Apple remote range wise (I can use it from 30' away... My apple remote only works from about 10' away.)

I've never managed to get the iOS app to work...

Battlefield Fan · Dec 8, 2012, 09:56 PM

I prefer the iOS app.

profets · Dec 8, 2012, 09:58 PM

About time.. Been able to do this for a while with my jailbroken Apple TV. Very convenient.

Feels like there's so much potential for the Apple TV but I guess they're moving cautiously.

oneMadRssn · Dec 8, 2012, 10:00 PM

Maybe someone can find an bluetooth security exploit and finally jailbreak the atv3

ovrlrd · Dec 8, 2012, 10:03 PM

Meh, I am still waiting for them to update the iPad Remote app so that there is more interfacing. It would be nice to see a lot of feedback on the iPad itself rather than the TV, letting you navigate menus by looking at the iPad instead of the TV.

deanbo · Dec 8, 2012, 10:05 PM

What is the difference between an Apple TV and a Mac Mini?

Mackan · Dec 8, 2012, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deanbo

What is the difference between an Apple TV and a Mac Mini?

No difference.

bigandtasty · Dec 8, 2012, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dweezle3

Finally!

NO kidding! Been waiting for this for the longest. I like the remote it ships with for basic point/click but having to re-enter my password to get back on my network when switching over from goflex satellite takes forever! with a keyboard I could jump back and forth with ease.

Thanks Apple, release update at will!

CindyRed · Dec 8, 2012, 10:10 PM

Still waiting for third party apps...

brendu · Dec 8, 2012, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deanbo

What is the difference between an Apple TV and a Mac Mini?

One streams iTunes content and has netflix and hulu plus streaming. One is a Mac computer. They are completely different products targeted at completely different uses.

brendu · Dec 8, 2012, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CindyRed

Still waiting for third party apps...

This is what I am waiting for. Until this happens my Xbox will be my TV set top box. I dont have cable and use my Xbox for everything. Apple needs apps before that changes.

QuarterSwede · Dec 8, 2012, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ovrlrd

Meh, I am still waiting for them to update the iPad Remote app so that there is more interfacing. It would be nice to see a lot of feedback on the iPad itself rather than the TV, letting you navigate menus by looking at the iPad instead of the TV.

Yes! The one thing I wish I could do on the Remote app is turn AirPlay on. Right now if I'm in my bedroom and i want to listen to music from the AppleTV I have to walk down the hall to the great room and tap option on my iPhone and look at the TV to navigate to "Speakers ..." LAME.

Icaras · Dec 8, 2012, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battlefield Fan

I prefer the iOS app.

Me too. No need to spend an additional $70 for this if you have an iOS device already.

APlotdevice · 10:45 PM

It was said before, but it bares repeating: finally!

Now I just want that remote...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icaras

Me too. No need to spend an additional $70 for this if you have an iOS device already.

There's also no need to spend an additional $70 if you already own a Bluetooth keyboard.

mslide · Dec 8, 2012, 10:49 PM

About ***** time. Now it won't take me 10 minutes to type in a password or search for something.

APlotdevice · Dec 8, 2012, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtOfWarfare

I've never managed to get the iOS app to work...

I find that I frequently have to reset my router in order for the remote app to recognize other devices on my network.

jaroth1290 · Dec 8, 2012, 10:56 PM

Does this mean you will be able to use your macbook's keyboard with bluetooth to control the apple tv? obviously my macbook has bluetooth and a keyboard...but i dont have a spare bt keyboard laying around

Navdakilla · Dec 8, 2012, 11:00 PM

what about the apps?

APlotdevice · Dec 8, 2012, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaroth1290

Does this mean you will be able to use your macbook's keyboard with bluetooth to control the apple tv? obviously my macbook has bluetooth and a keyboard...but i dont have a spare bt keyboard laying around

Well there are applications for the Mac that allow it to mimic a BT keyboard.

Icaras · Dec 8, 2012, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by APlotdevice

There's also no need to spend an additional $70 if you already own a Bluetooth keyboard.

Sorry, I was referring to the Apple aluminum keyboard only.

Dec 8, 2012, 09:51 PM	#2
dweezle3 macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Earth	Finally! __________________ 15" MacBook Pro; iPhone 4S
	9

Dec 8, 2012, 09:53 PM	#3
dXTC macrumors 68000 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Up, up in my studio, studio	I have an Apple wireless keyboard that came with my current iMac that never got used (I purchased an extra wired extended keyboard with it). If this happens, this would be *beyond* awesome. __________________ dXTC A good bit of stuff: iMac 21.5" i3 · MBP 17" i5 · Two 5g iPod nanos · and more ...geeve to me LAAAHRGE keess!
	7

Dec 8, 2012, 09:56 PM	#7
Battlefield Fan macrumors 6502a Join Date: Mar 2008	I prefer the iOS app. __________________ 15" Macbook Pro Hi-Res, 2.3 GHz i7 QC, 16GB RAM, 480 GB OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 6G Xbench score: 426; 27" TB ACD; 27" MDP ACD; Black iPhone 5 64GB; White iPad 3 32GB LTE
	9

Dec 8, 2012, 10:00 PM	#9
oneMadRssn macrumors 6502a Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Boston, MA	Maybe someone can find an bluetooth security exploit and finally jailbreak the atv3
	13

Dec 8, 2012, 10:03 PM	#10
ovrlrd macrumors 65816 Join Date: Aug 2009	Meh, I am still waiting for them to update the iPad Remote app so that there is more interfacing. It would be nice to see a lot of feedback on the iPad itself rather than the TV, letting you navigate menus by looking at the iPad instead of the TV. __________________ 15" rMBP 2.7GHz+16GB+768GB :: iPhone 5 32GB :: iPad Mini 64GB Wi-Fi
	8

Dec 8, 2012, 09:54 PM	#5
hlfway2anywhere macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2006	hopefully it also comes with the feature where it actually plays half the stuff I try to watch on Hulu Plus. Two AppleTVs, both of them fail on the same videos.
	0

Dec 8, 2012, 09:54 PM	#6
ArtOfWarfare macrumors 68040 Join Date: Nov 2007	I have my AppleTV set up to respond to my Comcast remote when it's set to AUX. it's vastly better than the included Apple remote range wise (I can use it from 30' away... My apple remote only works from about 10' away.) I've never managed to get the iOS app to work...
	0

Dec 8, 2012, 09:58 PM	#8
profets macrumors 65816 Join Date: Mar 2009	About time.. Been able to do this for a while with my jailbroken Apple TV. Very convenient. Feels like there's so much potential for the Apple TV but I guess they're moving cautiously.
	4

Dec 8, 2012, 10:05 PM	#11
deanbo macrumors regular Join Date: May 2003	Apple TV What is the difference between an Apple TV and a Mac Mini?
	0

Dec 8, 2012, 10:10 PM	#14
CindyRed macrumors member Join Date: May 2011	This is not the update you're looking for. Still waiting for third party apps...
	19

Dec 8, 2012, 10:49 PM	#20
mslide macrumors 6502a Join Date: Sep 2007	About ***** time. Now it won't take me 10 minutes to type in a password or search for something.
	1

Dec 8, 2012, 10:56 PM	#22
jaroth1290 macrumors newbie Join Date: Jul 2011	Does this mean you will be able to use your macbook's keyboard with bluetooth to control the apple tv? obviously my macbook has bluetooth and a keyboard...but i dont have a spare bt keyboard laying around
	1

Dec 8, 2012, 11:00 PM	#23
Navdakilla macrumors 6502a Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Canada	what about the apps? __________________ New convert, and never turning back!!!
	0

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