New Apple TV Hacked to Run Native tvOS Web Browser

[MacRumors]

Dutch developer jvanakker has hacked the new Apple TV to run a native tvOS web browser using a private API based on Apple's UIWebView class, sharing the code on GitHub as a fork of developer Steven Troughton-Smith's tvOSBrowser project. The demo video below shows Apple's website running on the fourth-generation box.

The simplistic tvOS web browser allows you to scroll through pages with the Siri Remote, and pressing the center of the touch surface brings up a cursor for clicking. Pressing the Menu button returns you to the previous page, while the Play/Pause button allows you to input URLs, according to GitHub.

Apple does not allow Apple TV apps to have UIWebViews, so this web browser would not be approved on the tvOS App Store, but the project is a good proof of concept. Apple TV users interested in testing the web browser can follow iDownloadBlog's guide to sideload the app using Xcode and modify a tvOS file to build it successfully.

Earlier this week, it was discovered that tvOS also includes support for iOS-like folders.

Article Link: New Apple TV Hacked to Run Native tvOS Web Browser

 

[sp3k0psv3t]

Already lol.....

Hacking to Hack. Nice find



Best,

JS

 

[garylapointe]

Now if the thing just have a good keyboard (virtual or bluetooth) we'd be set!

Gary

 

[happydude]

Now if the thing just have a good keyboard (virtual or bluetooth) we'd be set!

Gary

i think that's called a "mac mini?"

 

[H2SO4]

What is it about the ATV3 then that means that after all this time they still can’t hack it?

 

[nepalisherpa]

I don't understand why Apple is against having a browser. This would make it so perfect.

 

[ftz]

Would it be possible to get DTS pass through and 1080 24p with a hack? or is that limited on the hardware side

 

[just.in.time]

The fact that there is a cursor available for clicking elements is awesome. Maybe that can be used in other apps.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

What is it about the ATV3 then that means that after all this time they still can’t hack it?

They can and they have. Just they're a lot less interesting because you're stuck with the old remote. Plus it's a lot less convenient, because you can't easily install software to it using Xcode on a Mac.

 

[VulchR]

So Apple is purposively preventing AppleTV from acting as a browser? If so, then good to know. #dealbreaker

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

I don't understand why Apple is against having a browser. This would make it so perfect.

Have you tried a browser on a TV? It's not a particularly enjoyable experience. Both the Wii and Wii U have a browser... but I rarely use it because most websites just don't work well on a TV with a controller/remote?

Even this browser looks like a miserable experience.

 

[xero9]

What is it about the ATV3 then that means that after all this time they still can’t hack it?

I think because tvOS has a proper development SDK that they're simply building an app that is being installed that has access to this API.

With the ATV3 I don't think it was ever jailbroken, so no way to run any home built app.

I could be wrong..

 

[uid15]

I don't understand why Apple is against having a browser. This would make it so perfect.

"Apple TV" the clue is in the title. If the functionality afforded by a product is expanded too far, the purpose for said device becomes confused and cluttered (see Android TV boxes a a prime example).

 

[ThatGuyInLa]

BAH! I thought with the new APP SUPPORT we were done with not having web on the Apple TV. Was looking forward to some legit browsers!!!

 

[ThatGuyInLa]

"Apple TV" the clue is in the title. If the functionality afforded by a product is expanded too far, the purpose for said device becomes confused and cluttered (see Android TV boxes a a prime example).

Microsoft "WebTV" , TV means TV, that's all. Apple means anything Apple. "AppleTV" so anything Apple on your TV!

 

[afsalva]

Do we have a ios app for Kodi/XBMC so that we can sideload it using Xcode?

 

[rybitron]

Do we have a ios app for Kodi/XBMC so that we can sideload it using Xcode?

I doubt it would be out yet. But does this mean it is at least possible? I would love KODI/XBMC on new appleTV

 

[mdridwan47]

This is not bad at all.

 

[avanpelt]

I don't understand why Apple is against having a browser. This would make it so perfect.

Agreed. Safari is a natural fit for the Apple TV. I guess they expect us to AirPlay from iOS or Mac to the TV instead. Kind of a bummer.

 

[VulchR]

"Apple TV" the clue is in the title. If the functionality afforded by a product is expanded too far, the purpose for said device becomes confused and cluttered (see Android TV boxes a a prime example).

So, in other words we have to buy tablets, laptops, and desktops that are all highly overpowered just to view simple web pages? I have to say that makes little sense to me, other than perhaps Apple is focusing a little too much on profit and not enough on consumer experience. What is going to happen now is a proliferation of tvOS 'apps' that are basically browsers dedicated to a single web page. Talk about clutter...

 

[nagromme]

I don't understand why Apple is against having a browser. This would make it so perfect.

It would be useful to have for a very few people in a very few situations. But the vast majority of people would never have a need for an awkward, keyboardless, giant browser (that takes the TV away from other uses) instead of the better browsers all around them that they're already used to. And for the vast majority of people who (think they) would use it, it would turn out to be terrible and they'd end up not using it anyway. And they'd blame Apple for remote-control web browsing being poor, and the media would run with it.

Plus, it would let developers deliver additional awful experiences to users: apps could launch out to the web browser for certain things; or even just not MAKE an app and decide AppleTV users can just go to the site.

I think Apple made the right call. Tech nerds like me want a bullet list of "everything a person can think of," but some things are just poor, and not worth the complexity of including. Every feature has a cost—skip this one.

It's also possible Apple has a browser coming... but I really hope not!

 

[Rogifan]

I don't understand why Apple is against having a browser. This would make it so perfect.

Why? Who wants a browser on a TV?

 

[VulchR]

It would be useful to have for a very few people in a very few situations. But the vast majority of people would never have a need for an awkward, keyboardless, giant browser (that takes the TV away from other uses) instead of the better browsers all around them that they're already used to. ...

Well, let's see: Let us start with the visually impaired who might appreciate the big screen. And why wouldn't it be possible to use Siri to direct actions in the browser? Most of the arguments against browsing in tvOS are about performance. Apple supposedly have great engineers, so why haven't they engineered in the performance?

This is not about the consumer experience. It is about profit making. Apple used to stand for enabling people to do things. Now they seem to be focused on telling users what they cannot do....

 

[chuges]

Having a browser would be useful for being able to connect the Apple TV to hotel wifi through their web portal, without having to call the IT desk, give them your MAC address, etc..

 

[firewood]

I don't understand why Apple is against having a browser. This would make it so perfect.

WebTV failed. Why would Apple want to copy a failed product?