Apple Announces New Remote App for tvOS and Apple TV

[MacRumors]

Today at its WWDC keynote, Apple unveiled the updated Remote app for the fourth-generation Apple TV and tvOS. The new app mirrors the functionality of the Siri Remote.

Noting that its customers wanted an updated version of the Remote app, Apple SVP Eddy Cue said the new app allows users to use their iPhones to play games. The app also allows users to use Siri to command their Apple TV as well as input text via their iPhone's keyboard.

Like previous Remote apps, the new Remote app will also allow users to control the content on the Apple TV, fast forwarding, pausing, playing and rewinding whatever they're watching.

Article Link: Apple Announces New Remote App for tvOS and Apple TV

 

[Macwick]

Two questions:

1) Will they update the horrible limited interface for iTunes on the remote? For example, allow us to access Apple Radio and Apple Music.

2) When will it be released? Now or this fall alongside tvOS?

 

[QuarterSwede]

This is great. I have a Harmony Smart Remote and would miss the Siri functionality. This would solve that issue for times I need to use it as my phone is always on me.

 

[Carlanga]

That is one way to save the $70 on a remote replacement

 

[Macwick]

Two questions:

1) Will they update the horrible limited interface for iTunes on the remote? For example, allow us to access Apple Radio and Apple Music.

Damnit, was hoping they would just incorporate this functionality into the iOS Music app. i.e. why switch to the Remote app to play music throughout your house? But nope.

 

[Elbon]

Any mention of when it will be available?

 

[2010mini]

Any mention of when it will be available?

Fall

 

[-Ray-]

Its in beta

 

[macduke]

I think this one warrants a "finally." The disparity between the new remote and the virtual one was very apparent—especially at launch when they didn't even work together at all, lol.

 

[apnance]

Hopefully the app is more responsive than the touch remote. That thing is seriously the worst/least responsive remote I've had the displeasure of being forced to use(yes under threat of bodily harm to my loved ones) in the last ten years. I loved the idea of it when announced, but the actuality of it has proven to be a sad needlessly frustrating mess.

 

[iReality85]

Definitely will be using this. I have fairly large hands and the physical remote is a bit awkward for me to handle (too small). That or I'll pick the thing up in the dark and won't notice it's upside down lol. And the keyboard will be a big plus too.

 

[SBlue1]

Lets also drop the requirement for games to be able to support the remote. This cripples better and more complex games. Let those games use controllers instead of the remote.

 

[Drzed]

I expected more from tvOS. Given the opening up of Siri on ios , it's addition to macos WHY did they not open up the Siri API on the Apple TV? There are so many apps screaming for this (Plex!) imagine asking Siri to find your movies/shows on these apps.

Clearly Apple doesn't want you going outside the walled approved app garden.

If you don't live in the USA then virtually all the other tvOS announcements are useless.

For a device that is meant to "cut the cord" they sure as hell made it like the twin sister of the cable services

 

[groovyf]

Very pleased about Siri working with the Remote app for the ATV. I have a Logitech Harmony Hub and app on the phone and whist it's great for day-to-day stuff, I miss not being able to use Siri other than via the ATV's own remote.

 

[kfury77]

I expected more from tvOS. Given the opening up of Siri on ios , it's addition to macos WHY did they not open up the Siri API on the Apple TV? There are so many apps screaming for this (Plex!) imagine asking Siri to find your movies/shows on these apps.

Clearly Apple doesn't want you going outside the walled approved app garden.

If you don't live in the USA then virtually all the other tvOS announcements are useless.

For a device that is meant to "cut the cord" they sure as hell made it like the twin sister of the cable services

You will be able to ask third-party apps to search for specific things such as 'Search YouTube for parrots that sing opera'. I disagree with tvOS updates being useless - take a look: http://www.apple.com/tvos-preview/ . I installed it on my AppleTV yesterday, the dark mode is great!
[doublepost=1465953788][/doublepost]

Lets also drop the requirement for games to be able to support the remote. This cripples better and more complex games. Let those games use controllers instead of the remote.

This has already been confirmed.

 

[sinsin07]

I expected more from tvOS. Given the opening up of Siri on ios , it's addition to macos WHY did they not open up the Siri API on the Apple TV? There are so many apps screaming for this (Plex!) imagine asking Siri to find your movies/shows on these apps.

Concerning Plex, doesn't voice search work within the app on ATV4?

 

[nburwell]

I thought Apple would have already been working on the app once the new ATV was released. I'm a bit disappointed that we have to wait until fall for the app to be released. But I'll still take it.