Apple TV is not family friendly...

[whodatrr]

Sad, but Apple isn't the only one to mess up this kind of stuff. I recently bought an Xbox One, and found that I had to set up individual accounts for all my kids, including the toddlers, for them to really play. We use the Xbox for active games like dancing and sports titles that get the kids up off the couch. But setting up Xbox live accounts meant I had to establish email address and such for them - shocking oversight. The old Atari days were so much simpler - User 1, User 2, etc. Otherwise, the way the Xbox works, you can't establish restrictions or have players automatically recognized. It's a P.I.T.A.

Among the tech companies, the only one that actually seems to be getting family and kids is Amazon. Buy a $99 tablet, get a child proof case, damage warranty, unlimited educational games/books/videos, etc. You also get parental controls (eg. 30mins of games a day, unlimited books, and kindle off after 8:30). I just don't know how the rest of the vendors are so far behind, especially since Apple seems to have a solid education presence?

 

[eyesi123]

One thing I am curious about is if Apple do decide to overhaul this overly complex process, which they really should. What there handling of the password situation will be. Considering their stance on security I wonder if they would settle for setting up a pin, or if they would still require the password. I've a horrible feeling it would be the latter.

The obvious solution to this would be to have touch ID in the siri remote. ATV 5 or 6 maybe?

 

[2010mini]

I have a problem in terms of switching Wi-Fi, seems some of these things like your accounts could be more seamless.

If you need to switch Wi-Fi networks (I do once or twice a week), you have to reenter passwords, why can't it remember at least two WiFi passwords?

The Apple TV is a stationary device not a portable device. It is meant to stay in your entertainment centre. You are using it in a way it was never meant to be used.

 

[DNichter]

I am hoping the delayed release of the Remote app has some of this discussed functionality built in. The use of touch ID would be great in identifying who is using the ATV and updating all settings accordingly. Unfortunately I am realistic and don't think Apple is anywhere close to something like this.

 

[TrueBlou]

The obvious solution to this would be to have touch ID in the siri remote. ATV 5 or 6 maybe?

It seems like it would be a sensible addition, I'm a little surprised it didn't make the cut this time. Of course, it's an extra selling feature for the next Apple TV, or a new improved Siri remote that also works with the ATV 4.

 

[DNichter]

It seems like it would be a sensible addition, I'm a little surprised it didn't make the cut this time. Of course, it's an extra selling feature for the next Apple TV, or a new improved Siri remote that also works with the ATV 4.

I'd imagine cost is the biggest factor keeping them from adding touch ID to the remote. Updating the Remote app with touch ID functionality though is a win win for Apple.

 

[2010mini]

OP I have got to ask... Are you new to iOS products? While I understand your frustration, I must point out Apple has never had user profiles on iOS based products.

I do suggest calling Apple and voice this. Or start a thread on their community site. Doing it here does nothing.

 

[turbineseaplane]

OP I have got to ask... Are you new to iOS products? While I understand your frustration, I must point out Apple has never had user profiles on iOS based products.

I had to laugh at this - So many people on MR forums are conveniently using "tvOS is all new" when it suits their argument, but when it doesn't, the (more correct) statement of "tvOS is really just iOS and that's why it doesn't have feature X" gets paraded out.

lol

Overall the point is, they should have added user profiles to tvOS since it is a feature that's sorely needed on a household shared device like the ATV

 

[2010mini]

The obvious solution to this would be to have touch ID in the siri remote. ATV 5 or 6 maybe?

A better solution is to use Siri to recognize the user via voice recognition.

 

[2010mini]

I had to laugh at this - So many people on MR forums are conveniently using "tvOS is all new" when it suits their argument, but when it doesn't, the (more correct) statement of "it's iOS and that's why it doesn't have feature X" gets paraded out.

lol

Overall the point is, they should have added user profiles to tvOS since it is a feature that's sorely needed on a household shared device like the ATV

I am not discounting this issue. I was just pointing out that Apple has never embraced user profiles on NON OS X products. Maybe they should, but that will mean Devs will have to change their apps to accommodate multiple users profiles. And the Apps store policies will have to change.

 

[TrueBlou]

I'd imagine cost is the biggest factor keeping them from adding touch ID to the remote. Updating the Remote app with touch ID functionality though is a win win for Apple.

Oh probably, but considering Apples normal, build low sell high process, I'm sure they could have squeezed a sensor in there and God forbid forsake a few cents profit

They really should implement it with iPhone though. As you say there's nothing for them to lose there.

 

[Wildkraut]

OP I have got to ask... Are you new to iOS products? While I understand your frustration, I must point out Apple has never had user profiles on iOS based products.

I do suggest calling Apple and voice this. Or start a thread on their community site. Doing it here does nothing.

No im not new to iOS, I use Apple stuff since many years and even develop for it. With tvOS they entered a new area(living room device) which simply requires Multiuser support, doing this the way they did was just wrong. Fyi, my Bugreport got closed without comments, I don't expect they are working on this. FreeBSD->Darwin->OSX->iOS->tvOS hell its all still UNIX with an great existing native multiuser support and not a rocket science. Sad, but i've already returned it. I understand that an multiuser account on ipad, iphone would cannibalize the sales, which they try to avoid. But pushing this to Apple TV makes no sense at all. No sense as not having an calculator on the iPad.

 

[2010mini]

No im not new to iOS, I use Apple stuff since many years and even develop for it. With tvOS they entered a new area(living room device) which simply requires Multiuser support, doing this the way they did was just wrong. Fyi, my Bugreport got closed without comments, I don't expect they are working on this. FreeBSD->Darwin->OSX->iOS->tvOS hell its all still UNIX with an great existing native multiuser support and not a rocket science. Sad, but i've already returned it. I understand that an multiuser account on ipad, iphone would cannibalize the sales, which they try to avoid. But pushing this to Apple TV makes no sense at all. No sense as not having an calculator on the iPad.

Why did you file a bug report? Did you try calling Apple? Not trying to be sarcastic... but if enough people start contacting them about this, it probably will make them move in that direction.

 

[Wildkraut]

Well, I think a call would just be ignored and disappear in some SAP/CRM Ticket. That way its at least documented nearer to the devs. Its an Bugreport(Feature request) incl. the ATV return notice. They simply failed at this, and they won't fix this soon. If they care about it somehow, it will be an ATV5 or ATV6 feature. Till then our PS4 is doing fine, Sony knows how to get an Multiuser/Multiplayer Living Room Gaming Device, Done.

 

[APlotdevice]

Very very fair criticism.
Lots more work needed on so many of these sorts of details.

It's become painfully clear they rushed this out to make the holiday shopping window. Could be a big mistake with all the outstanding niggles and issues - might end up with lots of returns.

Well if they're smart they'll focus on patching the software as much as possible before December 25.

 

[kelub]

I guess I don't understand why there's any expectation to have multiple profiles on a TV streaming device. I didn't have multiple profiles on my Blu-Ray player, my DVR or cable box, etc.

As I mentioned in the "so many complainers" thread, expectations are incredibly unrealistic with some people, and the outrage would be funny if it wasn't impacting people's decision-making on whether or not they should try the device. The only way it gets better is if more people adopt it, and since every outlet for purchasing the device has a return option, people shouldn't be given the impression it's such a failed device that it's not worth their time to consider. The mild inconveniences like the remote app not working and whatnot, those can (and I'm sure will) be fixed with software updates.

I have kids ranging from 6 to 14. I just do not experience this level of angst over these things. Profiles and restrictions are controlled at an app/service level (i.e. Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, etc). Device app purchases... I don't know what to tell you. I've never understood the way some people set that up. We use 1 account for the iTunes store, with everyone having separate iCloud accounts; this way, we all have access to the same apps, same music, same movies, etc. Game Center stuff... sure, it'd be nice if there was a way to switch those easier, I guess. I don't really have much invested in Game Center, so if someone comes and plays Crossy Road and updates my high score while I'm at work, I'll likely not sink into a deep depression over it.

So, to each their own, I suppose. While you guys are "shocked," "saddened," "deeply disappointed," finding it "way unusable," "on the verge of seppuku," etc., the rest of us less outraged users will work through or around the shrug-worthy early-adopter woes and enjoy our device. Let us know if and/or when you discover the magical unicorn streaming system that meets your every expectation and need.

 

[d21mike]

I have kids ranging from 6 to 14. I just do not experience this level of angst over these things. Profiles and restrictions are controlled at an app/service level (i.e. Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, etc).

Netflix has multiple user profiles but Hulu does not. Not sure about iTunes or the others you may be referring to with "etc". I really think Hulu should have multiple profiles mainly for the Watchlist.

Not sure the above would be affected (but could be) by ATV also having Profiles. But what I would like to see is the ability to change the iCloud ID (photos, games, etc). The iTunes Store is not that hard to change but you have to go into settings to change it. Changing the iCloud ID should at least be that easy. Having to enter userid/password each time is a problem. It that happened then maybe Netflix or Hulu could also have an option to allow for saving my watchlist and settings in iCloud with the currently active iCloud Account.

 

[d21mike]

Maybe they should, but that will mean Devs will have to change their apps to accommodate multiple users profiles. And the Apps store policies will have to change.

I do not think the Devs need to care if they support iCloud. If the ATV had an easy/fast way to change the current iCloud ID then everything could switch based on the contents in iCloud. Like your Game Center settings. Apps like Netflix could be changed to support iCloud Netflix Profiles (but not required). Other Apps like Hulu which currently does not have profiles could simply store the WatchList in iCloud (as an option) when they do. My point is that most applications will support iCloud Storage and the problem is you can ONLY have 1 iCloud Active. To change it you have to change the userid/password each time. At least for the iTunes Store you can simply switch but you have to go into the settings to do it. For the iCloud Account there needs to be a quicker way. Of course things like touch and voice to control that would be a great option but not required as a start.

 

[dugbug]

A better solution is to use Siri to recognize the user via voice recognition.

No that's pretty easy for a kid to circumvent. Just tap the remote sides like pin on Xbox controllers

 

[Wildkraut]

I guess I don't understand why there's any expectation to have multiple profiles on a TV streaming device. I didn't have multiple profiles on my Blu-Ray player, my DVR or cable box, etc.

As I mentioned in the "so many complainers" thread, expectations are incredibly unrealistic with some people, and the outrage would be funny if it wasn't impacting people's decision-making on whether or not they should try the device. The only way it gets better is if more people adopt it, and since every outlet for purchasing the device has a return option, people shouldn't be given the impression it's such a failed device that it's not worth their time to consider. The mild inconveniences like the remote app not working and whatnot, those can (and I'm sure will) be fixed with software updates.

I have kids ranging from 6 to 14. I just do not experience this level of angst over these things. Profiles and restrictions are controlled at an app/service level (i.e. Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, etc). Device app purchases... I don't know what to tell you. I've never understood the way some people set that up. We use 1 account for the iTunes store, with everyone having separate iCloud accounts; this way, we all have access to the same apps, same music, same movies, etc. Game Center stuff... sure, it'd be nice if there was a way to switch those easier, I guess. I don't really have much invested in Game Center, so if someone comes and plays Crossy Road and updates my high score while I'm at work, I'll likely not sink into a deep depression over it.

So, to each their own, I suppose. While you guys are "shocked," "saddened," "deeply disappointed," finding it "way unusable," "on the verge of seppuku," etc., the rest of us less outraged users will work through or around the shrug-worthy early-adopter woes and enjoy our device. Let us know if and/or when you discover the magical unicorn streaming system that meets your every expectation and need.

Sorry but LOL@ trying to compare Apple TV with pure Hardware Boxes like Receivers,BD/DVD Players. For ATV 1-3 it was okay without profiles, but ATV4 has Apps & Games and saves their progress. That way its 1 Savegame/Progress per App & Game for all family members and that simply sucks. Per App User Accounts would alleviate the situation a bit, but not affect the GameCenter, iCloud, Photos, Apple Music switch at all, it's simply the wrong approach.

Whats next from Apple? An Apple Car with just one seat/profile? Your answer to us would probably be: No problem, just tell Siri to drive the same Route back and forth 4 times to pickup all 4 family members, or just buy 4 Apple Cars to arrive at the same time.

This Apple TV fiasco may not affect you that much, but they failed here, period.

 

[Wildkraut]

T

No that's pretty easy for a kid to circumvent. Just tap the remote sides like pin on Xbox controllers

Thats an great idea, decent User Profiles and Morse / Tapping Codes wrapped arround the long and secure standard AppleID password, for quick and easy user switch.

 

[dugbug]

T

Thats an great idea, decent User Profiles and Morse / Tapping Codes wrapped arround the long and secure standard AppleID password, for quick and easy user switch.

For those that don't know you enter a PIN on the xbox by using a sequence of any buttons and triggers on the controller. The new apple tv remote works like a dpad by tapping (not clicking, just tap) the top, bottom, left, and right of touchpad. You could just do a 6-digit pin like U,D,D,L,R,R

sure is better than entering a massive password I mean if they are so hung up over the remote app.

 

[2010mini]

No that's pretty easy for a kid to circumvent. Just tap the remote sides like pin on Xbox controllers

If your kid is that sneaky then you have way bigger problems to deal with.

 

[dugbug]

If your kid is that sneaky then you have way bigger problems to deal with.

You just record the voice

 

[Floris]

While I agree with you and tweet at least once a year since 2007 that Apple should introduce at least a 'guest' account or a 'kids' or 'work' account, I think it's well known that they do not have this, yet. I am hugely disappointed each time I have to clean up my photos and mails just because they include private customer details, etc, each time my mom wants to play a game or take a picture. I can understand Apple wouldn't mind us buying a second 950$ device just for the kids or have someone's boss give a second phone. But .. common.

I really hate it when I take video and timelapses etc and have to show them off live on location that I have to think 'did the picture of the girl i met in the bar last night get uploaded to dropbox yet? or.. the pictures from my trip to that city that I don't want clients or family to see?'. They are personal, or private, and not meant for all audiences. I hate it that I have to turn on the password feature in every app that supports it, just to guarantee a bit of 'no snooping around instead of playing game on ipad'. And it's why I am still super surprised why Mail.app doesn't seem to support this.

To swipe up to control center and hold down on account icon, and select guest/kids/work, and springloads into that account, takes NO time, compared to having to concentrate and quickly on the fly clean up personal data, just to be kids friendly, or hide family pictures from clients who preview shoots, etc.