Doesn't look like you can browse your catalog like in previous Remote versions. A step backward.
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Here's the Upcoming Apple TV 'Remote' App
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I fail to hold down the siri button about 50% of the time when I try to use it. That is frustrating. And considering my phone just answers "Hey Siri" it is a harder experience. But it doesn't matter because Apps are going to carry the day eventually. I recently got Sling TV which is working pretty well for me. I can see many more coming by the end of the year.
Again, just b/c it's "overhauled to make it easier than ever to control a fourth-generation Apple TV with an iPhone" doesn't specifically exclude functionality with Gen 2 or 3 or Macs via Home Sharing. When the update app was announced Eddy Cue made no mention of it being ATV4 compatible only.
Also again, release notes are ONLY for that version release, not future releases. Just because the first dev beta has x functionality does not mean either x functionality will be part of the final version or that y and z functionality won't be added to the final version.
Bottom line unless you have something from Apple to support your post, you are making an assumption, just as I am, though I'm basing it off what Apple hasn't said and also the CNET report which I referenced and linked in my earlier post.
Agree with the reason, not the forward thinking that should have been done. Why not add IR blaster to the Apple TV for total home theater control. Lack of thinking is starting to bother me a bit about Apple.
Time will tell. So far all I see points to an app focused on Gen4 and beyond. Currently that's all it does, Gen4.
Given the emphasis on Siri, App Store, Games, and search, I dont see that being brought to the older ATV models, but anything is possible. We all make our best guesses as to what Apple will do at any point in the future.
I don't actually use the remote at all, as I do mostly TV and have a Harmony system that works well for all combinations of TV, ATV, sound, etc. I do see references here from others that make more use of iTunes/music on ATV and that area may expand in the coming updates to the remote app.
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I really can't stand the ATV4 remote, but it is easier to locate the bottom of it by feeling for the notch. One could buy the leash (lanyard? strap? whatever-the-heck Apple calls it?) and attach it to make it easier, or for that matter, perhaps one could attach something of their own making (I have not tried yet, as feeling for the little notch suffices for me)?
I use the Remote app daily for exactly this: streaming music from my iMac to either my AirPlay speakers in the kitchen or to my Apple TV (connected to a stereo receiver). I don't use Apple Music, so I'm not really missing that feature, but it is a weird thing to leave out.
I'm really hoping they don't ruin it or drop support for controlling iTunes remotely.
One thing I noticed on that screenshot -- the "devices" in the upper-left corner implies that it would be able to browse through your other devices besides ATV.
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You guys all realize that learning remotes exist, right? I picked up a refurbished Logitech Harmony, programmed it (easily) and haven't looked back. One remote for everything, pretty great.
You do realize they sell IR emitters AND universal remote software for iOS, Right? However back to my statement the goal is not having to use multiple remotes/devices. The app is a good idea but I for one am not going to use it if I have to have another remote to adjust the volume.
The Logitech Harmony line of devices aren't bad they just lack the advanced features of the iPhone.
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how do you add IR support to your iOS device? i ask because the volume control happens via IR.
That has been already answered. There are a lot of ways it could be done. CEC commands via HDMI, or apple developing a IR blaster for the ATV.
with the plethora of ways manufactures implement CEC. It will turn into a nightmare making ATV 4 able to control volume of every piece of hardware out there. Spend money to develop an IR blaster for an app that the majority of ATV user probably won't use?
Apple didn't become one of the richest companies by throwing money away on products that a tiny percentage of market uses.
The older (silver) AppleTV remote was one of the most beautiful, elegant objects Apple ever created. It so perfectly fit in the hand and the weight and shape both meant you always knew which direction and button was what even without looking at it. This is even more important with half of the new remote being a touch-surface... but unfortunately Apple missed the ball here...
I have to say i am pretty disappointed that this isn't going to just be bundled into the Remote App... i use that app constantly both at home and in the office to control the ambient music and the various AppleTV's in our conference rooms, etc. It is a bummer i will need to have TWO apps on the phone to do this now instead of just one.
What's the second one? Your issue was the vol w the app but the Siri Remote has it?
How can you say you went through all this and make a statement like "nobody cares about the lack of 3G and copy andpaste" in the original iPhone? That was one of the main things critics went nuts over.
You're not alone, I use Airplay for my home audio as well. Works like a champ! Its frustrating that we cannot control Apple Music and distribute to multiple Airplay zones using our phones, when the option seems like a no brainer.
What about next gen Apple TV you would think they would want to beat Roku, Amazon and Google in streaming but still no 4K or DTS-HD audio and when is the audio for Music ever going to change to a higher quality like HD Audio.
That is the only thing that bothers me with the remote..
Though now since it's controlling my amp I love it; the remote that came with the amp is so bad you have to press with about the force of a truck. And yes it has good batteries it's just a terrible thing. (Great amp, could probably use a similar remote from pioneer