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The fourth-generation Apple TV has a lot of new features, one of them being the addition of the Apple TV App Store. On the surface, the App Store on Apple TV seems similar to that of the iOS or OS X version. There are, however, some aspects of the tvOS App Store that are are a little different and might need some explaining.

For example, some apps, like Lumino City, are available on iOS and Apple TV, while others such as Beat Sports are only available on Apple TV, and can therefore be a little harder to find. Apple has gradually been adding features such as categories to the Apple TV App Store, so things are definitely still a work in progress. We've got a few tips on how to navigate the App Store, and maybe even discover new apps worth downloading.

App Discovery

apple_tv_app_store_main.jpg

Probably the most frustrating aspect of the Apple TV App Store is finding cool new content. Since the Apple TV's debuted, Apple has added Top Charts and Categories, which have greatly improved our ability to discover content.

Top Charts shows the top 50 - 75 (or so) paid, free, and grossing apps. Currently there is no way to filter the lists by category. However, with more content being added daily, it is likely that Apple will at some point add category filter options so we can search for, say, Top Paid Games or Top Free Entertainment apps.

apple_tv_app_store_charts.jpg

When you visit the Categories section, you'll be able to select from a few major classifications, like Games, Education, Entertainment, Sports, and more. Within a category, you'll see a list of spotlighted apps, like "What to Play" or "What to Watch," plus a few more lists. The category sections are somewhat limited right now.

One glaring omission from Apple's app discovery mechanic is the "Customers Also Bought" section. Hopefully, Apple will implement this in a future update, when more content becomes available.


Click here to read more...

Article Link: How to Use the App Store on Apple TV
 
I'm in Canada and the "Categories" tab is not available. Wondering if that is only available for the USA?
 
I will concur that the fact this article is necessary *IS* a bad sign. The App Store has been around for many years and while there is always opportunity for improvement it is a fairly fleshed out concept. The fact that Apple keeps releasing 'new' features that are many years old is a bad sign. With all of their billions... did no one think "Hey... rather than starting over let's put a new UI on the existing app store"?

Even the addition of categories is somewhat of a joke. There are so few listed, yet in the "Purchased" section there are many more. Why don't we see them?

A recent MR article mentioned that 500 apps are being added PER WEEK. I don't believe it's that high, but either way there is zero practical way to find them.

Come on Apple. Put your money to use building better products and stop spending it on spaceships, rainbow parades and other fluff until you're back in the lead.
 
All I want for Christmas; Universal App Store, using my Macbook or iPad to select, have the App Store deliver to my Apple TV or TV's and devices for universal Apps. Others are already doing this. Example Amazon, use your web browser, tablet or phone app, search for what you want using a real search machine, add to cart, select devices to deliver App, open up devices the Apps are there. Works for all universal Apps. If an App does not work on a device the device is grayed out. Now compare the way Apple approaches the Apps. Totally Old School and in No way up with the times. The Apple TV is still a hobby hack developed back in the garage. Very incomplete for an Apple product.
 
The fact that I can't sit at my computer or on my phone and review and select apps that are then installed on my AppleTV is the biggest indictment I could offer on the AppleTV App store experience. Can't wait until Apple introduces this feature as a "new and innovative" was to use the App Store, despite it being available on virtually every other streaming device that has apps for years.
 
I have several iTunes account for different countries (Canada, us and uk). Is is possible to download apps from multiple countries like you can on an iOS device? Eg. iPlayer from Uk, and some us only apps.
 
I have several iTunes account for different countries (Canada, us and uk). Is is possible to download apps from multiple countries like you can on an iOS device? Eg. iPlayer from Uk, and some us only apps.
Yes, it works the same way as on iPhone
 
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It's an unbelievable cluster*uck that Apple does not have a VR solution for iPhone. They are truly asleep at the wheel over there in Cupertino.
 
I can't find anything on it. I have to come to forums on sites like this just to find out what new apps/games have been released. That should tell you all you need to know.
 
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"
Playing Music in the Background While in Another App
You can play music in the background while using another app as long as that app is not playing any audio. Music will continue playing while you are searching for movies in Hulu or Netflix, or if you are watching a slideshow in Photos or 500px. However, as soon as you play content that has audio, the music will stop.

This feature does not work with games, as games usually have their own soundtracks and your music will stop playing as soon as you open one. Even if you turn all audio settings off for the game, your iTunes music will not play."

Not true. Audio will continue to play unless the app specifically stops it. I turn off the soundtrack for many games, including Asphalt 8, and play my own music. The games that specifically stops the music frustrates the hell out of me (looking at you Crossy Road and Beach Buggy RC)
 
You know what I really want? A filter that filters out all the brian-dead flappy bird-level apps and which would show me the apps really worthwhile. Sometimes I see apps in the top charts which are total crap which don't even have a positive rating.....what the hell?
 
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