Well, from what we've heard there se no plans to support *any* keyboards (hardware or software). So, we can hope that will change, but it's not a timing thing, it's a philosophy of the new platform. Unless you've got a source?
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No Bluetooth keyboard support on Apple TV 4
- Thread starter Cmbucci48
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Well he's been pretty meh on the watch. Even said he doesn't wear his every day. But he did mention that he knows some of the people on the TV team so my guess is that's why he praised it so much.
You're correct, it does take time - it's called product development and testing.
Tell you what, for $20 I'll sell you a version 1.0 time travel ring. It's got some bugs - but please keep in mind it's a whole new device and bugs are expected. But hey - even if it doesn't work it still looks really cool on your finger
Bottom line, this is not a free product, it's a consumer device being sold to make a profit. It should work flawlessly and meet expectations day one.
This; I'm disappointed but not surprised at some of the defensive reactions on here. If I'd paid an introductory price of say £89-£99 which was only for the first couple of weeks I would be griping less.
I have paid full price for an item, I expect it to work. I'm not expecting hundreds of apps out of the box, but launch day plus inbuilt apps to work. That's not too much to ask is it?
While I'll happily admit I'm disappointed at the lack of keyboard support of any kind at launch, the only expectations anyone should have had for the device should be based on what was announced for it.
Every feature Apple has outlined on their product information pages is present and does work as intended. There may be some people experiencing some issues with certain things, but show me a product launch where that's not the case.
To be upset over something that was never supposed to be there in the first place is unrealistic. And you can't base expectations based on a previous product in the range. When Playststion 4 launched it didn't support DLNA networking, even though the PlayStation 3 did. Nor does it support standard Bluetooth headsets, the PlayStation 3 did. When the redesigned iMac was released in 2012, it didn't have an optical disc drive, even though the previous models did.
It's not that I particularly want to defend Apple, nor do I wish not to defend them. But getting up in arms over something you wanted, that was never supposed to be there, well, that's not Apples fault is it.
The BT keyboard support isn't specifically my gripe, but the end result is, I.e. Being able to use an external device to enter long & complicated credentials. Perhaps the retail store employees haven't been trained yet but I specifically asked this question before I bought mine, I.e. Can I use my iPhone to enter my credentials for NowTV (as this has gotten on my nerves with the roku), and got told the remote app would be fine for this.
Never trust a salesman
as you say they're usually amounts the most badly informed people. I've met one, in my short but colourful life, who's opinion I'd value. But don't get me started I suppose it's possible they were, lets say confused, by the whole using your iPhone as a set-up device.I have no doubt that there will be support for keyboard entry in one way or another somewhere down the line, hopefully soon, it is a pain entering details in it's current form and one I grumbled about to myself when I was entering all of my credentials. That it's not there for launch is disappointing, but we just don't know what possible development delays or unforeseen circumstances led to it's absence.
I'll grant you, in your case I'd definitely be annoyed if I had specifically been told it could do something it clearly can't. That's an actual, proper, grievance. But I'd bet in many cases of people complaining, here and elsewhere, about the lack of it have nothing to genuinely base it on other than wishful thinking.
Apple has a history of dropping useful features on current products that were there on the previous generation. I remember discovering that my 2011 "11 MacBookAir didn't have the back lit keyboard where the previous and subsequent ones did. I am still living with that. Now the new Apple TV drops iPhone remote support where the previous one had it. If Apple were a car company they would drop power windows on the new model and then bring it back on the next version. Oh wait...
I know but it is still infuriating and inhibits full enjoyment of the product until they do bring it back (which I think they will). Of course this is a bigger problem when they do it with hardware because then you are stuck.
I have learned not to buy any Apple product without a thorough review of the specs and performance. Woe be unto the uninformed Apple consumer; Apple does not have your back and will take advantage of you.
Gruber has been out of the loop lately and is probably kissing up to Apple trying to get back in.
I don't like him at all.
Gruber did post a link today to a story complaining about the lack of the remote app.
I've seen at least one report that it won't be coming back. But we do need to get a definitive answer about if there will be any other method for data entry (like for complex passwords).
Huh? He got a live interview with Phil Schiller at WWDC. Apple never really used Gruber for PR stuff.
No it's not. It's an evolution of a product that has been in development for over 9 years minimum. All they've done is add a new control interface and the ability to support custom third party apps. Yet, they managed to backtrack and drop support for basic, intuitive controls that have been a part of the device for almost 8 years, instead of improving what was already proven and worked. Heck, they could have left these things alone and introduced improvements later, but instead they took a giant step backward, making this initial launch cumbersome and disappointing for those looking forward to it the most.
I'm with those who say these should be returned by anyone who has even one complaint with the box. That will send a message to Apple loud and clear. Fix everything quick, or else. Re-tweeting complaints in hopes Apple sees them, is for the birds. (pun intended ;-)
Just had some time to listen to the recent episode of The Talk Show. Gruber even praised the onscreen key selection screen having a single line of alphabets. What can I say. I just couldn't continue listening after half of the episode and deleted the podcast.
I haven't listened to the podcast.. but with the swiping on the touchpad I actually find the single line to be easier to use.. plus, with the click+hold to access the CAPS, you don't really need to jump down to change to the different keyboards.
Ideally it would have included bluetooth keyboard support but I can't imagine a lot of people have one hooked up to their TVs (with any set-top boxes).
The Remote App really should have been updated and ready to use with the new ATV.
IMHO, this device is still a little rough around the edges. Good start, but still needs a lot of improvement. The devil is in the details.
I enjoy Gruber's show for sure, but you do have to know how to listen to it w/ regard to Apple product releases.
From my ears, it sounded like there were definitive shots at it here and there. The one that stood out the most to me, and that I *really* agree with and is:
There should have been only one "new Apple TV" at either 32 or 64gb and Apple should have massaged the numbers to make it work on their end.
This release is just the latest of the "new Apple" being so extremely focused (perhaps too much so at times) on bean counting. A TV/general use product like the ATV really really is best being an easy sell and the ambiguity about which storage tier to choose and why to choose which is really unneeded friction in the purchase process.
I think it should have been "new Apple TV" at $129 (64gb) and if they wanted another tier it could have included a gaming package with a bundled controller, maybe more storage also, at $199
From my ears, it sounded like there were definitive shots at it here and there. The one that stood out the most to me, and that I *really* agree with and is:
There should have been only one "new Apple TV" at either 32 or 64gb and Apple should have massaged the numbers to make it work on their end.
This release is just the latest of the "new Apple" being so extremely focused (perhaps too much so at times) on bean counting. A TV/general use product like the ATV really really is best being an easy sell and the ambiguity about which storage tier to choose and why to choose which is really unneeded friction in the purchase process.
I think it should have been "new Apple TV" at $129 (64gb) and if they wanted another tier it could have included a gaming package with a bundled controller, maybe more storage also, at $199
Sorry, but when you pay $150 for a product that the world biggest tech company has had 3+ years to get right, you expect some basic things (like keyboard support or support for the remote app) to work.
Not according to iOS Devs it's not.
That also explains why so many things were so quickly and painlessly ported from their iPhone/iPad versions.
And why I would have expected an easy way to migrate setups from ATV3. They had no one in a focus testing group who said this sucks about setting up 5 or 10 or more apps again?
Well it does stink that there is no BT keyboard support or app support. I can't believe that this support was dropped in favor of the Siri remote and its archaic way of signing into apps. Seems a HUGE step backwards. But I have to believe that apple will fix this in an update. Just does not make any sense to have this basic functionality removed in favor of what we currently have. With all that said however I am still enjoying my ATV4 64. Looking forward to seeing what type of TV service Apple will bring to the table. Now that Plex (and soon to be released) Amazon app are on ATV, all that is missing for me is Sling TV to fully replace my Roku 3.
Google TV supports keyboard (all keys), plus mouse. but its platform lacks of app and not as polished as apple TV. controls are not consistent across apps.