Sixth Beta of tvOS 12 Now Available for Registered Developers [Update: Public Beta Available]

[MacRumors]

Apple today seeded the sixth beta of a new tvOS 12 operating system to developers for testing purposes, one week after releasing the fifth beta and two months after introducing the new software at the 2018 Worldwide Developers Conference.

Designed for the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV, the tvOS 12 developer beta can be downloaded onto the Apple TV using a profile that's installed through the Xcode software. Subsequent betas can be downloaded via the software update mechanism on the Apple TV.

tvOS 12 introduces support for Dolby Atmos sound, which was activated in the second beta. Apple says that when tvOS 12 launches this fall, iTunes will be home to the largest collection of Dolby Atmos-supported movies. Customers that have previously purchased movies that gain Dolby Atmos support will see free upgrades to their titles, much like the rollout of 4K support.

Building on single sign-on, a new zero sign-on feature will further simplify the cable authentication process. With zero sign-on, the Apple TV can detect a user's broadband network and automatically sign them into supported apps they receive through their accompanying cable subscription.

Zero sign-on will be available for Charter Communications customers this fall and will expand to additional cable providers in the future.

Aerial screensavers now include location information and there are new screensavers captured in collaboration with the International Space Station.

Other improvements tvOS-related improvements include AutoFill passwords from iPhone, an Apple TV Remote automatically added to Control Center on the iPhone or iPad, and Apple TV support on Home control systems like Control4, Crestron, and Savant.

tvOS 12 is available for developers and public beta testers to work out bugs and other issues ahead of a fall public launch.

Update: Apple has made a new version of tvOS 12 available for its public beta testing group.

Article Link: Sixth Beta of tvOS 12 Now Available for Registered Developers [Update: Public Beta Available]

 

[Joseph C]

Maybe this beta will finally introduce the fabled space screensavers?

 

[Danilo - Italy]

Maybe this beta will finally introduce the fabled space screensavers?

I like to know it me too

 

[jmh600cbr]

last beta was brutal I had to unplug and replug in every time I turn my tv on

 

[Jayderek]

Maybe this beta will finally introduce the fabled space screensavers?

haven't seen the space screensaver yet and I've had it going all night. At this point they probably won't release this until the final.

 

[uneeko1ne]

Just recently bought an Apple tv, stupid question, if i have a 1080 Movie on my computer and Screen Mirror it will it boardcast in 1080? or is there a app i can use to stream movies from my Mac to my Apple Tv that'll play Hi-Def sorry for the stupid question

 

[barbu]

Just recently bought an Apple tv, stupid question, if i have a 1080 Movie on my computer and Screen Mirror it will it boardcast in 1080? or is there a app i can use to stream movies from my Mac to my Apple Tv that'll play Hi-Def sorry for the stupid question

I use Plex for this. You run the Plex service on your Mac, point it at your media folder(s), then use the Plex app on your ATV to view. You’ll get 1080 and Dolby surround if your files have that data. It’s free and pretty great.

 

[littlepooch21]

does anyone know if this actually activates Atmos on iTunes movies?

 

[klojewski]

Atmos content is still not playing properly for me in the public beta. I'm testing with Ready Player One on Vudu. Don't know of any other movie content available yet, except in Vudu. In my first try this morning, the center channel would not play. In the last public version, center channel would pop in and out. Seems like no change, or it's worse. Not suitable for playback yet.

 

[uneeko1ne]

I use Plex for this. You run the Plex service on your Mac, point it at your media folder(s), then use the Plex app on your ATV to view. You’ll get 1080 and Dolby surround if your files have that data. It’s free and pretty great.

Thank you for the reply

 

[Joseph C]

I’m really not sure what the point of this tvOS beta is if all the features of the update aren’t included.

 

[barbu]

I’m really not sure what the point of this tvOS beta is if all the features of the update aren’t included.

It should go without saying, but the point of the developer beta is for programmers to test their apps, implement new APIs, etc. The public beta is for Apple’s benefit; they get data on how the OS and apps perform on people’s ATVs.
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Thank you for the reply

Let me know if you need any help getting that set up.

 

[klojewski]

Atmos content is showing up for some iTunes movie titles now, yay. Ready Player One does play in Atmos through my Denon AVR (which is configured to play back Atmos). It's not dropping audio. Good sign for things to come.

Beware, I rented Equalizer, which (I swear) showed up for a few hours with the Atmos logo on the splash page. To my dismay it didn't play Atmos, and no longer advertises as such.

 

[steeevo]

I thought this was being released to the public today??????