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Apple Releases 5.1 Update for 2nd and 3rd Generation Apple TV

Monday September 24, 2012 10:51 am PDT by Jordan Golson
Apple has released Apple TV Software Update 5.1 for 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TV models. The release has build number 10A406e. The biggest changes include support for Shared Photo Streams, the ability to send audio content from the Apple TV to AirPlay-enabled speakers and devices (including AirPort Express and other Apple TVs), and the ability to switch between multiple iTunes accounts.

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Apple has updated the Apple TV Software Update webpage with full details:
Shared Photo Streams - Accept invitations for Shared Photo Streams, browse photos and comments, and receive notifications of new content.

AirPlay - Send audio content from Apple TV to AirPlay-enabled speakers and devices (including AirPort Express and other Apple TVs). Also includes the ability to require an onscreen code to use AirPlay with your Apple TV.

iTunes account switching - Save multiple iTunes accounts and switch quickly between them.

Trailers - Search movie trailers. In the United States, see show times for local theaters.

Screen savers - New Cascade, Shrinking Tiles, and Sliding Panels screen savers.

Main menu - Reorder icons on the second page by holding down the select button on the remote.

Subtitles - SDH support for the deaf and hard-of-hearing as well as improvements to viewing and selecting subtitles.

Network configuration - Support for setting up advanced network options using configuration profiles. See http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5437 for more information.

Stability and performance - Includes general performance and stability improvements.
The Apple TV can be updated directly on the unit by going to the Settings menu, then General, then selecting Update Software.

The last Apple TV update was released back in June.

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WestonHarvey1
86 months ago

Oh yeah. Apple's most useless product...


Sarcastic? It's how I watch practically all video now.
Rating: 69 Votes
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adversus
86 months ago

Oh yeah. Apple's most useless product...


Says you. I don't know about you but I use ATV a lot. More than my cable-box.
Rating: 24 Votes
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hppy29
86 months ago
I love my Apple TV. Just wish they would add features for outside the USA
Rating: 22 Votes
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Ingot
86 months ago

Sarcastic? It's how I watch practically all video now.


I as well. I cut the cable years ago and now use apple tv exclusively. Very useful in my house.
Rating: 22 Votes
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chrmjenkins
86 months ago
Come on apple, still needs HBOGO and a handful of other streaming services.
Rating: 14 Votes
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ugahairydawgs
86 months ago

Riots at the factory, release a software update.


Software engineers are supposed to break up a riot half way around the world?
Rating: 14 Votes
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jayducharme
86 months ago
Thumbs up for being allowed to switch iTunes accounts! Up to now our ATV had shut out my wife and daughter, who have their own accounts and music.
Rating: 12 Votes
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nick_elt
86 months ago
When is the App store coming? Then I might go out and buy one!
Rating: 10 Votes
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Akuratyde
86 months ago

I as well. I cut the cable years ago and now use apple tv exclusively. Very useful in my house.


Same here, my wife and I love it. We haven't had cable for two years now and we're never going back. I can purchase an entire season of 2 or 3 of my favorite shows and it's less money than 1 month of cable.
Rating: 10 Votes
Avatar
Westside guy
86 months ago
I wasn't sure how useful I'd find the Apple TV, but for $85 refurbished I decided to give it a shot.

I love the thing. It's got a great interface, gives me access to my ripped DVDs (I like it better than Plex, and I really like Plex), Netflix, MLB.tv... Also Airplay is a killer feature - we're actually playing around with using it for various things (such as presentations) at work.

The Apple TV may be "just a hobby" for Apple, but it's definitely a great product.
Rating: 8 Votes

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