Apple Updates Apple TV with Up Next and Bluetooth Keyboard, New 'AppleTV3,2' Model Revealed

Alongside today's release of iOS 6.1, Apple also issued an update for the Apple TV. The new 5.2 software update includes a number of enhancements including direct iTunes in the Cloud music streaming, Bluetooth keyboard support, Up Next support, and more.

- iTunes in the Cloud: Browse and play your purchased iTunes music directly from iCloud.
- Bluetooth keyboard: Use your Apple Wireless Keyboard to control your Apple TV. See this article for more information.
- AirPlay audio for videos: Send stereo audio from movies, TV shows, and other videos on Apple TV to AirPlay-enabled speakers and devices (including AirPort Express and other Apple TVs).
- Stability and performance: Includes performance and stability improvements with the iTunes Store, AirPlay, Netflix, iTunes Match, and wired Ethernet connections.

apple tv 5 2
Curiously, Apple has released three versions of the Apple TV update, covering not only the second-generation (AppleTV2,1) and third-generation (AppleTV3,1) boxes but also a new AppleTV3,2 box. It is unclear exactly what the difference is with the new box, but the numbering scheme suggests that it is a relatively minor change.

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Three versions of Apple TV 5.2 update (Source: e-lite.org)

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted earlier this month that Apple was preparing to launch an updated Apple TV this quarter, although it was anticipated to be a minor upgrade. Apple has not, however, made any public announcements regarding an updated Apple TV.

Update: Apple appears to be referring to the new Apple TV model with a code name of J33I, compared to the J33 code name used on the third-generation Apple TV. While we have no direct evidence, it is possible that the "I" simply refers to an international variation of the current box. Just last month, Apple launched iTunes movies in nearly four dozen new countries.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

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Top Rated Comments

Wild-Bill Avatar
163 months ago
Where the Heck is NAS Support ?!?!?!!

Meh....

I want to see NAS support so I don't have to have my main Mac on all the time, just to watch a movie. It's not an unusual request, Apple. :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Virtually every other network streaming player out there does this.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
green94 Avatar
163 months ago
Needs MORE Apps!
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacBoobsPro Avatar
163 months ago
Meh....

I want to see NAS support so I don't have to have my main Mac on all the time, just to watch a movie. It's not an unusual request, Apple. :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Virtually every other network streaming player out there does this.

It would be better if they just put a freakin hardrive back in. Stupid move taking out.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iMikeT Avatar
163 months ago
Yeah, it's weird that their iOS app doesn't allow Airplay. Maybe they want people to use the Apple TV's built in Netflix app.
Exactly. Why bother with the Netflix iOS app over AirPlay when the TV has a Netflix app built-in?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ThisIsNotMe Avatar
163 months ago
How about an actual feature that was promised last year like I don't know Airplay Direct???
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TimUSCA Avatar
163 months ago
Beware, Netflix does not work over AirPlay! Probably digital rights issues :(

Question... why would you need Netflix over AirPlay when it's built into the Apple TV itself?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)