Apple TV Software Updated to Version 5.2.1 with Bug Fixes, Hulu Redesign

Alongside today's update to iOS 6.1.3, Apple also updated the Apple TV to version 5.2.1. The 5.2.1 software contains a number of bug fixes and has also brought a redesigned Hulu app to the device.

The security fixes, which can all be credited to the evad3rs, prevent users from executing unsigned code, determining the address of structures in the kernel, and executing arbitrary code in the kernel.

As for Hulu, the app has been entirely redesigned with improved discovery tools and some simple UI enhancements.

hulu

Right away, you'll notice we've added content categories across the top navigation bar to make it easy to for you to jump to your chosen section – whether it is TV, Kids, Latino, Search, or something else. Inside each category, you'll discover what's new in our content library so it's easy to discover new shows and keep up with the shows you already love. You can also jump into your favorite shows right away with the “Shows You Watch” tray. We built this to make sure you never miss a new episode or lose your place in a series.

Users are now able to hold down the "Select" button to access the Subtitles and Audio menu for captioning, and pressing play on a TV show will play the latest episode. This new functionality is reliant on the Apple TV 5.1.2 update.

The latest Apple TV update is currently available for eligible devices and can be downloaded immediately on Apple TV.

Update 1:11 PM: Apple has updated its Apple TV software updates support page with mention of several other changes included in the 5.2.1 software.

- iTunes in the Cloud: Adds support for Music in the Cloud in Japan and Israel.
- Stability and performance: Includes improvements for software update, subtitles, and general performance.

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Top Rated Comments

0029937 Avatar
165 months ago
This is the one piece of Apple hardware that I wish I didn't spend $ on... it's actually been quite useless. The worst $99 I ever spent.
I feel the exact opposite. The more I use it the more things I find I like about it. It obviously has huge potential and still has a lot of work. But it's only $100. Just seamlessly airplaying mine and my girlfriends music to our nice tower speakers has made it worth it.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nutmac Avatar
165 months ago
Apple TV OS badly needs "Spotlight" like search across contents from all the channels as well as purchased contents.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tarasis Avatar
165 months ago
This is the one piece of Apple hardware that I wish I didn't spend $ on... it's actually been quite useless. The worst $99 I ever spent.

Completely opposite here, Iove being able to punt stuff across via AirPlay & renting directly from the store.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DotCom2 Avatar
165 months ago
Amazon Prime PLZ!
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bbeagle Avatar
165 months ago
I find it hard to believe anyone would not love this device.
I think that the people who love the Apple TV are the cord-cutters who pay $0 a month on TV, and the people who think it's a waste of $99 are the people paying $150 a month for television.

Of course, if your cable/satellite tv gives you everything you need, you don't need this extra device. But it's not meant for those people.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jlanuez Avatar
165 months ago
Best home theatre component

We use our AppleTV daily (had the first versions with hard drives, now the new ones). We use it for NetFlix, to rent movies from Apple, and listen to all of our music (from iCloud) in our home theatre.

We have ZERO cable bill as we no longer subscribe to any CableTV (it's bene four years now, $2,400 saved to-date and all those headaches avoided from the Main-Stream-News outlets and all the wasted time on commercials = priceless!

I find it hard to believe anyone would not love this device. My guess is that Apple has not made it "all it could be" as they are working on an AppleTV and did'nt want this cheap "hobby" device to eclipse a bigger profit device coming soon. Maybe this AppleTV set-top device was a way to really test the market for a future AppleTelevision.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)