Apple Highlights New Apple TV 6.0 'Touch Setup' Feature in Support Document

Wednesday September 25, 2013 4:21 pm PDT by Juli Clover
Apple today released a support document detailing a newly implemented Apple TV setup feature that was introduced last week with its Apple TV 6.0 software update.

Users that have a third-generation Apple TV running the 6.0 software can use an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 7 to automatically transfer network settings, Apple ID information, and language preferences to the Apple TV, allowing for faster setup. The information exchange is done via Bluetooth by touching the iOS device to the Apple TV, taking advantage of the Bluetooth LE built into all Apple devices after the iPhone 4.

autosetup
Apple's support article includes a detailed list of instructions on the process:
1. Connect your Apple TV to your television and power and wait until your Apple TV displays the setup screen.

2. Unlock your iOS 7 device and ensure that Bluetooth is enabled. Also ensure that you are connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to use with Apple TV.

3. Touch your iOS device to your Apple TV and wait for the prompts to appear on your iOS device and Apple TV.

4. Enter your Apple ID and password on your iOS device.

5. Choose if you want Apple TV to remember your Apple ID password, and if you want Apple TV to send data to Apple.

6. Your Apple TV will start the configuration process, including connecting to your Wi-Fi network, activating Apple TV, and setting up your iTunes Store account.
Prior to the implementation of the tap setup feature, entering Apple TV information was a tedious process that required connecting a Bluetooth keyboard or using the Apple TV remote to pick and choose letters.

As noted by Apple, the transfer requires an iPhone 4s or later, a third-generation iPad or later, an iPad mini, or a fifth-generation iPod touch. The feature does not work with the iPhone 4 or the iPad 2.

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DaGreat01
83 months ago
Such a good feature. Typing in information with direction arrows and a select button sucks.
Rating: 17 Votes
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MacGeek1987
83 months ago
Not sure why tapping the devices is necessary, but I'd gladly do so instead of using that ridiculous "remote" to select one character at a time.
Rating: 10 Votes
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jclo
83 months ago

Given that it's Bluetooth, why do the devices need to touch at all?

This isn't far off from the 'bumping' they mocked (though I realise there's a huge difference between this and AirDrop).


They don't need to touch. But touching ensures that the iOS device is close enough to the Apple TV, which is why I assume Apple specifies a touch in the documentation.
Rating: 10 Votes
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Carlanga
83 months ago
lol, tedious...
takes about 4 minutes w the remote.
Either way is a welcome addition'
Rating: 5 Votes
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Anonymous Freak
83 months ago
Now I want to wipe my :apple:TV 3 just to see this in action!

Edit: Okay, that was pretty slick.

Reset my :apple:TV, and it gave this prompt. Got my iPhone 4S about an inch from the :apple:TV, and a dialog appeared on the iPhone asking for my iTunes password. A couple "yes or no" type questions on the iPhone, and the :apple:TV was ready to go.
Rating: 4 Votes
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DarkWinter
83 months ago
Given that it's Bluetooth, why do the devices need to touch at all?

This isn't far off from the 'bumping' they mocked (though I realise there's a huge difference between this and AirDrop).

Edit: It may be that they're doing something clever with the iOS device's accelerometer readings to initiate the process whilst ensuring that they're within Bluetooth range...?
Rating: 4 Votes
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burnout8488
83 months ago

taking advantage of the Bluetooth LE built into all Apple devices after the iPhone 4S.

As noted by Apple, the transfer requires an iPhone 4s or later,


First line, shouldn't say "after" !
Rating: 3 Votes
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Michael CM1
83 months ago

I would hope Apple will make this work for the second gen Apple TV too then again it's all about the money.


Apple TV 2 doesn't have BTLE, so it's literally impossible.
Rating: 2 Votes
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winglet69
83 months ago

I would hope Apple will make this work for the second gen Apple TV too then again it's all about the money.


Oh come on. If you buy a new ATV just to save two minutes entering some config data you deserve to be parted from your money. But any reason to hate on those greedy guys at Apple hey? You know, Apple would be such a better company if they were LOSING money instead of profitable...:cool:

Other than someone who configures multiple Apple TV's for a living - I have to think this is a rather niche job description?! - how often does one re-enter the settings in the thing?

The new feature has a decent geek-factor I'll admit and could have some actual more widespread practical use in the future elsewhere, as noted. But as a news item?

Meh.
Rating: 2 Votes
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iChrist
83 months ago

Such a good feature. Typing in information with direction arrows and a select button sucks.



Yes. Which makes me wonder why Apple couldn't get it working earlier. Seems lazy.
Rating: 2 Votes

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