Apple TV May Gain Deeper Integration With iOS and Macs via Continuity

Developers who have installed the newest iOS 8 beta, the latest version of OS X Yosemite, and the current Apple TV beta, all released yesterday, have noticed a new pop up notification suggesting the Apple TV will gain some of the Continuity features Apple introduced during its Worldwide Developers Conference.

appletvcontinuity
As noted by 9to5Mac, the notifications are being received on Macs running on the same local WiFi network as Apple TVs that also have the newest software, suggesting at the least, that with Yosemite, Macs will be able to interact with the Apple TV in new ways.

It is unclear how Yosemite and the Apple TV might interact as any Continuity features between the two are not yet functional, but it is possible that a feature like Handoff could be used in conjunction with AirPlay, allowing a movie, TV show, or music to be seamlessly transferred from one device to another.

It's also possible the Apple TV could display notifications when a phone call is incoming to an iPhone, much like the Mac and the iPad are able to do. Call notifications and on-screen caller ID are not far-fetched, as some telecommunications providers that offer TV, Internet, and phone access are able to display caller information on screen.

Continuity features like Handoff appear to require Bluetooth 4.0, a feature that is only available in the third-generation Apple TV. Yesterday's update was only available for third-generation Apple TVs, providing more evidence that the device is likely to gain some Continuity features.

OS X Yosemite, the new Apple TV software, and iOS 8 are all expected to be released to the public in the fall after an extended beta testing period. Apple is also said to be working on an upgraded Apple TV set top box with new capabilities, which could also take advantage of Continuity features.

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Top Rated Comments

Klae17 Avatar
143 months ago


Except on the big screen.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sandstorm Avatar
143 months ago
Can't wait! Also, for a completely redesigned Apple TV UI (and hopefully App Store)! :)
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Nozuka Avatar
143 months ago
Reminds me of Googles Chromecast functionality and being able to 'cast' things .. Apple will probably just make it easy for developers to mirror their apps on the tv.. Hopefully not requiring an Internet connection too.

you are kidding right?
we have been able to do that with the apple tv way before the chromecast even existed.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sputnikv Avatar
143 months ago
It's also possible the Apple TV could display notifications when a phone call is incoming to an iPhone, much like the Mac and the iPad are able to do.

that's probably what it'll do, and if it won't, it should
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
afsnyder Avatar
143 months ago
Could make for an embarrassing moment when taking a private call. People overhearing what you are saying on all your devices. :):eek:

Don't take the call on your Mac or Apple TV then...
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bkar89 Avatar
143 months ago
When i go to bluetooth on my mac, my apple tv's show up ?
Which is kind of odd.. i dont remember any bluetooth build in, in the apple tv.
Image (https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10443440_10203644042517551_7658657532911454984_n.jpg)

AppleTV do have built in bluetooth. The only use I've seen for it, as of now, is keyboards. Looks like that might change. I'm not sure if the AppleTV 3 uses bt 4.0LE though. But my guess would be that it does. Handoff might be limited to ATV3
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)