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Apple today updated its iTunes Remote app, which is designed to allow users to control their iTunes libraries from anywhere in the home.
The new update adds support for Apple's Two-Factor Authentication system, adding an extra layer of security when signing in for Home Sharing purposes. Using Home Sharing will now require a verified device or a verified phone number that can receive a Two-Factor Authentication code, preventing an unauthorized user from accessing a home library with just a password.
For those unfamiliar with Two-Factor Authentication, it is an opt-in system that's designed to increase the security of Apple ID accounts. It asks users to provide a verified code when signing in to new devices, when using iCloud, and when using services like iMessage and FaceTime.
Apple's iTunes Remote app was last updated in September of 2016, adding iOS 10 compatibility and minor performance and stability improvements. The app lets users browse their iTunes libraries and send music to AirPlay speakers.
The iTunes Remote app can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
Top Rated Comments
and the fact that they are releasing other AppleTV app(s) instead of building that functionality into one "entertainment remote" is also a tremendous bummer.
- the ForceTouch pop up is laughably inadequate considering it's their own tech on their own hardware—with a specific use case that is so overwhelmingly appropriate (periodic, quick, user-initiated micro-interactions)
- the fact that it doesn't control AppleMusic is a tremendous lack of attention to their own products
- the Devices layout looks like they haven't updated the UI since 2006
- I got excited when ControlCenter was released in iOS thinking the Music panel would actually be the Remote, or at least be selectable/have the option of having a Remote panel in Control Center (but it's not).
- and (my biggest gripe) the fact that the User Interaction between the Remote App, the AppleTV remote, and the AppleTV are different (i.e.: pulling down for more info on the AppleTV, the lack of on-screen ability to skip forward or back, etc) just shows that there is no one at Apple who is using this stuff on a daily basis and running the project.
le-sigh. Apple used to continually delight and surprise us with their incredible attention to our smallest interactions with their software and hardware... but it seems like they lost that focus after teaching a generation of us what good design and interface is and how they should seamlessly work together.
At present, if you are in list of songs already on Apple Music on say your computer, you can Apple Remote to it and change to next and pervious songs but that is it. I really which you could search Apple Music, browse, and play songs from the remote app.
Sigh.
and for those who say just use the Music app on your phone, the main advantage with iTunes on Mac is the ability to airplay to multiple airplay speakers. This allows for whole home audio control. Now if only apple would make a more affordable airplay receiver. A refurbished airport express is $50 which isnt too bad but would love something with a smaller footprint and closer to the $20 price point