Apple Releases tvOS 15.1 for Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K With SharePlay Support
Apple today released tvOS 15.1, the first major update to the tvOS operating system that launched in September 2021.
tvOS 15.1 can be downloaded over the air through the Settings app on the Apple TV by going to System > Software Update. Apple TV owners who have automatic software updates enabled will be upgraded to tvOS 15.1 automatically.
Apple's tvOS updates are typically minor in scale, focusing on under-the-hood bug fixes, performance updates, and small tweaks rather than major outward-facing changes, but today's update adds support for SharePlay.
With support for SharePlay, content from the Apple TV app can be watched over FaceTime with friends and family members. Content is synced across the devices of all participants so you can watch TV and movies right alongside others, discussing it as you go.
There are shared controls for playing content, pausing, rewinding, and fast forwarding, and there's a smart volume that automatically lowers the audio of a movie, TV show, or song when someone speaks.
Apple does not provide detailed release notes for its tvOS updates, but it does offer some tvOS details through its tvOS support document.
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Top Rated Comments
1. Making the app icons smaller so more can fit on top
2. Having a lists of apps you can update in the app store so they do not update automatically (Like on IOS)
3. Forcing apps (Big companies) to be specific on their app updates (I'm looking at you MLB)
4. Improving the app switcher when you have video. I still force close each app out of habit
5. This is a pipe dream, but the NHL allowing people to purchase their network so I can watch NHL Network Hockey games.
In layman's terms, while Apple TV 4K 2021 has an HDMI 2.1 port, one of the chips driving it are not. Specifically, audio is processed by new LC89091JA digital audio interface receiver and SiL9437CNUC audio return channel receiver/transmitter. They are probably responsible for the eARC feature.
But the video is still processed by the same MCDP2920A4 DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 2.0 converter from Apple TV 4K 2017. A12 is likely doing the extra duty to make 4:2:2 chroma sampling and HFR HDR.
It would fantastic if A12 can also minimally enable VRR and QMS, eliminating the frame rate switching lag (match frame rate) and for improving the gaming experience. But I am not sure whether that is possible.