Apple has rolled out an update for its Apple TV operating system with the release of tvOS 17, alongside the launch of iOS 17, the most significant feature in this update is that Apple now allows FaceTime usage on Apple TV for the first time.
Later this year, the device will also support other conference calls using the new tvOS apps Zoom and Webex from Cisco, according to the company.
The company announced its plans for the FaceTime feature at this year’s developer conference in June.
This feature leverages the continuous camera present in an iPad or iPhone, allowing the mobile device to function as a wireless webcam.
Developers can integrate with the Continuous Camera’s API through Apple TV 4K, enabling communication or entertainment apps to work on the big screen, for example, Apple uses the Continuous Camera with Apple Music Sing on Apple TV.
Regardless of the use of FaceTime with Apple TV, tvOS 17 brings several other additions to the TV program, including a redesigned Control Center, a remote finding feature for the TV, improved dialogue support, and more.
The new Control Center now displays system status on the home screen, including time and activity, expanding to other details based on the user’s activity.
The Control Center helps Apple TV owners perform tasks like accessing AirPods settings, home cameras, system controls, and user accounts, all from the remote control.
Users can also activate the Apple TV Remote app within the Control Center on iPhone to find the second-generation or newer Siri Remote that is lost, the on-screen circle grows as users get closer to the remote, making it easier to locate their lost device.
Apple TV now also supports the ability to use curated photos from your personal library or shared library as a screensaver, a fundamental feature offered by other media players such as Roku and Fire TV.
Apple mentioned that it has made enhancements for separating dialogue from background noise and bringing it to the center channel, this makes it easier to hear what’s being said when pairing Apple TV 4K with the second generation of HomePod, regardless of audio effects or music in the film or program.
While many of the tvOS upgrades target the Apple TV 4K device, both Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD receive extended capabilities for the virtual assistant Siri, this allows users to ask general questions and receive answers, instead of only asking questions about things visible on the TV.
