Tim Cook CEO of Apple | Apple
Apple has announced significant software updates across its Home products, aiming to enhance entertainment and convenience for users. The updates include tvOS 18, which introduces new features like InSight and improvements to Enhance Dialogue and subtitles. These updates are available as developer betas today and will be released as free software updates this fall.
Stan Ng, Apple’s vice president of Apple Watch, Audio, Health, and Home Product Marketing, stated, "We design our Home products to elevate users’ everyday lives, and our latest updates reinforce that goal by delivering even more convenience and connection."
InSight is a new feature in the Apple TV app that displays real-time information about actors, characters, and music from Apple TV+ content. Users can access background information on actors or add songs to an Apple Music playlist directly from their screen or iPhone when using it as an Apple TV remote.
Enhance Dialogue has been upgraded with machine learning and computational audio to improve vocal clarity over background noise. This feature is now compatible with built-in TV speakers, HDMI-connected speakers, AirPods, Bluetooth devices, iPhones, and iPads.
Subtitles have also been improved to appear automatically at appropriate moments such as when the language differs from the device setting or when the user mutes or skips back during playback.
Additional features in tvOS 18 include support for 21:9 aspect ratio on projectors and new screen savers featuring Portraits of TV shows and movies as well as animations of Snoopy with Woodstock.
SharePlay functionality in tvOS 18 allows multiple users to control music playing on HomePod devices through SharePlay sessions initiated via QR codes or proximity detection between iPhones. FaceTime capabilities are enhanced with Live Captions for English in the U.S. and Canada.
Apple Fitness+ receives a redesign focused on personalized content spaces like For You and Explore & Library spaces along with improved search functions.
The Home app gains guest access capabilities with iOS 18. This allows homeowners to grant guests control over locks and security systems or schedule time-based access using smart locks. Hands-free unlock functionality enables doors equipped with home keys to open automatically when users approach within six feet.
The app also introduces tools for monitoring home electricity use in partnership with Pacific Gas & Electric Company in California. Users can view their electricity usage directly within the Energy category of the Home app upon connecting their utility account.
Other enhancements include compatibility for robot vacuum cleaners within automations managed by the Home app using Siri commands. AirPlay adds Spatial Audio support for an immersive experience including Dolby Atmos when streaming audio from iPhones or iPads to compatible equipment.
The developer betas for tvOS 18, iOS 18, and HomePod software version 18 are accessible today via the Apple Developer Program website. Public betas will follow next month at beta.apple.com before general availability this fall.
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