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tvOS 9.2 beta 6 w/ Dictation in text fields, iCloud Photo Library & much more hits Apple TV

Apple TV tvOS 9.2

Just over a week since the last tvOS 9.2 beta, Apple has released tvOS 9.2 beta 6 for developers with the fourth-gen Apple TV. Apple TV gains several new abilities with the upcoming release including iOS-style app folders, a redesigned app switcher user interface, voice dictation input for search and username/password entry, complete iCloud Photo Library support, and much more. We’ll check out the latest beta version of the upcoming release and highlight any changes below.

Other features include the ability to use Bluetooth keyboards with the Apple TV for text input and navigation, which was a feature introduced on older Apple TVs but absent from the new model when it shipped. Siri gains the ability to search the App Store for specific apps, and the Apple TV regains the conference room mode feature as well.

Check out our hands-on video with the initial tvOS 9.2 beta below:

Let us know in the comments, via email at tips at 9to5mac dot com, or on Twitter @9to5Mac if you spot any changes in the new beta, and we’ll update with changes we find as well.

Among other changes mentioned above, tvOS 9.2 also changes how the Siri Remote interacts with scrubbing through video, which solves a major user-experience issue.

The latest software update for Apple TV is expected to debut soon around Apple’s now official March 21st event.

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Comments

  1. stevelawrence - 8 years ago

    This beta has gone on for so long.

  2. Dan Uff - 8 years ago

    Yep, but that also shows they are taking their time and making sure everything actually WORKS.

    • stevelawrence - 8 years ago

      It really doesn’t. Every year with each new iOS x.0 release there is a beta period of ~3 months and it STILL launches with major obvious bugs that become apparent in less than 24 hours of using it every time.

  3. triankar - 8 years ago

    Patiently waiting for Synology apps to become available before taking the plunge with ATV4.
    Did the mistake to think ATV3 would be jailbroken at some point (so as to load XBMC) and ended up using it only for… Airplay. Not again…

    • whitehuskykolohe - 8 years ago

      Why don’t you just install the Plex server on your Synology box? That’s what I did and it’s way better than the Synology apps anyway. And you can get builds for every Synology box, even the “unsupported” ones like the 414j.

    • appleandraspberrypi - 8 years ago

      VideoStation from Synology is already available for the new AppleTv. Just go into your purchased history or search the store.

  4. I wish they would introduce family iCloud photo view on ˇ@TV and or multiple accounts photos. And I d love a way to avoid showing off hidden photos on the screen when iCloud Photo screensaver is on. I had event with relatives visiting when incriminating pictures of me with my wife (phew, luckily it was her) showed up on 56″ plasma TV in full color. Close up. My brother in law was pleasantly surprised to say the least.

  5. nelmat - 8 years ago

    Why is this taking so long, it’s getting frustrating now. Loving my new Apple TV, but desperate for folders – the interface is becoming unusable.

    • stevelawrence - 8 years ago

      Yup. Change comes at glacial speed with Apple. They need to be far more nimble.

Author

Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.