Apple today has released an update for the iTunes Remote app on iOS. The update brings the app to version 4.4.3 and follows an update earlier this month that added optimization for the new iPad Pros.
As we first discovered in the iOS software code a year ago, Apple is finally ready to implement Bluetooth in its Apple TV products. The latest Apple TV beta not only has a new Bluetooth menu but you can pair wireless keyboards to both the second- and third-gen Apple TV.
Once connected, you can use a wireless keyboard to completely control the Apple TV without using the included remote. The arrow keys function for navigation, the Return key is the play/pause, and the Escape key maps to ‘menu’ or up ‘one level’ functionality.
More importantly, searching for content becomes a thousand times easier when you can enter search terms with a hard keyboard.
Until now, you’ve been able to pair an iOS device to an Apple TV with the Remote app to handle keyboard entry, but it appears Apple is ready to expand that.
