Apple has announced the arrival of software updates for its Home products that improve entertainment and offer greater convenience in daily use. This fall, the Apple TV app will introduce InSight, a feature that shows real-time, timely information about casts, characters and soundtracks from Apple TV+ movies and series. The user can select an actor or actress to see information about their career and filmography, or see the title of the song that accompanies a scene and add it to an Apple Music playlist on the fly. This information is also accessible on iPhone, when it is used as a remote control for Apple TV.
With tvOS 18, Enhance Speech gets even smarter, using machine learning and computational audio to make voices sound clearer over music, action scenes and background noise on Apple TV 4K . In addition to HomePod, the user can use this feature with the TV’s built-in or HDMI-connected speakers, with AirPods and other Bluetooth-connected devices, and even when watching compatible content on iPhone and iPad.
Subtitles help you never miss a word of your favorite content. For greater convenience, with tvOS 18 subtitles now appear automatically and at the right time, even when the series or film is in a language different from that of the device, when the user turns off the audio or when he goes back to review a scene. tvOS 18 also supports the 21:9 format for watching films and series with projectors, and introduces new screensavers, such as Portraits, TV, Film and even one dedicated to Snoopy.
Anyone will be able to share control of music playing on HomePod and HomePod mini using SharePlay and Apple Music. To join a SharePlay session, simply hold two iPhones together or scan the QR code in the Apple Music SharePlay window on another person’s iPhone. This way, even those who don’t have an Apple Music subscription will be able to add songs to the playlist and control their playback. tvOS 18 also includes new updates to FaceTime with Continuity Camera that make it more accessible. With the introduction of the Live Transcriptions feature (available in English in the US and Canada), it will be possible to read what is said during a FaceTime call, directly on the largest screen in your home.
Apple Fitness+ has been redesigned in tvOS 18 to help you make the most of your library, find motivation, and stay on top of your workout routine. Updates include a For You space, Explore and Library spaces, improved search features and rewards.
With iOS 18, the Home app introduces new features, such as guest access, which allows you to share control of locks, garage doors and alarm systems with other people, an option that allows you to program personalized access or for limited periods via smart locks, and the ability to view the activity history of those who come and go. And thanks to a function that allows you to instantly open a compatible lock without using your hands as soon as you are two meters from the door, entering your home becomes more convenient. The Home app is now compatible with robot vacuum cleaners, which can therefore be inserted into automations and scenes, and activated by voice using Siri.
For those participating in the Apple Developer Program, the developer beta of tvOS 18, iOS 18 and version 18 of the HomePod software is available now, with public betas available next month. The new features will be available this fall as a free update.
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