While iOS 16 hogs the headlines, and deservingly so, Apple has also sneaked out some updates for its Apple TV streamer and its HomePods and HomePods mini smart speakers.
The HomePods update is rather mysterious – all Apple says is that it includes performance and stability improvements – but the Apple TV gets some great, specified new features.
The most fun new feature is the improved Bluetooth and USB game controller support, which adds lots of new models including Nintendo's Switch Joy-Cons and the Switch Pro Controller too. If you haven't already tried using controllers on Apple TV it completely changes the Apple Arcade experience, especially on faster-paced games such as platformers. There's also a new Buddy Controller feature that enables two friends to play as one.
The update also adds HDR10+ support to the Apple TV app and some new features for navigation and fitness.
tvOS 16: more new features
The tvOS 16 update also adds improved accessibility features, support for personalised Spatial Audio via your iPhone, My Sports for following your favourite teams across your Apple apps and improved integration with Apple Fitness+, Apple's subscription-based fitness service.
The changes here aren't as significant as the ones to iOS, but they're still worthwhile. As ever, if you've got automatic updates enabled your Apple TV and your HomePods or HomePods mini should install the update without any help from you, but if not you can update manually from the Settings app on your Apple TV and the Home app on your iPhone or Mac.
-
Lockin’s new smart lock doubles as a video doorbell and reads your palmsLockin launches the 4-in-1 Smart Lock and its recognition is seriously impressive
-
Homey debuts new Dashboards feature but not all Homey users can try itHomey’s new Dashboards make it easier to control your smart home devices
-
Amazon Alexa’s most asked questions revealed – AI and celebrity heights had a starring roleAlexa! What were your most asked questions of 2024?
-
Google Home’s ‘Help Me’ script is finally available and it’s made automations easierPublic Preview users can now use Gemini to make custom automations in Google Home
-
SwannBuddy4K Video Doorbell review: a well-built video doorbell that ticks many boxesThis smart doorbell from Swann promises top-tier security with innovative features, but does it live up to the performance of well-established rivals like Ring?
-
Govee launches Tetris-inspired panel smart lights – the perfect Christmas gift for gamersGovee’s Mini Panel Lights is what you need for your gaming set-up
-
Swann’s latest security camera has the strongest Wi-Fi signal we’ve seen – and no subscription feesThe Swann MaxRange4K is solar-powered with 20 times the range of other wireless cameras
-
AI-powered Google Nest upgrade simplifies finding familiar facesGoogle Nest cameras getting huge AI upgrade, thanks to Gemini
