The Apple TV from a software point of view
looks a lot like what we have on iOS. The system foundations are the
same and applications share many points in common, to the point of
be able when the developer makes the choice, to beused
either on iPhone, iPad or TV.
But when it comes to app discovery and the App Store, the
users and developers are worse off because theApple TV does not
does not benefit from its own dedicated App Storeanywhere other than on TV.
Fortunately, little by little, things are improving. It is now possible to
download spotted apps to computer, iPhone or iPad directly
on Apple TV. Explanations:
If iPhone and iPad apps can be viewed on the iPhone,
the iPad or a computer, it's thanks to the App Store. For each application, a
unique link is available, it allows access to the descriptive sheet and
at the download link. But until now there is no App Store for
Apple TV apps, beyond the TV screen. This makes the discovery and
installing apps quite laborious.
The case of universal binary apps
A few months after the launch of the Apple TV, Apple added it to the App Store
a
information that indicates when an app can be used on Apple TV
(apps called "universal binary"). The link allowing you to consult the app and
downloading it is therefore easy to find: the app can easily be
purchased, then downloaded from iOS or a browser, knowing that it is
then found on the Apple TV in the list of “owned” apps and not
still installed.
For these applications, no real difficulties.
The case of apps only available on Apple TV
But for "pure" Apple TV apps, those which do not exist on
iPhone or iPad, no App Store allowing searches other than your TV,
where it is least practical... A few months ago, Apple nevertheless added
web pages that allowed you to consult the content of an application, without
be able to buy it or start a download.
Since yesterday, new progress. In fact, thepages d’applications
Apple TV, searchableon computer via a browser, but
also on iPhone and iPad, allow you to launch an action
purchase or download.
At the same time, thegenerator
links are made availablewebsite developers and/or editors
now allowscreates Apple TV app links.
Suddenly, the interest is obvious: when the site of a developer or a
media refers to an Apple TV app, it is now easy to
the user interested in obtaining the application, by validating the
download directly to your machine (iPhone, iPad, computer).
So, no need to go to the Apple TV, search for the app in the
meanders the blind and finally enter your password with the remote control (or
the iPhone using the dedicated app).
Better: if the Apple TV is set to download automatically
purchases, the app will be installed without any user action. For
this, activate the option inApple TV settings, Apps section
> Install auto. apps.
Here is a
example of a link to an Apple TV app only
And the rendering on the iPhone:
A real simplification that will make life easier for users and
improve discovery and installation of apps on Apple TV. He doesn't
now only one last brick is missing:an Apple App Store
TV that can be viewed beyond just TV, from iPhone, iPad and
computer. The bricks are now in place, it should
arrive !
Also read:
In practice: how to use your iPhone (and iPad) to control the Apple
TV 4
i-nfo.fr - Official iPhon.fr app
By : Keleops AG
founder of the site. Computer engineer and Internet specialist where he has held various positions of responsibility, Laurent has been passionate about mobility since the arrival of "PDAs" in the 90s. Journalist for 4 years for the magazine Team Palmtops (Posse Presse) and author of several books on the iPad published by Pearson.
