tvOS 16: new features confirmed by Apple

Thanks to the integration of an A15 Bionic chip,the new Apple TV 4K is a real racing beastas its creators announce. But the processor is not its only asset, since the device also runs the latest version of its proprietary operating system, namely tvOS 16. And the developer has also presented software improvements for this version.

These will be available “in the fall” as Cupertino points out. We can therefore easily assume that you will need to have tvOS 16.1 installed to benefit from it, becausethis version is currently being tested in beta, with most of the fixes getting ready for final release. Some of the features in question are already available with tvOS 16.1 (RC), while others may have to wait.tvOS 16.2a little later.

Something new with the voice assistant

To begin with, it is Siri who should have some changes. Apple thus explains that it has completely revisited the interface of its home assistant, to make itplus compact. This way, users will be able to access search results more quickly, in the bottom right corner of their TV screen.

The new Siri on tvOS 16.1pic.twitter.com/IgglyKaetv
— domenico panacea (aka cino) (@domenicopanacea)October 19, 2022

With this, Siri will also be able to provide recommendations based on the profile of the interlocutor when your account is shared with other members of your family. This is possible with the functionality Family sharingwhich lets you choose up to six other people to take advantage of your paid plans. Understand that the responses will then no longer be based on the history and tastes of the account owner, but rather on those of the person speaking. Really practical and welcome.

In addition, it will soon be possible to call Siri from yourAirPodsdirectly, without needing to go through the Siri Remote microphone. Finally, Apple has chosen to support its voice assistant on tvOS 16 in new countries: Luxembourg, Denmark and Singapore.