tvOS 15.4 Features
Of all the operating systems that Apple regularly releases software updates for, tvOS is the least exciting. Even the annual major update in September usually offers few spectacular innovations. It is therefore rare for tvOS to get new features in the months that follow, but in tvOS 15.4 that is the case for a change. Several new features in tvOS 15.4, both large and small, have been discovered in recent weeks. We've listed the improvements in tvOS 15.4 for you.
- Captive Wi-Fi networks
- Video Player TV App
- Spatial Audio Controls< /li>
- Tap to navigate
- HomeKit camera notifications
#1 Captive WiFi support networks
Captive Wi-Fi networks, also known as a captive portal network, are networks that require more than just the Wi-Fi password to connect. Such networks often show a web page after entering the password where you have to agree to conditions in order to use the network. Well-known examples are networks at universities and colleges, hotels and airports. tvOS 15.4 and iOS 15.4 also allow the Apple TV to connect to these types of networks. You will not necessarily need this in daily use, but it can be a godsend for giving a presentation at a university. Or if you're dying to take your Apple TV to a hotel.
#2 Improved video player in TV app with Next List
The TV app has had a new video player since tvOS 15, in which the layout of the buttons and menus has been adjusted. In tvOS 15.4, Apple also adds direct access to your Next Watch List. Below the timeline you will find the Next button, with which you can immediately scroll through your watch list. If this contains a series, you can go straight to the next episode, for example. By the way, the button for the audio settings also got a new icon here.
The video player in tvOS 15. More options are added in tvOS 15.4.
#3 New buttons for spatial audio control
Do you have AirPods that work with spatial audio with dynamic head tracking? Then you'll notice that its settings on the Apple TV have been given a makeover. You can now turn the main tracking on or off and turn on the spatial audio (if available). Below that you will also find the options for noise reduction and transparency mode, if you listen with a suitable device. Currently, these buttons are still below each other in the AirPods menu, but in tvOS 15.4 they are next to each other so that they make better use of the screen space.
Here's a fun one. Spatial audio controls have had a revamp. Far more intuitive and a better use of screen real estate. pic.twitter.com/Q1WoKU5tO0
— Sigmund Judge (@sigjudge) January 27, 2022
#4 Tap to navigate is back
With the Tap to Navigate feature, all you need to do is tap your finger on the touchpad to navigate tvOS. Previously, this feature was already available, but in the summer of last year, Apple removed it for unclear reasons. In tvOS 15.4 you will find the function again in Settings > Accessibility > Physical and motor. If you turn this on, you don't have to swipe or press any buttons, but just tap with your finger on the touch-sensitive part of the remote control.
#5 Notifications HomeKit -snooze camera in live view
Your HomeKit camera can send notifications to the Apple TV as soon as a person is recognized or movement is detected, for example. It is already possible to snooze from a notification, but from tvOS 15.4 it is also possible to do this from the live view. At the bottom right is a button with a moon, where you can choose to snooze notifications for 15 minutes, an hour or until tomorrow.
The public version of tvOS 15.4 is expected later this spring, possibly in March or April. Currently only the beta is available to public testers and developers. In addition to tvOS 15.4, more software updates are coming, including iOS 15.4 and macOS 12.3. You can read more about what's new there in our separate articles.
- Overview: These are the 15+ new features in iOS 15.4
- New: Find these improvements and new features you in macOS Monterey 12.3