tvOS 17: This is the new era of Apple TV

The Apple TV It is a true beast of multimedia centers, Although it has not a few shortcomings, especially focused on the little affection that the developers put into their possibilities. However, when we thought that Apple was no longer going to bet on this device, it has decided to surprise us during WWDC23.

This is tvOS, the new Apple TV firmware that brings FaceTime calls using the iPhone's camera and many more new features. Discover what are all the capabilities of tvOS 17 and what are all the features that the device from the Cupertino company has for you.

Revamped Control Center

Apple is rolling out its new Control Center imagery to all devices, it started on iPhone, moved to iPad, Mac and now it's also available on the AppleTV, where new buttons have been included, in addition to the already scarce ones that we had previously.

Apple TV Control Center now displays system status, including current time and profile, and other helpful details that vary based on user activity.

The new Control Center will show us in the upper right part of the screen a giant button to turn off Apple TV, WiFi settings, Focus Mode, AirPlay, a timer and even shortcuts to game controllers. In this way, the functions will be carried out slightly faster, without implying an unprecedented revolution either.

Video calls for everyone

One of those functions that we never understood why it didn't come to Apple TV before, and that justify the acquisition of devices from the Apple environment. In this sense, we will be able to make video calls and see them in real time on the screen. For this, we will use the camera of our iPhone or our iPad, a system that will be configured easily and quickly.

This API, which will not be exclusive to Apple but can be used by other developers, will allow users to see both our face and that of other users in real time. Thus, We are not only in FaceTime calls, but we can use the Apple Music karaoke function to see ourselves in real time on the screen, and even watch a movie with our friends and observe their reactions.

You won't lose control again

You may lose the Siri Remote, despite the fact that the renewed Apple TV remote has nothing to do with the previous one, excessively thin and flimsy, it is still noticeably smaller and lighter than the traditional TV remotes that can equip the smart televisions from Samsun or LG, for example.

That said, in the same way that features of the Search app have been integrated into AirPods or AirTags, however, now we will be able to find the Siri Remote in case we have lost it on the sofa or in the living room.

To do this, a proximity search system identical to that of the AirTag will appear, only with a blue hue. Of course, we must point out that this It will only be possible in case you are using a second generation or later Siri Remote.

More customization

In addition to the above, when we use iOS 17 Remote UI, Apple TV user profile will be changed automatically based on your user, to provide us with the programs and recommendations that fit your needs.

In the same way, a function has been added that will allow us to use the souvenirs shop created by iOS on your iPhone or iPad for the tvOS screensaver, a seamless and fast integration. In addition to that, New screensavers captured in Monument Valley and Sequoia National Park have been added.

On the other hand, Apple has integrated calls "Smart AirPlay Tips", a system that will improve the integration of tvOS with other Apple devices, in this way, in theory, AirPlay will take into account the usage habits of compatible devices, and will suggest them to us.

More functionalities

Now in the audio adjustments a system of reduction of loud noises is integrated that will allow to improve the dialogues of the films and that they do not overlap with the music or the special effects.
Adds compatibility with the Dolby Vision 8.1 system, the latest version of Dolby's custom HDR, one of the most widespread and complete on the market.
Support for developers to create third-party VPN apps to integrate with tvOS, which was previously not allowed.

Compatible devices

tvOS 17 will be available and It will be available for download at the end of the year., although it is already available in beta version, which you can install if you configure any developer profile. These are the compatible models: