Manzana has finally released the latest update to its tvOS operating system that already reaches the version 15.1 and it comes with interesting improvements for different platforms and equipment of the manufacturer, especially for its Apple TV players and HomePod smart speakers.
To the basic functions included in the tvOS 15 version introduced just over a month ago, such as the arrival of Spatial Audio, AirPods auto-detection or HomePod mini pairing will now add several interesting functions, starting with SharePlay.
The idea behind this functionality is to be able share the content we are watching at a certain time with friends and family through FaceTime, thus offering the possibility of shared views that can be discussed in a group, for example series or movies.
SharePlay works with terminals iPhone, iPad, Mac and from now on also with Apple tv so that session controls are shared by the group and everyone can play, pause or skip to other content.
It is compatible with the streaming applications of Disney +, ESPN +, HBO Max, Hulu, MasterClass, Paramount +, Pluto TV, TikTok and Twitch among many others, which must integrate this function in their app.
The HomePod speakers They will also be improved with the arrival of tvOS 15.1, including two new features. For starters, Spatial Audio technology will now be compatible with Dolby Atmos soundtracks without having to use an Apple TV 4K player as an intermediary.
In addition, Apple has added the lossless music playback from Apple Music on HomePod and HomePod mini speakers. In order to activate the functions, you have to go to the Home application on a terminal with iOS 15.1 and from there to the Home Settings -> User profile -> Media -> Apple Music section
The update is now available on the company’s servers ready for download. We can access it from the Settings app, entering Software update. Of course, the new software may take a little longer than usual to download during the first hours due to the high demand from users.