Apple TV

Gen 2 and gen 3 Apple TV devices have received an update to version 5.1. It marks the first substantial update we have seen to the Apple TV in some time and it brings with it some long-awaited features. For many folks, the most exciting new feature will probably be the iTunes account switching feature that allows the Apple TV to save multiple Apple IDs and makes it easy for users to switch between accounts. There is also support for new screensavers, more advanced networking configurations, and an option for subscribing to shared Photo Streams. There are also a couple of surprising new features, particularly the ability to reorder the app icons on the second screen and the ability to use the Apple TV to send AirPlay content. The inability to customize the apps icons on-screen was a major issue when the new UI launched alongside the gen 3 Apple TVs, so it is nice to see Apple finally respond, but hopefully it is also a sign that Apple might be preparing to offer more Apple TV apps. As for expanding the AirPlay capabilities, the Apple TV's role as an AirPlay receiver makes perfect sense, but using the Apple TV as an AirPlay broadcaster seems like a rather limited use case.

Apple TVs of the second and third-gen variety are getting update 5.1 today, which brings two long-awaited features. Both shared photo streaming and iTunes account switching are now part of Apple's set-top box -- the combination of those two finally freeing parents from the potential nightmare of discovering their child's "not safe for parents" photo streams, of course. 

Engadget

As expected, Apple had some big announcements to make today. Of course, most of the attention over the last few months has been focused on the new iPad, but for many of us here at Missing Remote, the new Apple TV may prove the more interesting device.  The new model adds 1080p support and a revamped interface that brings it more in line with the other iOS devices with new app icons and a cover flow presentation. Unfortunately, it does not look like we are going to get access to any new apps at this point or access to the rest of the App Store. Apple has also added iCloud access to movies purchased from iTunes for the new Apple TV. The new version appears to have the same form factor and will be available on March 16th for $99, with pre-ordering beginning today.

Those loving folks at FireCore have decided to jump the gun on Valentine's Day and share a little early love by releasing version 1.3 of aTV Flash (black). The update includes the usual array of bug fixes and performance improvements. There are new features, including support for folder based organization and several new languages. The big new feature will be an option to backup your firmware. The next version of Seas0nPass will integrate with this functionality to allow users to backup and restore to the firmware of their choosing. If it all works together properly, it will make upgrading to new firmwares safer by preserving the ability to revert to a previous firmware if things go awry or features break.

Firecore have released an update for aTVFlash, the addin for the 2nd gen Apple TV is now at version 1.3. This version adds a new firmware backup option, new translations and playback enhancements.

The Digital Lifestyle

When FireCore recently updated their Seas0nPass tool to support untethered jailbreaking, we noted that there was some indication in the community that work to allow the Apple TV to run iPad and iPhone apps was progressing. Evidently that was understating the situation as there is now a full-fledged hack to allow iOS apps to run on the Apple TV. Steve Toughton-Smith and Nick "The Mudkip" have put together a system that allows the Apple TV to load an iPad emulator and a custom home screen. Adding support for the Apple TV remote takes some extra work on the part of the app developer and the hack's creators are warning not to try uploading modified apps to the App Store, so we are not going to see widespread support coming soon, but hopefully Steve and Nick will get their wish and we are getting a peek at what official Apple support for Apple TV apps might look like.

The wily hacker hopes that his hack might nudge Apple towards building a bonafide app store for the TV box. "Remember how the unofficial iPhone apps back in '07 forced Apple's hand in creating an App Store?" he tweeted. On iPhone, jailbreakers got access to downloadable games and apps like Lights Off months before Apple opened its own iOS App Store. "I'd like Apple TV to get the same treatment."

Ars Technica