Apple TV is among the many streaming media players that you can attach to your large screen TV. It is a firm favourite among iPhone and Mac users. While it is great for streaming movies, TV shows and listening to music, there is much more you can do with it. Here we are going to look at some of the many ways you can make your Apple TV even more useful.
We have chosen ten ways you can get the most out of your device:
- Use Siri on the TV
- Use your iPhone as the controller
- Access geo-restricted content with a VPN
- Let your Apple TV play party host
- Keep fit
- Use remote control shortcuts for Siri
- Pair an Xbox One or PS4 controller for game playing
- Use the screensaver for relaxation or meditation
- Control your Home Kit devices
- Use your TV for surveillance monitoring
Get the Most Out of Siri on the Apple TV
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You probably know that the Siri assistant works with the device, but you might not have realised to what extent it can be used.
To talk to Siri all you have to do is press and hold the “Microphone” button on the remote control. You can ask Siri to play your favourite show and even a specific episode.
Did you know you could also tell Siri to rewind or fast forward? Try it out. You can even get more information about actors in shows, movies, and more.
Control your Apple TV with your iPhone
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The remote control on Apple TV leaves a lot to be desired. However, did you know that you can use your iPhone to take control and it works great?
To use your iPhone just download the Apple Remote app or use the Control Center in iOS 11.
To do this head into Settings – Control Center – Customise controls – then add on the Apple TV Remote.
Install a VPN to Unblock Geo-Restricted Content
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You have access to numerous streaming apps on Apple TV. Some of the most popular are Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video.
Providing you have an account with the service, you can stream content on your TV using the device. However, different parts of the world offer different content. The USA, for example, is the only country that can access the full catalogue of Netflix.
If you install a VPN that works with Apple TV, you can mask your own IP address and take one on from a server in the United States. You can then bypass the geo-restrictions.
The same applies to unblocking any content; just choose a server located in the country whose content you want to watch. (You can learn more about it here).
Play Games at Parties
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Your Apple TV can become the life and soul of a party as guests can be entertained playing games on it.
Using your iPad and the device, you can install apps such as SketchParty TV, which is similar to the popular Pictionary drawing game.
Other games to entertain guests include Party Pong, Just Dance Now and Fibbage XL and many more.
Keep Fit
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Instead of sitting and watching TV, you can stop being a couch potato and keep fit.
There are plenty of apps available for keeping fit, with Runtastic Results being just one of them. This is an excellent way to get the most out of your Apple TV and get fit and healthy as you can follow the on-screen guide to ensure you are doing the exercises correctly.
Shortcuts for Siri Remote Control
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The Siri remote control that comes with Apple TV is basic, having only a touchpad and six buttons. However, these buttons offer shortcuts that are accessible if you touch and hold the button down or double-click it.
For instance, if you want to switch between apps quickly, you can double click on the Home/TV button. This takes you to the app switcher where you can choose an app or swipe up to close an app.
If you want to activate the screensaver quickly, just press the Menu button once when you are on the home screen.
If you want to switch between speaker and headphone fast just hold down the Play/Pause button and it will reveal all the outputs available so you can choose one.
Pair your Xbox One or PS4 Controller for Easy Game Playing
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You probably already know you can play games on the Apple TV, but did you know that you could use an Xbox One or PS4 controller to play games and enjoy a more engaging experience?
You can use any PS4 controller but only the newer Xbox One controllers with Bluetooth will work.
To add a controller activate Bluetooth on the controller, open Settings on the Apple TV – Remote and Devices – Bluetooth – then click on the controller in the list and pair.
Relax or Meditate with the Screensaver
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The Apple TV comes with a built-in screensaver but it does not play for very long before the system goes to sleep.
However, you can change the settings so that you can use the screensaver as an ambient background when you want to relax, do yoga or meditate.
Just go into the Settings – General – Sleep After and then choose to have the screensaver on for 30 minutes or 1 hour.
Use Apple TV as the Main Hub for your Home Kit Devices
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You can turn your Apple TV into a main smart home hub so you can control all of your Home Kit smart home devices from one single place.
Just head into Settings – Accounts – iCloud – Home Kit then connect your Home Kit to your Apple TV.
Turn your TV into a Surveillance System
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When you are not watching TV or playing games on it, you can turn it into a surveillance system by pairing it up with a compatible security camera.
Whether you want to keep an eye on your backyard, your children playing in another room or anything else you can.
To use your Apple TV as a surveillance system, just head to the App Store on the TV and find the app for your camera then install it.
