Roku's remote control app adds Apple Watch support

Roku's remote control app gets a new update that will let you navigate and control what you want to watch on the Apple TV app right from your Apple Watch. The feature works similarly with Apple's Remote app that controls the Apple TV. The options are the same as what you'd find on the mobile app, but it's "sized for your wrist." You can also launch channels right from the Watch's screen, with channels appear in the order of most recently launched. Voice search is also available. You can issue commands such as "Launch Netflix" or "Search for Comedies." And if you're the type who loses the remote of your Roku device, the app has a "Remote finder" that will make it play an audible chime. This update, as well as the remote finder feature, will work for select Roku devices and Roku TV models.

Source: 9to5Mac

Facebook is reportedly working on a device to take on the Apple TV

We reported earlier last month that Facebook has been in talks with streaming services for a streaming device it's creating. And we now have more details on said product. Variety adds on the report that this Portal device could run a modified version of Android's mobile operating system instead of the purpose-built Android TV OS. It'll also come with a camera for video calls, far-field microphones to detect audio, and built-in speakers. The device will stream content from the likes of Disney and Netflix. And it's going to take on the likes of the Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Facebook is reportedly even working on some Apple Animoji-like features, allowing you to put a virtual mask over your face right from your television. 

Facebook has been keeping this project secret, going to lengths of using a shell company to submit all the necessary regulatory filings to the FCC. We still ask whether people will be keen to use a Facebook device with a camera in their living room considering Facebook's rep in the privacy space. But for those interested in this product, it looks like it might be coming sooner than we think.

Apple launches beta program for Apple TV app in the US

Earlier this week, Apple launched the updated version of its Apple TV app (among other new features). Now, the said app is available officially through the company’s beta program through public beta versions iOS 12.3 and tvOS 12.3. This version brings the new Apple TV channels feature, which lets you subscribe directly to your favorite premium channels. The beta version supports Showtime, Starz, The Smithsonian Channel, and Tastemade. There is also a new For You section that recommends you things to watch based on your watch history. What’s missing at the moment is the new ad-free Apple TV+ streaming service, which houses the company’s original content. We’re expected to hear more about that in the fall.

Source: Engadget

This is what you need to know about Apple TV+ and Apple TV app

Apple has used the Apple TV name a lot—and it now means different things. And we’re here to clarify bits and pieces of it, specifically what the Apple TV+ and Apple TV app are now. Apple TV+ is a subscription service that focuses on Apple originals. Some of these were teased during the recent software-focused event by stars like Oprah, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, director Steven Spielberg, to name a few. This service will be available in the fall. It can be accessed through the Apple TV app. It isn’t known yet how or where in the app Apple TV+ will be visible but we should hear about that in the future. It’ll be ad-free (you are paying for it) and will be coming to over 100 countries

Another add-on paid subscription coming to the Apple TV app will let you stream shows from Apple partners (like HBO, Showtime, and Starz) right from the app. Apple TV used to just be a TV guide of sorts that redirects you to third-party apps to view said shows, but now you will be able to watch shows from its partners right from the Apple TV app. This app used to just be available to iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV set-top box. The app itself is free, but if you would eventually want access to watching content from Apple partners (via an Apple TV Channel subscription), then you’ll have to pay for that (when the service is available, that is). The app will be making its way to the Mac this fall as well as Samsung smart TVs in the spring. Other televisions from manufacturers like Vizio, Sony, LG, etc. will be added “in the future.” Same has been said for Roku and Amazon’s Fire TV.