As you may have heard, Apple pushed out something like six dozen software updates today. And, fortunately, the second generation Apple TV ($100) was shown some love. Version 4.4, seemingly sharing iOS 5.0 DNA, includes a small but notable number of software and content enhancements. Most promising, for those who own an iPad 2 or iPhone 4s, is “AirPlay Mirroring” — essentially anything playing on your compatible iPad or iPhone is beamed to your television via Apple TV. So while some content providers have selectively blocked HDMI output, it’s my understanding that they’ll have no say in the matter as far as wireless AirPlay Mirroring is concerned. (*Apps can opt-out.) Of course, it remains to be seen how well these devices can pass decent quality video. But it could become an extremely significant feature.
In addition to its previously existing (and competent) photo capabilities, Apple TV now syncs up with one’s iCloud Photo Stream. As this is also a brand new Apple service, it probably deserves a quick overview. New photos shot with iOS devices or imported onto your computer are automagically replicated onto your other linked devices. Unfortunately, Apple won’t host and push an infinite amount of data and they currently limit access to your last 30 days of snapshots with a 1000 pic limit. On Apple TV, those photos are available for viewing – to browse or enjoy as a screensaver or slideshow. And they do show up in the stream nearly instantaneously, with zero intervention required.
