While iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence were the highlights of WWDC 24, Apple also announced updates for tvOS, HomePod, and AirPods.
tvOS 18 Features
InSight
The standout feature of tvOS 18 is InSight, Apple’s contextual info cards. InSight provides real-time information about actors and music in Apple TV+ shows and movies. This feature integrates with Apple Music, allowing users to add songs to their playlists and functions seamlessly with the iPhone as a remote control.
Enhanced Dialogue
Enhanced Dialogue uses machine learning and computational audio to improve vocal clarity, making dialogues easier to hear. This feature works with supported content on HomePod speakers, AirPods, and third-party Bluetooth speakers and soundbars.
21:9 Support
tvOS 18 introduces support for 21:9 aspect ratio movies and shows on projectors, enhancing the viewing experience. Additionally, new screen-saver options and a redesigned Apple Fitness+ app are included.
tvOS 18 will be available for Apple TV HD and three generations of Apple TV 4K boxes later this fall.
HomePod Updates
Apple is also updating the HomePod and HomePod mini with firmware that introduces SharePlay, allowing users to share control over the speakers even without an active Apple Music subscription.
AirPods Updates
Siri Interactions
The latest firmware update for AirPods introduces Siri Interactions, enabling users to interact with Siri through head gestures. A nod for yes and a shake for no will let users answer or decline calls, notifications, and alerts. This feature is available on AirPods with the H2 chip, currently exclusive to AirPods Pro 2.
Voice Isolation
Voice Isolation, another feature exclusive to the second-generation AirPods Pro, uses machine learning to enhance voice quality by isolating the user’s voice and removing unwanted background noise.
Personalized Spatial Audio
Personalized Spatial Audio is now available for gaming on AirPods (3rd gen), AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. This update also brings improved voice quality for gaming sessions, supporting 16-bit, 48kHz audio.
The AirPods developer beta is available for Apple Developer Program members, with the final firmware update expected later this fall.
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