Apple’s tvOS 18 gets InSight, automatic captions and other new features
Apple on Monday at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 announced several new features for tvOS 18, the next operating system for Apple TV devices. One of the biggest highlights is a new feature called InSight, which gives users insights into the content that’s currently playing. In addition to InSight, Apple announced improvements to existing Apple TV features, including smarter Enhanced Dialogue, automatic closed captioning and support for a new aspect ratio. Apple said new screensavers will also be available to users soon.
tvOS 18 updates
During its developer conference, Apple announced InSight – a feature that displays real-time information about the content currently playing, such as the characters, cast and music playing. To get more information, users can select a specific actor and open their background and filmography page, the iPhone maker revealed.
Additionally, tvOS 18 is also said to bring the ability to add the currently playing music to the user’s Apple Music library. The Cupertino-based tech giant also announced that the InSight information can now be accessed on the iPhone while it is being used as an Apple TV remote.
Stan Ng, vice president of Apple Watch, Audio, Health, and Home Product Marketing, said: “This fall, tvOS 18 and our services will take entertainment at home to the next level by giving fans up-to-date information about their favorite characters and scenes.”
With tvOS, the Enhanced Dialogue feature is said to get smarter, using machine learning (ML) and computational audio to deliver better vocal clarity. This feature can now be taken advantage of when playing supported content through the TV’s built-in speakers, Bluetooth-connected audio devices, and AirPods, Apple said.
Subtitles are also said to be getting improvements, with Apple claiming they will now automatically appear in places where the audio doesn’t match the device’s language. Alongside new screensavers like Movies, TV Shows, Portraits, and even Snoopy, Apple is also introducing support for a wider 21:9 aspect ratio for video playback on projectors.
Apple also announced updates to the Home interface, with users now able to share control of music playback on HomePod and HomePod mini using SharePlay and Apple Music. Additionally, Live Captions is coming to the US and Canada, allowing users to read what others are saying during FaceTime calls when using iPhone as a Continuity Camera on Apple TV.
The iPhone maker also claims to have introduced a new look for the Apple Fitness+ app to “help users get the most out of the extensive library, stay motivated and maintain consistency in their fitness routine.”
