New Apple TV Software Beta Seeded

Alongside the new iOS 5.1 and Xcode betas posted December 12 on the iOS Dev Center there’s also an ‘Apple TV Software beta’ available for download.

As the screenshot above shows, Apple refrains itself from listing the actual build number, but the company does say “This is a pre-release version of Apple TV (2nd generation) Software to be used for testing AirPlay with your iOS 5.1 apps.”

The beta may, in fact, not be new at all. However, the bits were posted on December 12, alongside iOS 5.1 Beta 2 and the new Xcode developer preview, therefore this Apple TV Software beta should also be new. It also comes with an installation guide.

Apple has been providing Apple TV beta IPSWs for AirPlay testing since the release of iOS 5 earlier this year. According to reports from China, the company is planning to enhance AirPlay with Bluetooth 4.0 support.