14 DAY TRIAL // Apple released today tvOS 11 software update for 4th generation Apple TV devices, a major release that introduces numerous under-the-hood improvements, tvOS SDK enhancements, and other useful new features.
First off, tvOS 11 ships with an optimized and up-to-date tvOS SDK (Software Development Kit) that allows developers to deliver incredible games and apps for the big screen. The new on-demand resources capabilities of tvOS 11 will allow apps to keep its resources on the App Store for faster initial download and a quicker launch, while occupying less storge on the Apple TV.
The bundle size was increased from 200MB to 4GB. tvOS 11 also supports RTL (Right-to-Left) languages for the interface, image overlays, background app updates that allow apps to download new content from the App Store, refresh existing data, or set up in-app alerts, and brings a bunch of user interface style improvements.
New AVKit capabilities
tvOS 11 also ships with new AVKit capabilities that allow Apple TV users to take their media playback experience beyond what was possible until now on tvOS. Always-on accelerate scrolling, alpha channel support, custom info view, new live stream metadata, the ability to adapt to your content are also present in tvOS 11.
"Get your apps ready with new APIs and frameworks available in tvOS 11 SDK. Use background fetch and notifications so your app is always fresh and ready for the next launch. Take advantage of AVKit enhancements for improved video playback experiences. And have more control over your layered images," said Apple.
App developers will be thrilled to learn that tvOS 11 leverages many of the frameworks and technologies that are similar to iOS, including Game Center, Metal, CloudKit, UIKit, and On Demand Resources, which allow them to create amazing rich apps and games on Apple TV. tvOS 11 is available worldwide today, and you can also download the firmware.
