14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has updated the firmware on the second generation Apple TV, after rolling out the highly anticipated iOS 4.2 for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Although several reports indicate that the people at 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, California have rolled out version 4.1 of the Apple TV firmware, the download link made available by Apple indicates users are dealing with a version 4.2 of the Apple TV iOS.
Either way, it is known that the new iOS for Apple TV adds support for AirPlay, the feature which permits iOS devices to stream music, photos and videos to the set-top box.
“AirPlay is a new feature for streaming music, video and photos wirelessly from iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to Apple TV, transforming Apple TV into a great accessory for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch,” goes Apple’s description.
Using AirPlay, iOS users also will be able to employ an AirPort Express unit to stream wirelessly to any stereo or powered speakers, or directly to AirPlay-enabled speakers coming to market in the following months, Apple said in an announcement this week.
Also included in the iOS update for Apple TV is VoiceOver support. VoiceOver is a function originating from Mac OS X which reads menu and content descriptions out loud for the visually impaired. The function can also be found on several Apple iPods.
Unlike the iOS 4.2 software update for portable iDevices, the new software release for second-gen Apple TVs is not heavily marketed by Apple.
In fact, the update is not advertised at all on any of the pages of Apple.com. Yet device owners have been able to confirm that a new firmware release can be found by accessing Settings -> General -> Software Update using their Apple Remote.
For one reason or another, Apple makes the iOS 4.2 IPSW download link public. Originally published by the folks at TUAW, the link bears references to an actual iOS 4.2 release of the Apple TV firmware, while the resulting update / restore file itself also bears the 4.2 moniker.