At WWDC 2021 last week, iOS 15 and macOS Monterey were definitely the stars of the show, while platforms like tvOS did not get much attention on and off stage. tvOS 15 does not bring much to the table but it does bring along two important new features for Apple TV users: Spatial Audio when using AirPods and full support for the HomePod mini.
The new update to tvOS does not bring a new interface, new apps or even any new Aerial screensavers but Spatial Audio support is one feature people should look forward to. Spatial Audio is a feature that was introduced in iOS 14 to create the feeling go immersive sound in videos with Dolby technology. It uses the AirPods’ sensors to detect your head movements and then direct the sound to the left or right which creates a sense of 360-degree audio.
With tvOS 15, Apple had to change the way Spatial Audio works on the Apple TV since users will be looking at the TV and not at the device. The system now detects the position of the users head when the AirPods are connected and locks it in till the user stands up and walk. Recent reviews have suggested that it works very well. It is also now easier to connect your AirPods to your Apple TV with tvOS 15. Just like on a a Mac, you will now see a pop up on your Apple TV when it detects that you are using AirPods. After that, you can start using your AirPods on your Apple TV with a single click.
tvOS 15 will also allow users to set a stereo pair of HomePod mini as the default speaker for an Apple TV. With this option enabled, users will not have to choose the HomePods from the AirPlay list every time they want to use it for listening to a song or watching a movie.
tvOS 15 might not be the big overhaul that people were looking for but it does bring important new features that make it easier to use your Apple TV.
