Apple TV: The actual EXPERIENCE

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Apple TV: The actual EXPERIENCE

Hey, all.

I ordered the Apple TV 4k, because i wanted a way to use bluetooth earbuds from my tv, but I'm also hoping it improves my tv-watching experience.

So, I have a bunch of different services on my (Samsung) smart tv: Netflix, HBO Max, Apple, Amazon, Hulu, etc.—and when i want to switch between them, i have to: go to the tv's home app bar, scroll over to the service, select it, wait for it to load, choose my profile, and then i'm in and then i have to choose a show.

Is all that the same on the Apple TV device? I'm really, really hoping the profile choice is automatic, at the very least. I mean, it's only a few seconds of time, but between that and each app loading, it's just a slower-than-necessary set of operations. I'm praying the Apple TV makes it all much more seamless.

I've watched a few youtube demos, but i don't see/get the sense of this very specific question.

Then there's SIRI? With Siri and audible commands, does that mean you can just speak "Hulu" and it will go there? With or without "loading" times? And selecting which profile?

Can i save a bunch of 'favorite shows' to some sort of hub, across all the apps, so i can just choose a show, without choosing an app/service? Can i ask Siri to just go to a specific show, regardless of the app it's on? What if it's on multiple apps? Like, say it's on On-Demand on my cable app and also on Hulu?

Does it save my progress? If i turn off Cheers half way through and want to resume the next day?

Thank you.

Posted on Sep 22, 2021 10:53 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Urquhart1244

Level 10

146,232 points

Sep 23, 2021 7:04 AM in response to derek stanton

I ordered the Apple TV 4K

Congratulations!

… because i wanted a way to use bluetooth earbuds from my tv, …

There are other ways to do that too. But through Apple TV will work fine.

I'm praying the Apple TV makes it all much more seamless.

It does. The CPU is quite fast, making loading fast. App switching is fast. Once opened, apps will stay in the background (unless force-quit), which assists in continuing where it left off, including last used profile.

With Siri and audible commands, does that mean you can just speak "Hulu" and it will go there? With or without "loading" times? And selecting which profile?

Voice commands replace some manual app selection or content selection, but it has to be supported by the app. And streaming services have to make their content searchable for Siri for it to work. See the support document on using Siri on Apple TV for details and examples. Use Siri on your Apple TV - Apple Support

Can i save a bunch of 'favorite shows' to some sort of hub, across all the apps, so i can just choose a show, without choosing an app/service?

Yes, if supported for that. The Apple TV app on Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV box) tries to be that hub, with its Watch Now recommendations (from multiple services), and Up Next queue list (listing shows that you choose to be in that list).

Can i ask Siri to just go to a specific show, regardless of the app it's on? What if it's on multiple apps? Like, say it's on On-Demand on my cable app and also on Hulu?

Yes, if supported for that. Siri can search a lot, but the content provider must make its content available and searchable for Siri. If content is available on multiple apps, then it will make a best guess, which may be set by previous viewing of a series. Each show (or season) that Apple TV app knows about, will have a Details page where you can set a supported preferred content provider.

Does it save my progress? If i turn off Cheers half way through and want to resume the next day?

Yes, if supported for that, either by the Apple TV app (Up Next does watch progress, including partially watched shows), or by the third party streaming service app.

Notably Netflix choose not to participate in being connected to the Apple TV app. Siri will only search Netflix Originals, not licensed content.

Apple TV user guide - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Urquhart1244

Level 10

146,232 points

Sep 23, 2021 2:29 PM in response to derek stanton

Just wish i didn't actually have to speak commands, but that's an issue with Me.

How so, did you wish for mind reading instead? 😉

I wasn't able to get my bluetooth earbuds paired.

Set the earbuds to “pairing mode”, then they would be discoverable by Apple TV, from the Bluetooth settings.

Use Bluetooth accessories with your Apple TV - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Sep 23, 2021 10:54 AM in response to Urquhart1244

Thank you.

I was trying to get a sense of these things before the item arrived, as i was almost convincing myself to return it unopened. But, i received it last night and discovered much of what you describe above.

It's not a monumentally better experience than the Samsung provides, but the few shortcuts are welcomed. Just wish i didn't actually have to speak commands, but that's an issue with Me.

I wasn't able to get my bluetooth earbuds paired. No recognition whatsoever, which is odd, since they pair with everything else. I'm re-charging them, though, and i'll try again today. If that doesn't work, though, i may have to return the Apple TV, as use of wireless for audio was like 60% of the rationale for buying.

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Answer 4

Sep 23, 2021 2:32 PM in response to Urquhart1244

Yes, mindreading would be good. Anything so that i don't have to actually speak.

I actually just managed to get the earbuds paired, like 20 minutes ago. It wasn't a matter of not doing it correctly or having instructions. Not sure why they didn't sync as quickly as with my other devices.... But, thanks for the help/link.

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Apple TV: The actual EXPERIENCE

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