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How to access developer options on Amazon Fire TV?
The developer options allow you to sideload apps and access other advanced options.
The Amazon Fire TV stick is among the best things you can buy to revive an aging TV. The Fire TV OS is packed with a lot of great features, and it's perfect to breathe a new life into your old TV by adding some smart features to it. The Fire TV stick's operating system comes with all the essential features you need out of the box, but there are a few advanced options that are hidden under developer options.
How to access NAS from a Smart TV
Got media on a NAS drive that you want to watch on your Smart TV? Here's how.
You have a NAS drive filled with your favorite movies and TV shows, but now what? You don't want to be stuck streaming them to smaller screens. Well, if you have a decent Smart TV, you don't have to. Most Smart TVs can connect to NAS drives on your network, making it easy to get at your content.
How to set up a VPN on Apple TV
Enabling a VPN on your Apple TV may give you access to geo-restricted content.
A virtual private network (VPN) can be an effective way to bypass geo-restrictions to access online content limited to certain regions. While VPN services for iPhone have existed for many years now, there was no easy way to set up a VPN on Apple TV — until now. Thanks to the latest tvOS 17 update, users can finally utilize VPN services on their TVs.
How to sideload apps on the Amazon Fire TV
Looking to add apps to an Amazon Fire TV? It's super easy to do with sideloading
Amazon's Fire TV is one of the best streaming devices you can use. The interface is very simple, and you can get straight to your favorite TV shows and movies. However, you've probably felt like there was something missing at one point or another. The Fire TV app catalog is pretty limited, so you'll likely find a streaming service or two that aren't available.
How to use Google Assistant to control your Xbox
Kinect is no more but with a Google Assistant-powered smart speaker you can control your Xbox still with your voice. Here's how.
Did you know that Xbox has built-in support for voice control with Amazon Alexa? But what if you use Google Assistant and a compatible speaker instead? The news is just as positive, with Google Assistant enjoying the same treatment as Alexa. And just as with Amazon's speaker, there is no direct hardware connection. Instead, you use the power of the cloud and Google Assistant.
How to make FaceTime calls with your Apple TV on tvOS 17
With tvOS 17, you can finally FaceTime your loved ones on a compatible Apple TV. There's a catch, however.
FaceTime is undoubtedly one of the most popular video-calling services. And thanks to a fresh batch of software updates, the app has finally landed on one of the best media streaming devices: the Apple TV. Through tvOS 17 and iOS 17 (or iPadOS 17), you can rely on your excellent smartphone or tablet to bring FaceTime to the big screen. All you need is an iPhone or iPad and an Apple TV running the latest operating system version.
How to set a HomePod as the default Apple TV speaker
You can rely on a HomePod speaker as the default audio output device for your Apple TV instead of settling for the television's built-in one.
The Apple TV 4K is arguably the best media streaming device for iPhone users. That's because tvOS and iOS are tightly integrated into each other, allowing you to easily mirror content, type in text fields, and do more. The tight Apple ecosystem doesn't stop there, however. If you've got one of the company's excellent smart speakers, then you could also rely on it as the default audio output. After all, many televisions have mediocre built-in speakers, and taking advantage of a HomePod, or even a HomePod stereo pair, could elevate your listening experience. Below you will find the steps you must follow to set a HomePod as your Apple TV's default speaker.
How to pair an Echo Sub with an Amazon Echo speaker
Here's everything you need to know about how to pair an Echo Sub with an Echo speaker.
If you have an Amazon Echo smart speaker, one of the best things you can do is pick up an Echo Sub to improve the overall sound quality. With this subwoofer, you'll get to enjoy all the rich bass in whatever you're listening to, making audio sound considerably less thin than it can with just a speaker. Luckily, pairing an Echo Sub with your Echo speaker is simple, and you can do it in just a few steps within the Alexa app.
12 Google Assistant commands you need to know
Want to know how Google Assistant can enrich your life? Check out this list of 12 helpful commands
Google Assistant is easily one of the best voice assistants out there and is a part of almost every Android smartphone in the market today, not just flagship Google devices. This AI-driven app has been a game-changer for Google, especially when you consider how superior it is to Siri.
Which music services are supported on the HomePod?
Apple's HomePod 2 and HomePod Mini are two excellent smart speakers for iPhone users. Which music streaming services do they support, though?
Apple's HomePod 2 and HomePod Mini are two excellent smart speakers for iOS users. So if you recently bought a new iPhone, such as the iPhone 14 Pro Max, then you may want to invest in one of them. Though considering many users heavily rely on these devices for music streaming, you must be wondering what services they support. Below you will find what you need to know about supported music streaming services on the HomePod 2 and HomePod Mini.
How to install tvOS 17 beta on your Apple TV
Apple's new tvOS 17 update won't be here for at least a few months, but you can start testing the beta now.
In addition to the new iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma, Apple also announced tvOS 17 during its WWDC23 keynote. The new version of tvOS brings some exciting new features to Apple TV, including a new Control Center, a FaceTime app that uses Continuity Camera support to connect to your iPhone or iPad, and more. All these enhancements are coming to your Apple TV later this year, but you can download the tvOS developer beta that's available through the Apple Developer Program to experience them now.
How to set a PIN for content on Apple TV
Set up a PIN code on Apple TV and select restrictions for apps, games, content, and more, to ensure kids only access suitable content for their age.
Apple TV is your portal to tons of content from popular streaming services. When you have one set up for the family, however, this means everyone in the household probably uses it. If you have younger children, you might want to enact some parental controls to ensure they aren’t watching movies, TV shows, other videos, or accessing other types of content that isn’t age appropriate for them, from apps suitable for older kids to music with explicit lyrics. If you have a toddler with itchy fingers who loves punching buttons on remotes or a mischievous kid, you might also want to prevent the ability for them to accidentally purchase apps right from the TV.
How to adjust the video quality on Apple TV
Whether it's to verify you are set for the best video quality or for updating when you get a new TV, you should check Apple TV video quality settings
Apple TV is a wonderful portal to all your favorite TV and video content and one of the best media streaming devices. While it’s simple just to queue up a video and play, you can delve deeper into customization by adjusting the video settings. This might be to confirm that the output resolution of the Apple TV matches your TV’s native resolution, to tweak frame rate and dynamic range, and confirm you’re watching at the maximum resolution possible to get the most out of your content.
How to download apps on Apple TV
Apple TV comes pre-loaded with great apps, but just like a phone, tablet, or laptop, you can download and add more to personalize the experience.
Apple TV already comes loaded with tons of great apps provided by Apple itself, including Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Fitness, Apple Arcade, and more. But the beauty of Apple TV is that while you are still living within the Apple ecosystem, you aren’t limited to it. There are tons of other third-party streaming apps you can download to the device to enjoy. These range from popular TV streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, to local apps, like CBC Gem in Canada, fitness apps like BeachBody on Demand, gaming apps like Just Dance Now, and more.
How to enable dark mode on Apple TV
Whether it's for late-night binge watching or simply preference, you can adjust the Apple TV Home screen to display in black versus brighter grayish.
The home screen of an Apple TV, one of the best media streaming devices, is bold and bright. But sometimes, you want something more muted. Maybe it’s during a late-night TV binge session or simply to match your mood. It could also be related to your vision preferences or particularly sensitive eyes.
How to enable subtitles and captioning on Apple TV
Subtitles and captioning are useful for the hard of hearing, those who want to watch TV quietly, and foreign language content.
Closed captioning is a necessary feature for the hearing impaired. But it’s no secret that a lot of people use captioning out of preference. It might be because audio separation isn’t great with your speakers, and so dialogue is never loud enough. Perhaps it’s because you watch TV late at night when the rest of the family or roommates are sleeping, or the walls are thin in your apartment, and you need to keep the volume low. Subtitles, meanwhile, are essential if you are watching a foreign language movie or show and need subtitles for translative purposes. Whatever the reason, enabling captions and subtitles on Apple TV, one of the best media streaming devices, is simple. While it only works for videos that support closed captioning and subtitles, where available, you can activate this globally using Apple TV.
How to rename your Apple TV
The Apple TV's default name is simply Apple TV, but you can personalize it and give it whatever name you want.
The default name for your Apple TV is simply “Apple TV.” This is fine if you only have one, but when you have multiple throughout the home (or office), you’ll want to differentiate them. What’s more, it’s nice to have personalized names. This is helpful for kids, elderly parents, or even babysitters. Everyone can easily operate the TV and Apple TV via the simple-to-understand nomenclature, avoiding confusion between one called Living Room Apple TV, for example, and another called Family Room Apple TV. It’s quite easy to rename the Apple TV using both older model iPhones and the latest Apple TV 4K.
How to control an Apple TV with your iPhone
The Apple TV is one of the best media streamers around, and while it comes with the handy Apple Remote, but you can use your iPhone as a remote, too.
The Apple TV media streamer comes with a tiny and sleek Apple TV Remote. But for some, it might be a little too tiny and difficult to use. And let’s face it: who hasn’t misplaced or downright lost the handy clicker? Whatever the case, there are other ways to control your Apple TV. One such way is using the Apple TV Remote that’s already built into the Control Center of the iPhone. Yes, it’s already there. All you need to do is connect the app on an iPhone to your Apple TV, including older models as well as new models like the iPhone 14 or iPad, and you’re off to the races.
How to enable smoke alarm detection alerts on the HomePod
Your Apple HomePod or HomePod Mini can detect smoke alarms and alert you, even when you're not home. Here's how to enable this feature.
Apple's HomePod and HomePod Mini aren't just excellent smart speakers — their features extend beyond what speakers typically offer. For example, you can depend on them to receive iPhone alerts if the HomePod detects a smoke alarm. So even while you're outdoors, you can stay up to date with your house's safety. The feature even allows you to check in on people in the affected house through the iPhone and HomePod. Below you will find the steps you need to follow to utilize this perk.
How to listen to Spotify on a HomePod
Apple Music is the default music streaming service on the HomePod, but you can listen to Spotify on this Siri-enabled smart speaker instead.
There are plenty of music streaming services available on the HomePod natively, though notably, Spotify isn't on the list. Furthermore, the company has shown no interest in developing a native solution for the HomePod and HomePod Mini. So if you have one of these excellent smart speakers from Apple, you may be wondering how to blast your favorite Spotify tunes on them. Fortunately, there is a workaround.