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The Switch

Apple lays the groundwork for next week’s Apple TV launch

By
October 22, 2015 at 5:04 p.m. EDT
Apple Senior Vice President of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue talks about the new Apple TV during an Apple launch event at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California, USA, 09 September 2015.  EPA/MONICA DAVEY

Apple's all set to open orders for its new set-top box, the Apple TV, on Oct. 26. But before the new, Siri-powered multimedia devices starts landing on doorsteps, the company's laying some groundwork.

Many people were excited that the latest iOS update came with a long-awaited taco emoji, but what you may not have realized is that it also came with updates that will make your iPhone play well with the new set-top box.

Users will need an iOS device to set up the Apple TV. So if you're planning on picking up the new TV, take care of that latest download.

Meanwhile, Apple's also stepped into the final stages of building the all-important ecosystem for the TV's launch. Ahead of the launch, apps from CBS and NBC have been added to the Apple TV lineup — though, as Apple Insider reported, you will need to pay for them. CBS's app works with its $6 per month CBS All Access service; in the case of the NBC app you will need a cable subscription log-in to use the app to its fullest extent. A fashion channel, Made2Measure, is also available exclusively on the Apple TV.

But video apps won't be the only thing available on the new Apple TV. As the Verge reported, the company is now accepting apps built using its tvOS development kit for the TV, from all developers. With an eye to making the Apple TV truly the center of your living room, the company has already shown off demos for other kinds of apps, including the real estate site Zillow and shopping site Gilt.

Games — mostly of the casual, family variety — are also a focus at launch. Users will be able to control games using the new Apple TV's touch-sensitive remote, which also has a gyroscope and accelerometer built in.