Apple’s famous hobby, the Apple TV, has today received a stealth software update, though Apple is so far keeping quiet about what it has added to its little black box this time around.
If you’re the owner of a second or third generation Apple TV, then you may want to slap that Update button, because Apple has just released a new version of the operating system that powers it.
The update, bringing the Apple TV up to iOS version 5.0.2, is just beginning to find its way onto hardware around the globe, with no news yet as to what changes the update may bring. Apple has yet to update its own official website, either, which means we really are flying blind right now. We will bring more information as we get it, but for now at least, we’re just going to assume that 5.0.2 is a maintenance update rather than one that brings any major new functionality.
Users may find their Apple TV prompts for them to download the update automatically, but if it doesn’t, the update can be kicked off manually for those that like to be on the bleeding edge of software availability. Updates can be forced by choosing Settings, then General and selecting the Update Software option, if you still don’t see the update, then you can download the firmware file from the links embedded at the end of this post. Obviously you’ll need to have your Apple TV on your network in able for the package to be downloaded, but you knew that already didn’t you? Obviously you did.
The Apple TV itself has seen something of a graphical overhaul of late, bringing a distinctly iOS-like feel to the machine that was famously dubbed a ‘hobby’ by those in Cupertino. With no fanfare and WWDC so close, we suspect that this latest update is simply a bug fixing affair, or at the very most a minor feature update that isn’t going to get anyone too excited. We don’t expect any new interfaces or major features this time around, unfortunately.
We’ll keep you updated when we hear more, and be sure to tip us if you find anything interesting!
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