by Apple only mentioned Apple TV in passing during the WWDC keynote last week, but that doesn’t mean it’s neglecting the little black box. As of today, two new important features have made their way into the beta for the diminutive media device. For one, the iTunes Radio compatibility that was announced at WWDC is now available; for another, Apple added a new Conference Room mode.
With the iTunes Radio compatibility, Apple opens yet another front in the battle against Google Play Music All Access and, more directly, the music streaming service Pandora. Based on a video by Isaac’s Computer Tips on YouTube (as noted by AppleInsider), the Apple TV version of iTunes Radio appears to have the same functionality as the iOS 7 version.
The real surprise, however, was the Conference Room display, designed for sharing content among conference-goers in meeting rooms. With the use of custom messages, onlookers who aren’t familiar with the ins and out of Apple software can learn how to connect to the Apple TV via AirPlay so they can download shared content directly.
These aren’t earthshaking developments, but they make the already inexpensive device (priced at $99) even more palatable, especially for businesses and conference organizers. There’s even some signs that Apple TV may be winning more attention among developers, despite Apple’s historically closed approach to apps for the device. Just this morning, Cult of Mac relayed a call to arms from developer Brad Smith (and self-proclaimed hacker) to develop apps for what he calls “the forgotten iOS device.” Unfortunately, the success of such ventures ultimately depends on cooperation from Apple itself.
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