IT Home March 9 news, according to 9to5 Mac reported that after five beta versions and a large number of new features, Apple today finally released tvOS 15.4 and HomePod 15.4 RC Developer Preview, the specific version number is 19L6440. An official version is expected to be released next week.
Currently, developers and public testers can try the RC candidate for tvOS 15.4. For HomePod 15.4, it is only available to selected developers.
After the smaller tvOS 15.3 update, Apple added several new features in tvOS 15.4. For example, it now has a smarter way to sign in to a Wi-Fi network on apple TV.
According to Apple, tvOS 15.4 and HomePod 15.4 will add support for dedicated Wi-Fi networks, meaning users can connect apple TVs and HomePods to networks that require additional sign-in steps with an iPhone or iPad. The company explained in its release notes:
"Dedicated Wi-Fi network support on tvOS allows you to use your iPhone or iPad to connect your Apple TV to a network that requires additional sign-in steps, such as in a hotel or dormitory. (8351052)”
Not only that, but the Apple TV video player for tvOS 15.4 beta now has a "Next" queue that can be viewed from the "Playing" screen. There, users can select what they've already added to the Next queue. With just one tap, the app will start playing the movie or TV series of your choice. That way, you don't need to go back to the Home screen of your Apple TV app, go straight to the Next section, and then select another content.
After removing the "click to navigate" feature in mid-August 2021, Apple brought it back to physical and touch options.
In addition, Apple has also modified the spatial audio control with tvOS 15.4.
For the HomePod 15.4 RC preview, Apple previously added Dutch speech recognition to Siri. With these, the company will eventually release the HomePod mini smart speaker in the Netherlands. For both operating systems, Apple will also bring the new American-style Siri voice.
Apple also today released RC preview versions for iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4, macOS Monterey 12.3 and watchOS 8.5.