tvOS 13 brings new features like PS4 and Xbox One controller support

Apple has previewed tvOS 13, the next operating system behind the Apple TV 4K. There’s a couple of interesting features to note here, particularly its new support for Xbox One and PS4 controllers!

“TvOS powers the Apple TV 4K experience and continues to set the standard for home entertainment,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of product marketing. “With more personalized features to enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies, photos and music, expanded gaming support and stunning new screen savers, tvOS 13 delivers the most complete entertainment experience to everyone in the home.”

So, what are these features then?

New Home screen

Firstly, the Apple TV 4K is getting is getting an all-new Home screen. It’s a visual and technical revamp with a couple of improvements. For example, applications can now play full-screen video previews on the Home screen, so users can quickly find what they want to see.

There are also new screen savers, including 4K HDR ones filmed under the sea. Interestingly, this was a collaboration between Apple and the team behind Blue Planet, BBC’s critically acclaimed nature documentary series.

Multi-user support

Apple TV users are finally getting Netflix-like features. The new Control Center allows you to switch between different accounts, so everyone retains their personal settings and the like. Because of this, users will get unique Up Next lists and TV and movie recommendations based on their watch history. Users also get quick access to key features such as system sleep and audio routing with Control Center, as well.

Apple Music

Thanks to the new multi-user support, personalized playlists and recommendations are also coming to Apple Music. Users can quickly access songs they’re playing with Control Center, or read on-screen lyrics as they come up during a song.

Apple Arcade

Announced earlier this year, Apple Arcade is set to arrive soon on the Apple TV 4K. The service is launching this fall, allowing unlimited access to over 100 new and exclusive games with a single subscription. These Apple Arcade games can be played not only on the Apple TV, but across other devices such as the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Mac.

In addition to that, tvOS 13 will also support Xbox One and PlayStation 4 game controllers, which is actually a really neat addition. It’s nice to see more and more support added for these controllers, allowing us to not buy different ones just to play games somewhere else. [Ed. Note: Only Xbox One controllers equipped with Bluetooth will be supported. You’re good if yours shipped with an Xbox One S or One X.]

What else?

This fall, Apple TV+ is coming. This will be Apple’s foray into online streaming services, following Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, DC and Disney’s cue by making original TV shows and movies for the service. It will be available on the Apple TV app, featured in tvOS 13, along with over 100,000 iTunes movies and TV shows.

All these streaming services surfacing reminds me of the battle royale fad that struck last year, and you have to wonder when this bubble will pop, just as that one did. A few streaming services will survive, but there certainly isn’t enough room for all of them in consumer’s wallets.

Images: Apple