Apple TV gets update for shared Photo Streams, account switching


Apple Monday pushed out version 5.1 for the Apple TV. The update includes a couple interesting features with the ability to transmit audio to AirPlay speakers. Essentially allowing a wireless stereo hookup in the living room. The AirPlay support also includes AirPort Express and other Apple TVs.

Also new, version 5.1 allows multiple people to use an Apple TV with different iTunes accounts. So, for example, a household may want to make their purchases on a single set top box. The other major new feature bring support for iOS 6 Shared Photo Streams.

Full details below:

Shared Photo Streams - Accept invitations for Shared Photo Streams, browse photos and comments, and receive notifications of new content.

AirPlay - Send audio content from Apple TV to AirPlay-enabled speakers and devices (including AirPort Express and other Apple TVs). Also includes the ability to require an onscreen code to use AirPlay with your Apple TV.

iTunes account switching - Save multiple iTunes accounts and switch quickly between them.

Trailers - Search movie trailers. In the United States, see show times for local theaters.

Screen savers - New Cascade, Shrinking Tiles, and Sliding Panels screen savers.

Main menu - Reorder icons on the second page by holding down the select button on the remote.

Subtitles - SDH support for the deaf and hard-of-hearing as well as improvements to viewing and selecting subtitles.

Network configuration - Support for setting up advanced network options using configuration profiles.

Stability and performance - Includes general performance and stability improvements.