Apple TV now supports iTunes audio streams
When Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced a major update to Apple TV in January, he seemingly left out a major feature - the ability to stream music to the device from any Mac or PC running iTunes. Apple doesn’t even mention it on its Apple TV home page.
The update is welcome because it finally gives the Apple TV the AirTunes functionality already found in the AirPort Express wireless router. Previously you had to copy music from your iTunes on your computer to the Apple’s TV hard disk to hear any music at all - streaming was conspicuous by its absence, says Wired. You have to install the Apple TV Take 2 software upgrade, of couse, for this new function to work.
Mac developer Rogue Amoeba made the discovery while working on its own AirFoil 3 program, which enables you to send any audio to the AirPort Express. Rogue Amoeba says the Apple TV can also pick up album artwork via AirTunes. You can also control your PC’s iTunes library using the Apple TV remote. Woot.
The only thing Apple TV can’t now do is stream music contained on its hard drive via iTunes or a Mac or PC located elsewhere. And you can’t use it send or receive video. Still one step at a time, eh?
tech.co.uk