What getting AirPlay 2 and HomeKit means to your TV experience

AirPlay 2 and HomeKit: Two Apple technologies to consider when buying a new TV

There are enough specifications to consider when buying a new TV, but some TVs now also support two Apple technologies: AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. If you are still focusing on new product launches and wondering what exactly these standards are—their pros and cons, and whether they should be considered when buying a new TV—don’t worry, you’re not alone.

AirPlay 2 Explanation

Same name as its predecessor, AirPlay 2 is an audio and video streaming protocol designed to play movies, music, and other content between devices on your local Wi-Fi network. HomePod supports AirPlay 2, which means you can play playlists on your iPhone and then have the music playback from the HomePod speaker.

AirPlay 2 was launched in 2018 and it brings many better improvements than the original standard. These improvements include support for streaming to multiple outputs simultaneously (you can create a stereo surround system by streaming audio to two speakers), and controlling playback from multiple devices so you can play movies with your iPhone, and then Stop playback with iPad.

AirPlay 2 also handles audio buffering better, and it works in conjunction with Apple HomeKit. All of this is built on what the original AirPlay already offers—the ability to transfer audio and video files, photos, and even Mac’s screen to another device while controlling playback using the original device.

With the launch of AirPlay 2, Apple has also begun licensing the technology to other manufacturers. This means that the streaming protocol also applies to non-Apple-made speakers and TVs – one of the limitations of the original AirPlay. Still, AirPlay 2 is still Apple technology, so naturally, the device that controls and sends content to the output must be an iPhone, iPad, MacBook, iMac, or a Windows laptop running iTunes.

Most of Apple hardware made in the past few years—MacBook, iPhone—will support AirPlay 2 through wireless updates, part of iOS and macOS updates (Apple lists relevant information here) . Many devices originally designed to receive AirPlay broadcasts will also receive an AirPlay 2 upgrade, but you will need to contact various manufacturers to ensure that.

The most common use may be streaming content on your iPhone or iPad to a large screen in terms of what this actually means for your TV. If you've ever used Google Chromecast, the principle is the same, except that the TV with AirPlay 2 built in doesn't require a dongle.

You can load Spotify on your iPhone and get better sound with a separate speaker using AirPlay 2, or you can play movies on your iPad and stream them to your TV with AirPlay 2 for a large Appreciate on the screen - although not necessarily better quality, as the maximum video resolution is 1080p HD. With AirPlay 2, just click the AirPlay icon (looks like an arrow pointing to a rectangle) in the app you want to stream from.

If you have an iPhone or iPad at home, it's definitely worth considering a TV with AirPlay 2 built in. However, if you have already set up your Apple TV that can perform the same task of receiving AirPlay content, there is no need to build it into the TV itself. If you are more of an Android and Windows user, you probably never need to use AirPlay 2.

HomeKit Explanation

HomeKit is Apple's smart home standard—all HomeKit-compatible devices should work together, whether it's smart lights or smart plugs.

You need an iPhone, iPad, or any Mac computer to control the HomeKit device, but the device itself does not have to be made by Apple. The company regularly updates its list of devices that support HomeKit.

Unfortunately, things get a little tricky at this time. If you want to operate a HomeKit device while away from home, you need another device to stay still and act as a hub. HomeKit automation (such as turning off the light at a set time) also requires a hub. Three devices can act as hubs: iPad, Apple TV, and HomePod.

As both standards are made by Apple, AirPlay 2 and HomeKit work well together. A smart TV with HomeKit support and built-in AirPlay 2 means your TV will appear in the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and can be controlled through it or Siri commands. You will be able to turn it on and off, change the volume, and toggle different available inputs.

Things are getting even harder now, as some TVs get AirPlay 2 but don't have HomeKit support. This means you can stream music and movies to them, but they won't appear in the Home app and you won't be able to control them through Siri.

If you have invested in the Apple ecosystem—particularly the Apple HomeKit ecosystem, HomeKit support on your TV, such as AirPlay 2 support, is a useful extra feature. However, you can’t do a lot of work with the TV through the Home app, so it’s not necessary even if you’re using HomeKit to control the rest of your smart home.

The above is the detailed content of What getting AirPlay 2 and HomeKit means to your TV experience. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!