This week we bring you a little something old along with a lot of something new to get your weekend viewing schedule in order with all your Apple TV options tightened up right.  Smack in the middle of May there are some real juicy springtime options so get clicking!

And let’s click it off with Netflix:

• The one you’ve been waiting for- Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 Crime/Drama “Pulp Fiction” is finally available for your viewing pleasure and, if you’ve watched it before, you know this one will be a pleasure!  We never get tired of enjoying this seminal explosion of creative genius that erupted across movie screens everywhere and took the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.  Certainly one of the best films of the 90’s, the sheer brilliance of its script, editing, performances and music went on to enormously influence modern American film language and its wicked sense of dark, ironic humor is still being referenced today.  You’ll laugh until the blood splatters and then you’ll laugh some more.  A work of true cinematic genius that changed the American film game forever.  Yes, this movie is one BAD MUTHA*****R!
• If you’re still in the mood to time travel to the past then zoom over to 2001’s “Tomb Raider” with a still single, pre-Brangelina Angelina Jolie as everybody’s favorite video game heroine come to Action/Adventure, globe-trotting life.  Sure, the story is cheesy (it is after all based on a video game lest we forget) and Angie’s Brit accent is a bit shaky but she looks gorgeous and kicks all kinds of ass and isn’t that all that matters anyway?
• Horror fans, we haven’t forgotten you. If you’re ready to turn off all the lights and tremble under the covers with the One you love then fire up the 2002 Original (let’s all just agree to forget that awful Hollywood remake) Japanese Screamer, “Ju-On, The Grudge”.  Haunted houses just don’t get any creepier as Director Takeshi Shimizu ramps up the gut-wrenching chills in this terrifically terrifying ghost story.  Don’t blame us if you have nightmares.
• TV Pick of the Week- Something for your Shorties this time around. Kids seem to love the 22 minute episodes of “Justin Time”, an animated adventure series where the title hero and his friends travel the world looking for fun adventures.  Dial this one up for your 5-10 year olds and you won’t have to pay for a babysitter because Netflix is currently offering 2 Seasons (26 episodes) worth of shows to keep the Little Ones occupied!  You’re welcome.

Now let’s take a peek at what’s on this week’s menu over at Hulu Plus:

• And we’re going Classic all the way with our movie choices this time around starting with 1967’s “Belle du Jour”.  This sexy/sly/subversive Luis Bunuel film was a 60’s sensation and with Catherine Denueve as the title Good-Girl-gone-Bad this mature examination of love, sex and marriage still has the power to amuse, arouse and set fire to your…conversation.  Adults only please!
• One of our All Time Favorite films and always a mysterious joy to behold, why not enter the dream world of Wim Wenders 1987 “Wings of Desire”.  Bruno Ganz is a lonely angel overlooking Berlin, mesmerized by human frailties, hopes, wishes, wonders, emotions and pining to join the mad, sad parade of humanity.  An evocative masterpiece that always makes us happy to be alive and happier to know love.  And it’s got Peter Falk in the cameo of a career as just exactly who we thought Peter Falk always was…
• OK, if that’s just too much melancholy for your weekend viewing party then maybe it’s time to laugh and we can’t think of a better film to bring the funny then Director David O. Russell’s overlooked 1996 gem of a comic farce, “Flirting with Disaster”.  Ben Stiller is a nebbishy New Yorker with father issues who abandons routine to take off on a nationwide road trip/quest to find his long gone, “real” father along with some much needed closure.  With a luscious Patricia Arquette as his put-upon wife-in-tow, a super-sexy Tia Leone as a neurotic shrink along for the ride and featuring Alan Alda, Lily Tomlin, Mary Tyler Moore, George Segal with a young Josh Brolin in the mix let’s just say things go very, very sideways.
• TV Picks of the Week- If you’re already Huluing then why not try the hot new superhero crime thriller “Arrow”.  This series has been getting great word-of-mouth and already has a huge stateside following.  And we have a feeling that the Ladies may enjoy this one too if you know what we mean.  And while you’re here why not check out the Final Episodes of “The Office”.  The American version of Ricky Gervais’ Brit TV hit has went through some bad years but the final weeks have really been some of the best ever and we highly recommend tuning in for the finale if you’re a fan of the show or even if you’re not…yet.

Finally, let’s take a look at what’s in store over at iTunes:

• With the Summer Blockbuster Season in full swing we thought you might want to check back on some of the earlier versions of recent theatrical releases just to get your movie watching engines revved up.  So let’s start with J.J. Abrams well received 2009 reboot of “Star Trek”.  The new cast/crew is introduced, Chris Pine as Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, Simon Pegg as Scotty and Zoe Saldana as Uhuru and the USS Enterprise is taken out for a spin in this origin story reboot of the beloved TV Classic. A must-see for you Trekkies out there!
• And while we’re here…Why not try Director Jon Favreau’s original “Iron Man”.  This was the superhero movie that saved us all from superhero franchise overdose and the 2008 action/thriller/comedy is still a rock solid kick-in-the-pants with Robert Downey Jr. absolutely knocking it out of the park as the wise-cracking, playboy/genius, “shellhead”.  Fantastic job all around and a real romp of an Action/Adventure.
• If you’re still looking for more laughs then try the Judd Apatow produced sleeper comedy hit, 2011’s “Bridesmaids”.  Kristen Wiig penned and stars as the loopy loser chick who wants desperately to make everything work out right for her BFF Maya Rudolph on her Big Day.  Needless to say things go hilariously wrong then spin weirdly, wildly and hilariously out of control.  With Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Ellie Kemper and a classic cameo by Jon Hamm, this movie will have you spitting out your drinks and choking on your sandwich as you laugh with, at and for the Girls to get it right.  Who said chicks can’t be funny?
• This Week’s Free App- “Face Swap” by Iddiction.  Yea, this one is kind of a goofy time sink but the kids will love it and you’ll be digging it too so if you have an hour or 3 to kill…it’s FREE!

That’s all for this week.  We’ll be back next week with more great Apple TV stuff!

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MacRumors reports that the CW network has struck a deal with Apple to bring its TV Now application to the Apple TV. Speaking from New York at the company’s annual Upfront Presentation yesterday, CW president Mark Pedowitz said the network’s content, which is currently accessible on Microsoft’s Windows 8 and Xbox 360, will also become available on Apple TV.

According to the CW, the app will function the same way the company’s mobile and Xbox apps function. The Xbox app offers free full streaming of episodes on the CW network but with limited advertising. It also comes with extra content like cast extras and previews. The company confirmed to MacRumors that Apple TV’s app will certainly be located on the home screen of Apple TV and offer full episodes of primetime shows like “The Vampire Diaries”, “Arrow”, and “The Carrie Diaries”.

“It’s a dedicated CW app that will work like our Xbox and mobile and tablet apps – no cable authentication required, full episodes of our shows available next day after air, ad-supported.”

This deal seals the first of Apple’s app partnerships with television networks. Apple TV has been offering apps and digital content from Hulu and Netflix, but not from television networks. Even before this, though, CW content has been available for sale at the iTunes store.

The CW network is a joint venture between Warner Brothers Entertainment and CBS, one of the largest broadcast networks in the U.S. The partnership does not shed light on Apple’s intentions, though there are speculations it could be part of a larger initiative to have more apps on Apple TV.

The exact date for the release was not given but according to the CW, it will be launched in the coming weeks.

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The weekend is fast approaching and if Spring is not your thing or you just plan on flexing only your Apple TV muscles this Sat/Sun then here are our best ideas for keeping your screen hot, your eyes peeled and your time well spent. Let’s get right to this Week’s Top Choices for the movie services available on the Apple TV.

NETFLIX

As always let’s start with the biggest gorilla in the online TV/Movie jungle, Netflix.

And this week Netflix once again has a shopping cart full of interesting choices starting with-

• 2011’s “Cabin in the Woods”,  director Drew Godard’s super fun thrill ride of subversive horror hi-jinx that will have you laughing your adult asses off as you watch all the absolutely standard Teen/Horror/Killer/Thriller clichés get twisted until they scream in this post-modern wink at the genre.  Please expect the unexpected.  And, for the Ladies, you get to see a pre-Thor, Chris Hemsworth do his best All-American, casual jock/stud imitation.  Just enjoy him while you can…
• Not for everyone but if you’re in the mood for a Southern-Gothic, murder/mystery/sex/scandal mash-up that’s heavy on the steamy southern heat then check out director Lee Daniel’s 2012 “The Paperboy”.  It stars Mathew McConaughey, John Cusack, teen heartthrob Zac Efron and Oscar Winner Nicole Kidman and they are all going for broke in this lurid fever dream of a melodrama.
• For you avid Gamers out there, you may want to take a peek at this week’s hot release of 2012’s “Halo 4- Forward Unto Dawn”.  We haven’t screened this one yet but it’s got some great customer reviews and may be worth a look even for you non-gamers.  And for you fanboys out there…hey, there’s no pleasing you guys anyway.
• Alt Pick of the Week- 2002’s “Igby goes Down”.  For some reason director Burt Steers adult drama is listed in the “comedy” section and while you will find some dark laughs in this somewhat bleak tale of young adult disillusionment it is definitely not a “feel-good” film.  Kieran Culkin (yes, Macaulay’s bro) plays the disaffected title character as he attempts to navigate his post-adolescent way through the social minefield that is adult NYC along with Claire Danes, Amanda Peet, Jeff Goldblum and Ryan Phillipe.  Deep, dark and just a little heart breaking.

HULU PLUS

Now over to Hulu Plus where this week we’ve decided to get a little Old School with our choices and take you back in time to some of our fave raves from the slightly dusty past.  So let’s kick off with-

• A perfect gem of a film, 2010’s “The Trip”.  This wry, incisive character study features two of Britain’s most brilliant wits bantering, bickering and verbally sparring (complete with dueling, hilarious Michal Caine imitations) as they ramble through the English countryside on a restaurant tour that neither seems particularly keen on.  With Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon essentially playing insider versions of themselves it is very fair to say that adult comedy ensues.  With an accent on the adult.  You’ll be glad to play fly-on-the-wall for this trip.
• One of our favorite overlooked films, director Quentin Tarantino’s 1997 “Jackie Brown”.  A funky crime thriller with an airtight plot that takes its time developing, this masterpiece is full of brilliant, understated performances from Pam Greer as the put-upon title character who’s struggling to retain her cool, Robert Forster as the world-weary, anti-hero who looks things square in the eye, Bridget Fonda as a not-so-harmless party girl and Samuel Jackson as one of his snakiest bad men ever.  Smart, sexy and filled with great music.
• If you’ve got time for a sobering history lesson – A frighteningly prescient study of insurrection, Director Gillo Pontecorvo’s 1966 “The Battle of Algiers” is practically an instructional, cinematic guidebook on the escalation of a very real world, native insurrection.  This blazing documentary-style film features every excruciating step of brutal urban combat, terrorism and the counter-terrorist tactics that result amid the mayhem.  Harsh, compelling, furious, fair and far, far ahead of its time.
• And on a much lighter note- Hulu Plus is always a great choice for the latest in TV so this week’s pick is the brand new NBC comedy series “The Mindy Project”.  Its first season is available to stream and we think that this one will definitely be a winner.  Creator/Writer Mindy Kaling plays the wacky heroine of this off-kilter 30 minute comedy that is only beginning to hit its stride.  Tune in for the next Big Comedy Thing!

iTUNES

Now let’s move over to our iTunes selections and this week, movies are the pick-

• Available to buy this week for the first time- 2012’s “Skyfall”. Director Sam Mendes’ 23^rd installment of the Bond franchise was widely acclaimed as one of the best ever (we didn’t say that, we heard it) and with Javier Bardem as the Big Baddie facing off against Daniel Craig’s 007 and Naomie Harris in the mix, all we can say is that we are ALL IN!  And it introduces a new “Q” too!
• 2010’s Sundance Grand Prize Winner “Winter’s Bone”.  This is the film that made Jennifer Laurence a star and this critically acclaimed crime thriller features a razor sharp script with incendiary performances all around.  The American countryside never looked more threatening as J-Lau weaves her way through a rural snake pit trying her best to save her home.
• Also available is Academy Award winning Director Ang Lee’s 2012 “The Life of Pi”.  Based on the celebrated novel, this feast for the eyes was widely regarded as a favorite to win all the prizes when it opened.  A visually spectacular retelling of this epic tale of survival, humanity and hope.
• This Week’s Music Pick- “El Camino”, the 2011 release from Grammy Award Winners The Black Keys.  If this wild, rave-up of a rockin’good time doesn’t get your hips moving then you should check your pulse because you may be dead!
• Finally, this Week’s Free App- Yes, this is iTunes so we thought we might bring your attention to some of the niftiest apps we could find for free and this week’s pick is the Iron Man 3 app.  We haven’t downloaded it yet but what the hell…it’s free and it’s IM3!

Until next week, that’s all Folks!

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Welcome fellow online viewers & Apple TV fans to the inaugural run of your Weekend Flix Picks with some TV for Free thrown in the cyber-bargain! If you happen to find yourself hunkered down for this coming Fri-Sunday cycle with down time on your hands then you might as well check out the best of what our wide world of Internetainment has to offer while you turn on your Apple TV, turn off your brain, recharge your batteries and give the couch a solid workout.

In like Flynn? Then let’s get right to this Week’s Top Choices for the movie services available on the Apple TV. It breaks down like this:

NETFLIX

First up for our cyber-savvy amigos is the current most popular streaming service in the States, Netflix.  Now the only complaint you’re going to have with Netflix is that you’ve just got too many choices but never fear…we are here.  And this week we say lock in on these selections and you won’t go wrong-

• Must-see movies are unfortunately a step slow on Netflix this week so we suggest starting with some Original Netflix TV programming- “Top of the Lake”.  One season (7 episodes, 50 mins each) of a new Drama/Thriller from New Zealand’s Oscar winning director Jane Campion.  This one is very heavy on the drama but blends a distinct Kiwi flavor to the typical western TV police procedural stew.  TOTL also contains some truly wicked twists and turns with a rhythm all its own.  The violence and blood is minimal but this is cop drama is most definitely not for kids!
• Netflix is also launching “Hemlock Grove” this week, another Original TV series from Eli Roth, the director of “Hostel” and other hyper-violent, Hollywood horror/torture films.  We haven’t sampled it yet but it looks like the suspense/mystery series is going to get all werewolfey with no shortage of gore and undoubtedly plenty of Rothian splatter.  We’re not big Roth fans but the series has femme fatale Famke Jansen in the middle of the action…so we’re in!
• One intriguing pick in the movie section might be 2011’s “The Awakening” starring Rebecca Hall as a turn-of-the-century physic phenomenon debunker tackling a mystery at an English boarding school.  This horror/mystery sort of slid past the mainstream in ’11 but might be worth a watch if you’re in the mood for classy chills, subtle thrills or a little bit of beautiful ‘Becca in the bathtub.
• Want to go Old School?  Why not try one of Harrison Ford’s best, 1985’s “Witness”.  Tough guy, Philly detective Ford goes to Amish Land to straighten shit out and meets Kelly McGillis and Alexander Gudonov on his way to finding the Bad Guys.  A real 80’s gem back from when Ford was almost young.
• Got a stay-at-home date with a pretty girl?  Then how about going even Old Schooler with the iconic beauty Audrey Hepburn being romanced by All-American Gregory Peck in 1953’s classic romance “Roman Holiday”.  Audrey’s stunning, Peck is solid, love is in the air and Rome looks grand.  We’re in the mood for love.
• And this week’s Alternative Pick- Korean Director Joon-ho Bong’s 2006 mad, monster mash-up, “The Host”.  This one has it all.  An out-of-control chemical waste monster against an equally out-of-control and hilariously touching S. Korean family who aren’t about to go down without a fight.  Bong pulls out all the stops with a rollicking roller-caster ride that may not win any awards but Man…this is one hell of an entertaining ride!

HULU PLUS

Now what’s happening over at everyone’s second choice for freebies?  Yes, Hulu may not have the market muscle of Netflix but we’re locked in and we got you covered anyway. Hulu’s new releases are also on the vanilla side this week so here’s our recommendations for movies that will satisfy-

• Let’s start with 2004’s Indie jewel, the little-seen, under-appreciated, low-budget, Sci-fi masterpiece “Primer”.  If you’re into time-travel flicks then tune in and set your head to spin because you’re going for whirl!  This intelligent tale adds a fresh take to the crusty time-travel genre with a serious, surprisingly intense and realistic drama that will satisfy the inner-science geek in all of you.
• If you’re still in serious mode then how about a real world documentary?  If you’re prepared to be shaken then sample 2012’s “The Land of Hope”, a movie following Japanese families after the 2011 triple catastrophe that slammed the NE coast near Tokyo.  Keep tissue paper handy and prepare to cry before you witness a true story of human resilience in the face of utter devastation.
• And on the lighter side…take a break and laugh your adult ass off with director Kevin Smith’s modern comedy classic, 1997’s “Chasing Amy”.  This one never gets old even if Smith’s movies sometimes do but you’ll love seeing a young Ben Affleck deal with some hilariously twisted and very adult relationship problems as he stumbles around true love.  And yes, Jay and Silent Bob are all over this one.
• Network TV’s smoking hot new show “Hannibal” is available for streaming this week and if you’re a major Mads Mickelson fan (like we are) then we seriously suggest you check out this stylish update to the tales of everybody’s favorite serial killing psychiatrist.  Creepy murders and cool characters are everywhere and the show’s stunning visuals are absolutely cinematic.
• If you prefer to laugh then scope out “The New Girl”.  An entertainingly light-hearted and fun half-hour ensemble comedy from NBC (the people who brought you the inexplicably popular “Friends”) with cutie-pie Zooey Deschanel as the lead sweetheart.
• “The Carrie Diaries” are also available this week for you girls who still haven’t satisfied your SATC addiction.  Carrie Bradshaw’s in High School now!
• Our Alternative Pick of the Week- Kaneto Shindo’s 1964, “Onibaba”.  Straight from the Criterion Collection this raw, pulse-pounding, supersexy tale of hard times in Feudal Japan is always listed in the Horror section but we think it’s more of a harsh, naturalistic fable of human survival and human hunger for all that is life.  Brilliant!
• Extra Added Bonus- Hulu has without a doubt got the best offering of upcoming Movie Trailers that we’ve seen anywhere so take a moment to check out everything that’s coming soon to a theater near you!  Be warned- this one is like time quicksand my cyber-friends…once you step in you just keep sinking deeper.

iTUNES

And last but certainly not least, iTunes.  Remember that everybody’s favorite choice for cheap and easy music downloads also offers a slew of movie choices for your viewing pleasure so let’s take a peek at this week.

Movies are a hot choice for your iTunes weekend and this week offers some of the hottest-

• 2012’s “Silver Linings Playbook” is currently available for download and if you’re in the mood for some Oscar-nominated Jennifer Laurence to go along with your Comedy/Drama then this is the pick.  Big stars, big laughs, big drama, Bradley Cooper and a feel-good ending should work for just about anyone in your vicinity.
• If you’ve got an itch for a little bit of the good, old ultra-violence with a thirst for revenge then we say shoot for Tarantino’s 2012 wild Western ride, “Django Unchained”, and scratch like a dog!  It’ll remind you of most every other Tarantino flick you’ve ever seen only more so.  And with the added spice of Academy Award Winner Christoph Waltz in the mix, you’ll be glad you did.
• Got a few extra hours to invest in some quality HBO original programming?  Sample some episodes of America’s top water-cooler show, “Mad Men”.  Please be advised- Once you start watching you just might get hooked on the grimy games of the NYC Boys from 60’s Madison Avenue and Jon Hamm/Don Draper as the heel we all hate to love.
• And now for some Music- This week iTunes has a brand new offering, “13” from Heavy Metal Masters Black Sabbath.  Believe it or not Tony Iommi and his crew are still bringing the hard, heavy, hammering noise just in time to kick off their latest (and no doubt last) World Tour.  And they still got Ozzie too!  Yes, Hip-Hop generation…there was a time long ago when real, actual human beings played real, actual musical instruments all by themselves.

That’s it for this weekend.  Now just keep the pizza guy’s number handy, make sure the refrigerator is well stocked and you’re all set to turn on, tune in and drop out.

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Following the release of Apple TV software update 5.2.1 (iOS 6.1.3 – 10B329a), FireCore has updated Seas0nPass to provide a tethered jailbreak for Apple TV 2 running the latest firmware. Released in March, a minor Apple TV software update – 5.2.1 – added support for Music in the Cloud in Japan and Israel and included improvements for software update, subtitles, and general performance.

Here is a step by step tutorial on how to tether jailbreak Apple TV 2 5.2.1 using Seas0nPass:

NOTE: This is a TETHERED jailbreak. This means every time there is a need to reboot your Apple TV, you have to connect it to a computer. Functionally, both tethered and untethered jailbreak are identical.

NOTE 2: The current version of Seas0nPass doesn’t provide a jailbreak for the Apple TV 3.

Pre-launch checklist

1. Download and install the latest version of iTunes (check for updates through Software Update located in Apple menu).
2. Download Seas0nPass for Mac [10.6 or later] or Windows [XP or later].
3. A micro USB cable will be required to complete the jailbreak.
4. Disconnect any iPods, iPhones, and iPads from your computer.

Jailbreaking

Step 1: Unzip the ‘Seas0nPass.zip’ file and launch Seas0nPass.

Step 2: Select the ‘Create IPSW’ button to start the jailbreak process.

Step 3: The latest Apple TV software will be downloaded and used to create a custom ‘jailbroken’ software file.

Step 4: When prompted, connect your Apple TV using a micro-USB cable (leave power disconnected).

Once the light on the front of the Apple TV begins to flash rapidly, point the remote at the AppleTV and hold both the MENU and PLAY/PAUSE buttons for 7 seven seconds.

Note: This step will require the silver (aluminum) Apple TV remote that was included with the ATV2. The older, white (plastic) remotes will not work.

Step 5: iTunes will open automatically and start the restore process.

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Digitimes, a site that has a hit-or-miss track record when it comes to Apple rumors, reports that Apple is continuing to develop a TV that is likely to sport an Ultra HD 4K display (3840 x 2160). According to the sources, a standalone Apple TV set could launch by the end of this year, but it is more likely that Apple decides to unveil it in early 2014.

The sources said that Apple and Foxconn Electronics have been in discussions for quite some time in terms of the TV’s mass production schedule, but that Apple has been considering where panel supply for the TV will come from, as Ultra HD TV panel makers, most of whom are based in Taiwan, are expected to be producing at nearly full capacity in 2013 in order to meet demand from China-based TV vendors.

The sources added that Apple is banking on LG Display to be able to mass produce Ultra HD TV panels by the second half of the year.

According to Digitimes, the upcoming Apple HDTV will also feature voice and motion control functions.

Find more on a long-awaited Apple TV set.

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Getting the most out of XBMC on your Apple TV is a difficult thing to do. Whether watching the latest movies, looking to stream last nights TV episodes, listening to music on Pandora, or playing video games on your Apple TV 1 or Apple TV2, XBMC has the ability to handle the job. But wait, there’s more! What most people tend to overlook is that XBMC goes far beyond a stand alone media center. With this software installed you can use your Apple TV as a social media hub, a torrent controller, a Nintendo gaming console, or even the front end of an NZB client.

Though all these things can be added to your Apple TV with relative ease, almost nobody takes advantage of these features because it is located in a section that is often overlooked. The Programs category, within XBMC, is a treasure trove of software waiting to expand and multiply the level of enjoyment you get out of your little black box.

Most of these tools are available to you within the official XBMC repo. This comes preinstalled when you put XBMC on your Apple TV, meaning you need only go to the appropriate section and choose “Get More!” If you want even more, you can find countless others, and support for these add ons, by visiting forums.xbmc.org, as well as checking out the Fusion Installer from XBMC HUB. Below I am providing a somewhat-complete list of program add-ons. Simply read through the list below and see if anything grabs your attention. If it does, install and enjoy!

PROGRAM ADD-ONS

• Add-on:Advanced Launcher
• Add-on:Advanced Wake On Lan
• Add-on:Akinator.com
• Add-on:Artist Slideshow
• Add-on:Artwork Downloader
• Add-on:Artwork Organizer
• Add-on:XBMC Audio Mixer
• Add-on:Blind Player XBMC Script
• Add-on:Bootable Disk Wizard
• Add-on:CdART Manager
• Add-on:Commands
• Add-on:Executor
• Add-on:Extrafanart Downloader
• Add-on:Facebook Media
• Add-on:Forum Browser
• Add-on:Launcher
• Add-on:Linphonec
• Add-on:Logo Downloader
• Add-on:MAME Frontend
• Add-on:Mavi
• Add-on:MCERemote
• Add-on:Movie Quiz
• Add-on:MultiroomAudio
• Add-on:MyMediaDB
• Add-on:Network-Manager
• Add-on:On-My.TV Listings
• Add-on:PseudoTV
• Add-on:PyDev Predefined Completions Creator
• Add-on:Rom Collection Browser
• Add-on:RSS Client
• Add-on:RSS Editor
• Add-on:Reorient
• Add-on:SABnzbd
• Add-on:ShareThe.TV
• Add-on:Skin news script
• Add-on:Gomiso
• Add-on:SpeedFan Information Display
• Add-on:Statistics gathering for scraping GSoC 2012
• Add-on:Transmission
• Add-on:TV Guide
• Add-on:TV Show – Next Aired
• Add-on:TVRage-Eps
• Add-on:TvTunes
• Add-on:UTorrent
• Add-on:Wake On Lan
• Add-on:Web Viewer
• Add-on:WhatTheMovie
• Add-on:XBMAL
• Add-on:XBMC Backup
• Add-on:XBMC File Cleaner
• Add-on:XBMC Library Auto Update
• Add-on:XBMC Log Uploader
• Add-on:XBMC PBX Addon
• Add-on:XSqueeze
• Add-on:Global Search
• Add-on:Gmail Checker
• Add-on:IBeLight
• Add-on:JDownloader

Read also:
XBMC on Apple TV: How to navigate XBMC’s menus options
Top 10 best XBMC addons for Apple TV 1 and Apple TV 2
Supercharge your current XBMC installation with XBMC Hub Wizard

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Do you want to feel like a wizard? Check the Kymera wand in Amazon: You can control your Apple TV waving a wand!

Now that we are able to officially pair Bluetooth keyboards with our Apple TVs, the question quickly becomes: what are the best Bluetooth keyboards to use? Well, after searching the highest highs, the lowest lows, and everywhere in between we believe we have compiled a list of the best options, and great choices, for every preference out there.

Granted, you may be thinking to yourself that all keyboards are the same but the fact is that there are a wide verity of options out there. Each options is designed with your preferences in mind. So, ask yourself if you like minimal design or the busy looking? Do like small keyboards or large keyboards? Do you love official Apple gear or do you prefer other brands? Whatever your preference is, we have found the keyboard for you.

Let’s start with the actual choices provided to us from Apple themselves, and move on from there:

APPLE WIRELESS KEYBOARD – From $51

For use with your Mac, iOS devices, and now your Apple TV, this sleek, completely cable-free aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard uses Bluetooth technology, so you’re free to move the keyboard just about anywhere within range and wirelessly type away. Use the Apple Wireless Keyboard on your desk, on your lap, or anywhere within 30 feet of your Apple TV. Also, worth mentioning, this compact design takes up 24 percent less space on your desktop than full-size keyboards.

ANKER ULTRA SLIM KEYBOARD – From $18.68

For those of you who love the look and feel of the Apple Keyboards, but are not fans of the prices, this is the best option for you. This device offers all the functionality of the smaller Apple OEM keyboard at a fraction of the price. This keyboard offers great battery life and great performance for your Apple TV.

ANKER ULTRA SLIM KEYBOARD (BLACK) – From $18.39

If you love the Apple look, but wish they had a keyboard to match your Apple TV, this is the best option for you. Notice one key difference with this device, this keyboard comes in a beautiful matte black finish. This device offers all the functionality of the smaller Apple OEM keyboard at a fraction of the price. This keyboard offers great battery life and great performance for your Apple TV.

LOGITECH BLUETOOTH ILLUMINATED KEYBOARD – From $67.63

Stylish sleek innovative nearly-full-size portable Bluetooth keyboard easily switches between 3 devices. This can include your Apple TV, your tablet, and even your phone, no matter what the operating system. The best feature here is likely the use of backlighting. Now you can see what you are typing in the dark.

LOGITECH WIRELESS SOLAR KEYBOARD – From $44.99

The keyboard is continually powered and charged by any light—even the one on your desk. Fully powered, you can type on it for at least three months—even in complete darkness. You get a familiar layout with all the keys you expect—Command, Brightness, Eject keys and more.

MICROSOFT CURVED BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD – From $18.67

Compact comfort. Clean lines. Stay comfortable and productive with this sleek Bluetooth keyboard. Exclusively for Bluetooth computers and devices – no transceivers to connect or lose. This device has a unique design with a winged, or curved, keyboard. For those of you looking for an ergonomic approach to typing from your lap, this may be the keyboard for you.

MICROSOFT WEDGE BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD – From $39.95

The new, ultra-slim Wedge Mobile Keyboard was designed for Windows 7 and Windows 8 tablet users who are constantly on the go, but it also works with iPads, iPhones, iPods, and of course your Apple TV. Its thin, lightweight design makes it easy to carry, while the full-sized, soft-touch keyset provides a comfortable, efficient typing experience that makes using it a breeze.

PERIXX PERIBOARD-804 BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD - From $31.57

Compatible and mapping with your Apple TV, Microsoft OS, iOS, and Android devices. PERIBOARD-804 is an ideal Bluetooth keyboard for your tablet PC and Smart Phone. With its portable size and light weight, you can easily carry it together with your tablet or smart phone on the go. Works within a 30ft range.

iKROSS BLUETOOTH WIRELESS SILICONE KEYBOARD - From $25.99

Brand new bluetooth wireless keyboard with a foldable design allows you to carry your device anywhere. It is small, light, and easy to store, waterproof and easy to clean. The keyboard is powered by a built-in rechargeable battery. Recharge your battery by connecting the provided USB cable to PC or laptop. This support Bluetooth v2.0 and will work great with your Apple TV. Note: this is best for hard surfaces, not a great option for lap type’rs.

SATECHI MINI KEYBOARD – From $39.99

Satechi ST-K100 is a wireless Bluetooth mini keyboard and integrated mouse. Sleek and slim design fits comfortably in your hands and allows for easy typing with its precise keys. Designed to work with your Bluetooth-HID-enabled iOS or Android SmartPhone, Tablet, HTPC or PS3 – no software installation – no cables to keep track of, simply turn on the Bluetooth on your device and connect via Bluetooth.

(This article is also available in Spanish / Este artículo también está disponible en español)

Visit What's on iPhone for the best iPad and iPhone app reviews!
Do you want to feel like a wizard? Check the Kymera wand in Amazon: You can control your Apple TV waving a wand!

It was not long ago that we shared the news regarding Apple officially activating its Bluetooth hardware, via the 5.2 update, on their Apple TV 2 and Apple TV 3 devices. Though it seems that support is limited to Bluetooth keyboards, not Bluetooth remotes, only time will tell if Apple has a line of new peripherals on the way for us all. As exciting as the news is, having Bluetooth capabilities does no good if users are unsure/unable to utilize these features.

We also want to remind those of you that own an Apple TV 1, the silver box, that this guide will not pertain to your device as you have no Bluetooth hardware enabled by default. If you own an Apple TV 1, and would like Bluetooth support, you will need to look into other LINUX-based options (see our guide on installing openELEC) paired with Bluetooth dongles.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Bluetooth keyboard
2. Apple TV remote (hardware or software)
3. Apple TV (2nd or 3rd generation) updated to the latest 5.2 firmware
4. A desire for your media center to have additional awesomeness

LIMITATIONS (according to Apple)

1. Bluetooth support on Apple TV is for keyboards only. Headsets, speakers, and other devices are not supported.
2. If you are having difficultly connecting or using a third-party Bluetooth keyboard, contact the manufacturer to verify that it is compatible with Apple products and Apple TV.
3. The original Apple Wireless Keyboard (2003), that features a white case and uses four AA batteries, is not compatible.

PAIRING

The first thing we need to do, as is the case when using any Bluetooth devices, is “pair” our hardware. Pairing is simply the process of connecting the two devices to each other, therein allowing them to communicate with each other.

1) From your main menu, navigate to the Settings -> General -> Bluetooth

3) At this point, let’s go ahead and turn on the keyboard and set it in “pairing mode”

5) You will immediately see the word “Bluetooth” at the top of your screen with the word “Searching” next to it.

6) In a matter of seconds you should see your Bluetooth keyboard’s name pop up on your Apple TV.

7) Using the Apple TV remote, click on the name that represents your Bluetooth keyboard.

8) You are now met with a sequence of 4 numbers: type these IN ORDER on your keyboard.

9) Congratulations, your keyboard is now paired with your Apple TV.

HOW TO USE

Now that your keyboard is paired with your Apple TV, everything can be controlled by either the keyboard or your Apple TV remote. So, let’s assume that you now want to put away your remote and control your system via the keyboard – here are the basic keys that you would be looking for:

You can use your keyboard to:

• Enter text and other information (search, email addresses, passwords, and so on)
• Navigate Apple TV menus using the arrow, Return, and Escape keys
• Navigate recently updated aTV Flash (black)
• Jump to an item, title, or name on the screen by typing the first few letters (for example, when viewing your music collection, you can type a song title or artist name to jump to it in the list)
• Use media controls when playing music and video to play or pause content and select previous or next.

Volume, brightness, and other controls are not available for Apple TV. Apple TV uses the U.S. English keyboard layout regardless of the keyboard’s hardware layout.

DISCONNECTING

If you want to stop using your keyboard or disconnect it from the Apple TV:

• Select Settings -> General -> Bluetooth
• Select your keyboard and then select “Forget this device”

(This article is also available in Spanish / Este artículo también está disponible en español)

Visit What's on iPhone for the best iPad and iPhone app reviews!
Do you want to feel like a wizard? Check the Kymera wand in Amazon: You can control your Apple TV waving a wand!

You may recall that Apple TV Hacks broke some news for you last week regarding that fact that HBO was in talks with Apple regarding the idea of getting HBO GO on your Apple TV. Well, it would seem that, for now, the company’s answer is AirPlay. HBO’s Eric Kessler announced, at AllThingsD’s Dive Into Media Conference on Tuesday, that his company is finally enabling AirPlay on the HBO Go app. He also said that a dedicated Apple TV app will be added “at some point.”

HBO Go is a free offering included with a paid subscription to HBO. As of yet, there is no word of a standalone pricing plan, so if you don’t already have access to HBO, you are still out of luck. That said, this could change at any moment. HBO is clearly making moves to accommodate this new method of consuming media.

Let’s hope a standalone Apple TV app comes soon. Yes, we now have HBO on the ATV, but I would have greatly preferred an app  like its competitors Hulu Plus, Netflix, YouTube, and the Wall Street Journal. Frustrating as it may be, this will add to the ever expanding content being made available on the Apple TV.

The updated HBO GO app will work on devices running iOS 6 and above, as well as Apple TV with firmware version 5.1.1 or later. Cinemax’s MAX GO app was also updated with the same capabilities.

Visit What's on iPhone for the best iPad and iPhone app reviews!
Do you want to feel like a wizard? Check the Kymera wand in Amazon: You can control your Apple TV waving a wand!