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)

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The FireCore team’s aTV Flash software, known as “black”, has recently been updated to version 2.2. This update incorporates support for Apple’s latest 5.2 software update (iOS 6.1), which officialy opened up support for Bluetooth devices to pair with your Apple TV. This is very exciting for those of you who had accidentally, or perhaps purposely, updated your black boxes in the past weeks. For those of you who have not yet updated your device, you need to consider one important question prior to clicking that software update option. The question before you is simply: “do I use Plex, Remote HD, Rowmote, or XBMC on my Apple TV?” If your answer is yes you may want to hold off on the Apple update as Apple’s latest software update also breaks these tools. We are sure this will be fixed, but as of now any Apple TV running 5.1 or higher will not have access to the items listed above.

That aside, aTV Flash (black) 2.2 has some exciting features for those of us already on the latest update. They have managed to integrate the Bluetooth keyboard functionality into all of their special features and additions to iOS. This means you get a fell keyboard experience while surfing the web, navigating their menus, and searching for content.

Other things we will see in aTV Flash (black) 2.2 update:

• Minor improvements to backups
• Minor improvements to DVD playback
• A handful of other bug fixes and improvements

WHAT DOESN’T WORK

3rd party plugins such as:

• XBMC
• Plex
• Remote HD
• Rowmote

are not yet compatible with the 5.1+ Apple TV software.

@thomashw, the developer of Plex client for Apple TV, has already confirmed on Plex forum that he will work on getting Plex working on the latest Apple TV software.

XBMC Developer Memphiz said on XBMC forum that the team is “trying their best” to make XBMC running on Apple TV 5.2. XBMC now available on iOS 6.1 for Apple TV

WHAT WORKS

Taking a look at the features/tools that typically comes with aTV Falsh (black), and subtracting the third-party software options/tools which are broken by Apple’s 5.1+ update, we are left with the follow list:

• AirControl
• Couch Surfer Pro
• Last.fm
• Maintenance
• Media Player
• RSS Player
• RSS Feeds
• Weather

HOW TO UPDATE

aTV Flash (black) 2.2 is compatible with any and all ATV2s running a minimum of 4.4 and up, so updating to 5.2 is not required. However, if you are wondering what the best way is to update, who better to listen to then the FireCore team themselves:

1. Backup your settings through the Maintenance > Manage Backups menu.
2. Run the latest version of Seas0nPass to update the Apple TV to 5.2.
3. Download and install the new 2.2 version of aTV Flash (black).
4. Install any desired items through the Maintenance > Manage Extras menu.
5. Restore the previously saved settings through the Maintenance > Manage Backups menu.
   
6. That’s it!

If you’re not yet using aTV Flash (black) you can get started here.

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Following the last week’s release of evasi0n iOS 6.0-6.1 jailbreak, FireCore has updated its Seas0nPass to provide an untethered jailbreak for Apple TV 2 running the latest 5.2 (iOS 6.1) firmware. Released in January, Apple TV software update 5.2  for the 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TV added Bluetooth keyboard support, iTunes in the Cloud and AirPlay audio for videos.

Some 3rd party plugins such as Plex, Remote HD and Rowmote are not yet compatible with the 5.1+ Apple TV software. The developer of Plex client is already working on getting its plugin working on the latest Apple TV firmware.

Update: XBMC now available on iOS 6.1 for Apple TV

aTV Flash (black) has also been updated and now supports Apple TV 5.2.

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

Here is a step by step tutorial on how to untether jailbreak Apple TV 2 5.2 using Seas0nPass:

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.

Step 6: iTunes will confirm the restore when complete – your Apple TV is now jailbroken.

Note: To confirm the jailbreak was successful a (temporary) red FC logo will appear in the lower right corner of the screen – as shown below.

Enjoy!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ for the latest updates on Apple TV 3 jailbreak status.

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FireCorehas just announced on its forum that they are “hard at work” on a new version of Seas0nPassthat takes advantage of the evasi0n jailbreak. They expect to have it available “soon”.

aTV Flash (black) seems to be almost ready for 5.2 but there is still a lot of work ahead for the developers of other Apple TV software/plugins:

Please keep in mind that while the FireCore plugins will work on Apple TV 5.1, a few minor adjustments (which are currently in progress) are needed to ensure things continue to run smoothly on Apple TV 5.2. Things like Plex and XBMC do not yet work on Apple TV 5.1 and later, and will likely require A LOT of work by their respective developers in order to be compatible.

@thomashw, the developer of Plex client for Apple TV, has already confirmed on Plex forum that he will work on getting Plex working on the latest Apple TV software.

You can jailbreak your Apple TV 2 running software version 5.2 using recently updated Sn0wbreeze 2.9.8 but jailbreaking is a bit pointless at this moment as most of the plugins are still not combatible with the latest Apple TV firmware.

We will let you know once any of ATV tweaks/plugins is updated for iOS 6 and available.

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This time we didn’t write a word on a new jailbreak until we had everything double checked. And so, as we have just jailbroken our Apple TV 2 running 5.2 firmware, we can now confirm that the recently updated Sn0wbreeze 2.9.8 does bring the untethered jailbreak for Apple TV 2 on iOS 6.x.

Most of the software like XBMC, aTV Flash (black), Plex, etc. is not yet compatible with Apple TV 5.1 – 5.2 and the device constantly crashes when attempting to install additional software from nitoTV, so we definitely don’t recommend updating to iOS 6.x.

Other known bug/issues:

• First boot on an AppleTV 2 for 5.1/5.2 firmwares has funky glitches. Should be fixed by updates pushed via repos.

If for some reason you still wan’t to update to iOS 6 and then jailbreak using Sn0wbreeze, you can download it from here (Windows only).

We will let you know once any of ATV tweaks/plugins is updated for iOS 6 and available.

Sn0wbreeze doesn’t support Apple TV 3.

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FireCore has updated its flagship software, aTV Flash (black) for Apple TV 2, to version 2.1. New aTV Flash includes a number of “highly requested features” (like TV Show Playlists or Custom Favorites) as well as bunch of other improvements and fixes.

TV Show Playlists
Now it’s easier than ever to pick up where you left off with your favorite show. After you decide which show to watch, simply hold the center button and choose the playlist option. That’s it! You’ll be taken to the first unwatched episode, and will continue playing until your run out of shows or your eyes turn into puffy white marshmallows, whichever comes first.

Super Customizable Favorites
Favorites provide a handy way to get to what you want as quickly as possible. They’re displayed right in the main menu, and just got a whole lot better in version 2.1. Need a quick link to season 4 of The Office? Check. How about having a list of celebration videos that contain the word word birthday? Done. With these new options for Favorites there’s really no limit on what you can do.

Full List of Changes

• NEW! TV Show Playlists – easily pick up from the last unwatched episode
• NEW! Custom Favorites – create favorites from almost anything, including search terms
• Big speed improvements while browsing movies/shows
• Library and Search items can now be hidden from main menu
• Now showing ‘Writers’ instead of ‘Producers’ on pre-playback screen
• .ite folders are now hidden from view
• Hidden files are no longer included in slideshows
• Better metadata fetching
• Better trakt syncing and scrobbling
• Better handling of network settings and errors
• Many search related improvements
• Many subtitle related improvements (special characters, performance, etc…)
• Fixed rare Last.fm scrobbling issue
• Fixed rare problems when playing audio files
• Fixed a few memory related issues
• iOS 6 support
• Many other bug fixes and improvements

If you’re already running a version of aTV Flash (black) the new 2.1 version can be installed through the Maintenance –> Manage Extras menu. Links for the new version can also be found in your FireCore account under the Downloads tab.

If you’re not yet using aTV Flash (black) you can get started here.

Here is a tutorial on how to install aTV Flash (black) on your jailbroken Apple TV 2.

IMPORTANT: aTV Flash 2.1 requires an ATV2 running Apple TV version 4.4 or later. It doesn’t work on the 3rd gen Apple TV. Once the Apple TV 3 jailbreak is available, your aTV Flash (black) license will cover both Apple TV 2 and Apple TV 3.

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The Apple TV 3 jailbreak isn’t out yet, but FireCore, the maker of Seas0nPass jailbreaking tool for Apple TV, has just shared some info on the status of this jailbreak:

As you may recall we were very optimistic about the ATV3 when it originally launched back in March, and while this optimism remains unchanged it’s clear things have not progressed as quickly as anyone would have liked. The biggest hurdle that has yet to be overcome is also the most essential – the jailbreak. While we tend to think of ourselves as pretty resourceful, the security related expertise that is required in order to release a jailbreak for iOS based devices like the ATV is just not in our wheelhouse, and we’re simply left to encourage the capable few as best we can. No one is more anxious than us to get the ATV3 opened up to 3rd party apps, but due to the reasons mentioned above we’re not able to provide any kind of release timeline right now.

Back in August we reported that there was a group of “very bright and talented individuals” working on “a lead that could result in a usable jailbreak for the 3rd gen Apple TV”.

At JailbreakCon 2012, nitoTV announced that there has been some progress made with the injection vector, but no further specifics were offered an no further details have been shared since then.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ to be first to know when the Apple TV 3 jailbreak comes out.

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If you have already checked out our list of Black Friday 2012 deals for your Apple TV, here comes another deal for your little black box: FireCore is offering a 25% discount on aTV flash (black) for Apple TV 2 and the rest of its products. The coupon code is “BLACKFRIDAY” and it’s good for 25% off starting today through midnight on Monday.

aTV Flash (black) is a collection of software that supercharges your Apple TV 2 turning it into a powerhouse of entertainment. It features a Media Player, web browser, last.fm integration, RSS reader, weather widget and lets you install XBMC, nitoTV, Remote HD and Plex client with just one click.

Note that once the Apple TV 3 jailbreak is available your aTV Flash (black) license will cover both Apple TV 2 and Apple TV 3.

More Black Friday 2012 deals:
Black Friday 2012 Best Deals For Apple TV
Best Black Friday Deals on iOS Apps
Black Friday 2012: Deals on iPhone, iPad and iPod Accessories!

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AppleInsider discoverd a growing thread at the Apple Support Communities website where users report issues after updating their Apple TVs (2nd and 3rd generation) to the latest Apple TV 5.1 software. It looks like many Apple TVs are getting bricked after running the update:

After running the software update option on the Apple TV, a number of users indicated that the hardware simply displayed a blinking light, while nothing but a black screen is shown on their HDTV. Others found that their Apple TV could no longer connect to their network after updating, rendering the streaming-centric device useless.

According to AppleInsider, manually downgrading the Apple TV software to version 5.0.2 has been discovered to work as a possible fix:

The process requires installing an IPSW restore file from Apple, plugging the Apple TV into a Mac or PC with a micro USB cable, and force restoring the software through iTunes.

Remember that if you’ve previously saved your Apple TV’s firmware signatures (SHSH blobs) using TinyUmbrella or aTV Flash (black), you can downgrade Apple TV 2 software using Seas0nPass.

Here are the IPSW restore files:

Apple TV 2:
http://appldnld.apple.com/AppleTV/041-4362.20120605.t8i4U/AppleTV2,1_5.0.2_9B830 _Restore.ipsw

Apple TV 3:
http://appldnld.apple.com/AppleTV/041-4361.20120605.grjot/AppleTV3,1_5.0.2_9B830 _Restore.ipsw

Apple TV software update 5.1 has been released on September 24, 2012. The biggest changes included support for Shared Photo Streams, the ability to switch between iTunes accounts and to send audio content from Apple TV to AirPlay-enabled speakers and devices

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We have recently reached 10000 likes on Facebook. Thank you so much for being with us there on Zuckenberg’s land! We thought the best to say „BIG THANKS“ is to run a small giveaway of:

• 2 sets of: AppleTVHacks T-Shirt + AppleTVHacks Sigg Water Bottle + AppleTVHacks Mug
• 5 copies of aTV Flash (black)
• 5 copies of AirParrot (for Mac or Windows)
• 5 copies of AirServer

We’ll be picking the winners from among those of you who comment on this facebook post, like it or share on their timelines.

The giveaway starts right now and ends on Sunday, September 2nd. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 4th.

Good luck!

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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!