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

UPDATE: Although it has been confirmed by @MuscleNerd that evasi0n would support Apple TV 2, it seems that it doesn’t. Based on earlier news from evad3rs team, we believed their jailbreak was compatible with Apple TV 2 when publishing the below post just a few minutes after evasi0n went live. We are very sorry for causing confusion. We now have to wait for Seas0nPass to be updated with iOS 6.x support for Apple TV 2. We believe it won’t take long.

UPDATE 2: How to jailbreak Apple TV 2 5.2 (iOS 6.1) using Seas0nPass (untethered; Mac & Windows)

Evad3rs, a group of four top iOS hackers (@pod2g, @musclenerd, @pimskeks and @planetbeing) has just released a long-awaited evasi0n jailbreak for all iDevices running iOS 6.0 through 6.1, that include Apple TV 2 running software version 5.1, 5.1.1 or the latest 5.2. This is an untethered jailbreak, meaning you will be able to reboot your Apple TV without attaching it to a computer. Evasi0n jailbreak doesn’t support Apple TV 3 (however, there is some hope that it will in the future).

Here are the direct download links:

• evasi0n jailbreak for Mac OS X
• evasi0n jailbreak for Windows
• evasi0n jailbreak for Linux

Official mirrors.

Requirements:

• 5 minutes of your time
• A computer running Windows (XP minimum), Mac OS X (10.5 minimum) or Linux (x86 / x86_64)
• An Apple TV 2 running iOS 6.0 through 6.1 (Apple TV firmware 5.1 through 5.2)
• A micro USB cable to connect ATV to the computer

Apple TV 2 running iOS 5.x (atv software version 5.0.2 and earlier) can be jailbroken using Seas0npass.

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!