Launched this new version on May 18, tvOS 16.5 is now available on Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD. tvOS 16.5 brings at least two exciting new features to your Apple TV. One, confirmed by Apple, allows an administrator to pair and add Matter accessories. The other, called multi view or multi-window, allows you to view up to four video streams at the same time for compatible sports content.
On the one hand, regarding the first of the novelties, iClarified has confirmed that tvOS 16.5 enables Matter support over Thread 1.3, Great news for those of us who are fans of home automation. And since tvOS is now also compatible with the HomePod, we could infer that HomePod software 16.5 also offers compatibility with Matter 1.3 on Thread for speakers with Siri. Previously, Thread support was limited to version 1.2.
What Thread 1.3 does that version 1.2 does not do is unite what are known as “border routers”, which they connect Thread-based networks to existing networks.
What does this mean? that with Thread 1.3, a Matter-enabled device can join the user’s home network and function on a Thread network. You may not even need to buy a Thread router, but chances are you already have one, because Apple TV 4K, HomePod, and HomePod mini all work as smart home Thread routers.
On the other hand, multi-window feature is available for sports content such as MLS (Major League Soccer) games, Friday Night Baseball games, MLS and MLB live shows, etc. Also tvOS 16.5 gives you the possibility to switch between quad screen and split screen views, choose a stream to focus on, choose the home and away radio signal for matches, quickly return to full screen view, etc. But beware, what this feature is not supported on Apple TV HD, only 4K.
Do you find these news interesting? we will see above all when Apple can integrate more sports broadcasts outside the United States and we can (dream about it) have several football league games at the same time because Apple buys their rights in the not too distant future.