Posted Mon Jun 4, 2018 at 01:45 PM PDT by Steven Cohen
Dolby Atmos support will be added to Apple's media player later this year.
Apple has announced plans to add Dolby Atmos audio support to the Apple TV 4K. The feature will be part of the upcoming free tvOS 12 update which is set arrive this fall.
Once updated, the Apple TV 4K will become the only streaming media player on the market that is both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos certified. Likewise, iTunes will offer the industry's largest library of Dolby Atmos-supported movies. And just as Apple provides free 4K HDR upgrades to iTunes titles that customers already own, Dolby Atmos audio mixes will also be available for no extra charge on supported films. With that said, it's not yet clear whether other apps like VUDU and Netflix will also offer Dolby Atmos via the Apple TV 4K. Dolby Atmos is an immersive, object-based audio technology that can add overhead audio to supported content and sound systems through ceiling speakers or Dolby Atmos speakers with upward firing drivers.
The Apple TV 4K utilizes the A10X Fusion chip and offers 4K playback capabilities at up to 60 frames per second with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 content. In addition, the device includes 4K scaling for HD sources, Siri voice search, iCloud support for media sharing, standard AirPlay capabilities, and the ability to serve as a smart home hub for HomeKit accessories with remote access and automated control. Apple TV 4K models are now available in 32GB ($179) and 64GB ($199) versions.
Beyond Dolby Atmos support, the upcoming tvOS 12 update will also provide several additional features, including a zero sign-on option for all supported pay-TV apps; new aerial screensavers; the ability to autoFill passwords from iPhone and iPad; Apple TV Remote support via the Control Center on iPhone or iPad; and Apple TV compatibility with Home control systems like Control4, Crestron and Savant.
Source: Apple
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