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Sony Smart TV Software Update Brings AirPlay 2 and HomeKit Support to Select 2018 and 2019 Models
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But it is only incoming airplay - can’t broadcast to HomePod or out to any other airplay devices
Wish they would make these updates to their 2017 models 
I'd subscribe to apple TV if they did. I don't have enough inputs to get the apple TV box, no room left after my cable box, xbox and sound bar. So for me it's an app or nothing
I'd subscribe to apple TV if they did. I don't have enough inputs to get the apple TV box, no room left after my cable box, xbox and sound bar. So for me it's an app or nothing
Have a separate AppleTV box and keep your smart tv off the internet.
It’s better for your privacy this way.
It’s better for your privacy this way.
Yep - this is a trojan horse that the TV set industry is setting up, and I'm a bit surprised Apple is playing along with it.
Once you connect your "smart" TV to the Internet to get that sweet sweet HomeKit and Airplay2, well, your data will start leaking at a horrendous rate.
Most manufacturers are running at razor-thin margins, and the revenue from collecting your data - which then then sell off - is what keeps many afloat.
Vizio got caught doing this, but they all do it.
Edited to add just one link, easily found: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernar...ing-advanced-big-data-analytics/#345e5bbb3a4f
Wow, they want to know my watching habbits - shock horror!!
Why is "My (precious) Data" so important to anyone under the age of 35?
Its not like they get your credit card, bank account number and photo ID to freely share around the internet. I'm sure of those pople complainng about data stealing actually share more over social media/dating apps etc than any of these ruthless companies like Apple take whan I decided to play 'I Want to break free' by Queen at 7.21pm an a Wednesday evening.
While I generally agree with that, Homekit support is a little bit more than just adding an Apple TV.
One of the most annoying things about the Apple TV is that it has no internal volume control. Using the AppleTV remote it’s irrelevant since the remote has an IR blaster and the volume buttons will adjust your TV’s volume. But if you’re using the remote on your iOS device or casting with AirPlay you need to now hunt down a remote to modify volume. With homekit enabled TV’s you can now control that stuff from your phone – allowing your phone to fully function as a universal remote.
Personally, I think the moral is to look at which manufacturers handle updates properly (eg Vizio) and buy accordingly. Why should Sony care about changing if people ignore their poor after purchase support.
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I would argue it's embarrassing because a little company like Vizio can backport this to almost every TV they've sold in the last several years.
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Agreed. Smart TVs are really not an alternative. They stop receiving software updates after one or two years, don't have anywhere near the same selection of apps, their UIs aren't as good, and they have been caught violating their customer's privacy.
In the old days I could just pick a dumb tv that is easy on the wallet and I can safely ignore the smart gimmick that costs premium. Then I use the excess money toward apple tv, or roku box so that it‘s updated and supported for much longer. Or buy only the tv box if it’s already too old.
My kind of TV only had two jobs; switch on/off AND display a great picture with great contrast and inky black (plasma or OLED).
I dont need my tv to be smart. Hell I dont need my TV to have a built in speakers because I plug all my devices to AV receiver. Everytime.
Sad that today’s tv filled with crap that will stop being updated after a year or two, regardless of the price.
My kind of TV only had two jobs; switch on/off AND display a great picture with great contrast and inky black (plasma or OLED).
I dont need my tv to be smart. Hell I dont need my TV to have a built in speakers because I plug all my devices to AV receiver. Everytime.
Sad that today’s tv filled with crap that will stop being updated after a year or two, regardless of the price.
While the news was fake, Apple TV app coming to more platforms is not. From Apple's press release:
Apple told the press end of 2019 availability, but aside from Samsung, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku, Apple TV app remains missing on LG, Sony, and VIZIO.
I bought the same XBR 900 F
Obviously the F is a meaningful letter here. They should name it the XBR 900 FU
Evidentially 1800.00 for a tv isn’t enough for any future proofing. Realistically my Apple 4K does a better job than Sony’s crap software would do anyway.
while I’m on this thread I would like to also mention that Sony’s hdmi Dolby digital handshake has serious issues with my Apple TV.
It will work and then all of the sudden I get flickering. I’ve purchased HDMI cables that are very expensive and support the highest GBS . Anybody know why this is happening?
It’s typically while trying to run Dolby Vision at 60 hz
For those that have AirPlay 2 capable TV, I strongly recommend installing THX Tune-Up iOS app. The app looks outdated, but it has 5 useful patterns many of which use the iPhone/iPad's camera, to help you get more accurate brightness, contrast, color, and tint settings.
Don't they have weaker processors though?
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How do you not see how a dedicated hardware device would be more capable than the menu of your display?
This is why I hate the smart TV trend. Not only do devices lose support way too soon but they're also throwing advertising at us in addition to spying on our viewing habits.
Yup, LG is the only manufacturer to add AirPlay support that *WON'T* be adding it to 2018 models. (Frickin' Vizio is adding it to TVs as far back as 2016 models! Vizio!) I hope that Apple at least adds an AppleTV app to LG's "app store" the way Disney just did, since Apple is planning on adding it to various non-AppleTV-devices soon.
For those confused why their TV is not getting the update, this update only works on Sony TVs with the X1 Ultimate chipset. That's why last year's A9F is getting it but not this year's A8G.
At any rate, I agree with those above. Just use an Apple TV (or any external streaming box) over the built in smart OS. I use an Apple TV with my A9F and a Fire TV 4K with my LG B6 and would never go back to the built in apps. They lack features and are not supported well. Not to mention the security risks of storing all of your login credentials on it.
At any rate, I agree with those above. Just use an Apple TV (or any external streaming box) over the built in smart OS. I use an Apple TV with my A9F and a Fire TV 4K with my LG B6 and would never go back to the built in apps. They lack features and are not supported well. Not to mention the security risks of storing all of your login credentials on it.