Bluetooth keyboard support appears to be heading to your Apple TV

The upcoming iOS 5 software has pretty clear indications of support for Bluetooth keyboards for the second generation Apple TV. 9to5Mac reports that several hints of keyboard support are embedded in the code for iOS 5. It would be a welcome update.

Using the little stick remote that comes with the Apple TV for entering text is like descending through the levels of hell in a Bosch painting. The Apple Remote app for iOS certainly helps, and allows you to use your iPhone or iPad keyboard to enter searches, but full keyboard support would be a great way to go, especially for Apple TV owners who don't have iOS devices.

The Apple TV hardware has a Bluetooth chip on the motherboard that has been silently waiting for activation. If the feature does appear, it could also open the door to other devices like game controllers if Apple allows iOS games and other apps on the Apple TV.

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Source: http://9to5mac.com/2011/07/12/apple-tv-to-gain-bluetooth-key…

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The upcoming iOS 5 software has pretty clear indications of support for Bluetooth keyboards for the second generation Apple TV. 9to5Mac...

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Matthias Ringwald

BTstack Keyboard for ATV (JB-only) has been out for half a year. A mention would have been nice.

July 14 2011 at 5:00 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Martin.TJM

It would also be nice if the AppleTv supported a webcam for FaceTime conferencing instead of AirPlay with another iOS device...

July 14 2011 at 12:56 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

DCM

The BT might also allow using the TouchPad with the AppleTV. That could be useful for folks who don't have an iOS device.

I'm also excited for apps to come to it. The ABC, 60 Minutes App, etc... would be very useful.

July 13 2011 at 8:22 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Drew

I can't wait for the App Store to come to the Apple TV. And the killer app for me.....iTunes.

Seriously, and iTunes app that can reference a iTunes DB on an attached USB drive, network drive, time capsule or the iCloud would be great. It's a PITA trying to keep at a machine running iTunes running constrantly, with up-to-date media etc. I want that tiny little always-on box to be my home iTunes sharing server. Simple.

July 13 2011 at 6:10 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to Drew's comment

Cy Starkman

The killer app for me will be safari, followed by the AppStore.

Apple TV + keyboard + pointer + monitor = $250 web box

The mac mini of the iOS line. The demise of white box PC

July 13 2011 at 8:47 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Mike

So doesn't anyone wonder why Apple is distributing 'developer' beta releases of AppleTV? I can't wait for the app store on ATV.

July 13 2011 at 5:56 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Brian

God, autocorrect is a bitch sometimes! This is what I meant to write:

"The picture is very misleading... Anybody who doesn't have one, seeing one for the first time here thinks the AppleTV is he size of a Mini Cooper!"

July 13 2011 at 5:48 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Brian

The picture is very misleading... Nobody who doesn't have one, seeing one for the frost time thinks the AppleTV is the size of a Mini Cooper!

July 13 2011 at 5:46 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Nick Powers

"This just in...Casey Anthony acquitted on nearly all charges..."

I'm forever astounded by the delay in reporting by TUAW. Here's a good rule of thumb: if the other blogs have reported on it close to 24 hours ago, everyone likely already knows. Not worth reporting. Keep up or keep out of the way.

July 13 2011 at 4:09 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Jonathan Ober

this is going to be a good addition, considering I have a keyboard laying around waiting to be used for something other than a dust collector. I got it with an iMac that I sold and the person who bought it had a blue tooth he was going to use. Anyways I think iOS games are just inevitable for the TV...although they would have to be streaming to play right? There isn't any on board storage for the TV right?

July 13 2011 at 4:02 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to Jonathan Ober's comment