Apple has today released tvOS 15.5.1 and HomePod software 15.5.1.
While we do not currently know what's included in tvOS 15.5.1, Apple's release notes for HomePod software 15.5.1, via MacRumors mentions a fix for an issue that caused music to stop playing after a short time.
As these updates appear to have been released to address a small number of specific issues, our expectation is that they do not contain any accessibility changes for blind and low vision users; however, if you notice any changes, improvements or regressions in your own use of these releases, please post a comment with your findings.
How to update
To install tvOS 15.5.1, on Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, go to the Settings channel, then look for the System section near the bottom. From here, look for Software Updates under Maintenance, then select Update Software and Download and Install. Wait for your Apple TV to download the update. Don't disconnect or unplug your Apple TV until the update completes.
More information on how to update the software on your Apple TV is available on this Apple Support page.
By default, HomePod and HomePod mini automatically install new software updates, but you can manually check for updates in the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac. See this Apple support article for full instructions.
Comments
Help Needed With Apple TV Remote Latest Edition
First thing this morning, I noticed that Apple has added a new category in the music app called videos. When I turned on the Apple TV 4K, newest edition, I also discovered that the remote isn't functioning the same as it was yesterday. Any navigating on the touch pad makes everything click, which it didn't before. Navigation sometimes only allows me to go left and right. I use the clickpoad with both the click and touch options active so I can use whichever I'm in the mood for. Turning this to only click doesn't make navigation any easier. Pressing the enter key or middle of the navigation circle to enter on something now usually requires me to double click it, if it works at all.
I checked for new software update and nothing available. I completely powered down the system and brought it back, but nothing. Simply turned off VO and brought it back, but still no change. It also seems like landmarks are now on, but I don't recall if this is the default or not. I cannot find anywhere in the settings to turn this off. Trying to disable landmarks on the remote didn't work. I'm wondering if this has something to do with my difficulties with navigation but unable to figure it out for certain, since I'm unable to turn landmarks off.
If anyone has some ideas I would certainly appreciate the help. The remote is very difficult to use right now. I have searched this site and the web, in hopes of some help but found nothing.
Re: Help Needed With Apple TV Remote Latest Edition
Roxann:
I am also running the 4K edition with the latest TV OS and have not experienced this behavior. Several months ago, my remote did become very sluggish, but this was a previous version of TV OS. The only way I found to fix this issue was to factory reset the AppleTV. Logging in to all my streaming apps again was kind of a pain, but this did resolve the remote issue I was experiencing. So, you may want to give this a try as I don't think it is a problem with the current version of TV OS.
Hope this helps.
Jim
Re: Help Needed With Apple TV Remote Latest Edition
Hello Jim. thanks for getting back to me. What I can't understand is why the remote worked as expected yesterday but not today, when I made no changes.
Do you know how to turn off the landmarks thing? I can't think why this may be an issue, but I am willing to try just about anything. Seriously don't want to reset if not necessary.
Thanks for any additional suggestions.