Good news for Apple iOS users who happen have recently purchased a 2019 LG AI TV: The company announced Tuesday that Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit will be available to use in their big-screen sets via a firmware release that starts July 25th.
LG said the update will begin downloading to qualifying LG 2019 AI TVs, which have been set to auto firmware updating. It will mark LG as “the first global TV manufacturer to support HomeKit,” the company said.
The models getting the update include all 2019 LG OLED TVs, NanoCell TVs and 4K UHD TVs with ThinQ AI capability, the company said.
“With AirPlay 2, LG 2019 AI TV owners can effortlessly stream content — including Dolby Vision titles – from iPhone, iPad and Mac straight to their TV sets. Users can stream their favorite movies and television shows from the Apple TV app and other video apps as well as view photos directly on their LG AI TVs. Users can also play Apple Podcasts, Apple Music and music from their library or other streaming services through their LG AI TV and other AirPlay 2-compatible speakers in their home at the same time – all in sync,” according to a company statement announcing the update.
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HomeKit enables users to control their HomeKit-enabled smart home devices with the Home app or via Siri on their Apple devices. LG said its AI TVs can be easily setup in the Home app, from which users can access basic TV functions such as power, volume and source. LG AI TVs can also be added to scenes or automations along with other HomeKit accessories.
Users will also be able to wirelessly relay photos, video and music from their iOS device to the TV screen.
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With HomeKit, Apple devices will control connected smart lightbulbs, locks and thermostats without the need to access a separate app for each operation. Users can also control and check on a device using spoken commands through the Siri voice control digital assistant platform.
LG AI TVs are also controllable by other voice control platforms including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and LG’s own proprietary platform allowing deeper operation of TV menus, settings and searches.
LG said the firmware update will begin rolling starting this week to a total of 140 countries.
Users will need to be running iOS 12.4 on their iPhones and iPads in order to operate the news features with AirPlay2.
When it first announced support last spring, LG was one of the first TV manufacturers to reveal compatibility with AirPlay 2 in a television set.
Since then, Samsung has already started rolling out AirPlay 2 updates newer model sets and was the first to support the Apple TV app. Vizio reportedly has been beta testing AirPlay 2 and HomeKit in SmartCast-enabled TVs.
By Greg Tarr
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