Amazon TVs to Support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit

[MacRumors]

Amazon's Omni and 4-Series Fire TVs will support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit in a future update, the company has announced (via The Verge).

Amazon's Omni and 4-Series Omni TVs launch today, featuring 4K HDR, voice controls with Amazon Alexa, and close integration with the Fire TV user experience. Upon the launch of the new TVs, Amazon today announced that it plans to add support for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit "soon."

AirPlay 2 will allow users to easily play content from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to an Amazon TV, while HomeKit integration allows some of the TV's functions to be controlled from the Home app or with Siri.

Amazon first expressed interest in AirPlay 2 and HomeKit when it enabled these features on its 2020 model year "Fire TV Edition" TVs made by Toshiba and Insignia, but they are unavailable on standalone plug-in Fire TV streaming devices. Progressively more brands have been adding AirPlay 2 and HomeKit functionality in recent months, but it is still unavailable on most TV sets.

Article Link: Amazon TVs to Support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit

 

[joecomo]

this is good news - great to see Homekit and Airplay2 universally adopted.
That should also pave the way for thread and matter ...

 

[munpip214]

Wait Amazon makes TVs? I guess if they’re not at Costco I wouldn’t know ?

 

[4jasontv]

Amazon TV's are pretty decent for a dorm, home gym, garage, or kitchen. It wouldn't be my first choice for primary viewing but I wouldn't knock someone for getting one. This would be great for a friend of mine who regularly gets bored while watching TV.

 

[frumpy16]

this is good news - great to see Homekit and Airplay2 universally adopted.
That should also pave the way for thread and matter ...

“Will support” means it all could be an attempt at a headline but never actually come to fruition. I’m very skeptical.

 

[nutmac]

Amazon's Omni and 4-Series Omni TVs launch today, featuring 4K HDR, voice controls with Amazon Alexa, and close integration with the Fire TV user experience. Upon the launch of the new TVs, Amazon today announced that it plans to add support for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit "soon."

While Amazon's TVs can process HDR, they have very low peak brightness and no local dimming zones. By all practical intent and purpose, they are SDR TVs that can view HDR and Dolby Vision as SDR (just like non-XDR equipped iPads).

 

[jpsmith76]

If it is anything like their Ring Doorbell HomeKit support that has been "coming soon" forever, I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

[adampk17]

I'm trying to have less Amazon in my house, not more.

 

[kevinws]

Can I turn off Alexa and FireTV?

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

When you own MGM and all their content you make a TV. When your app is Apple TV with one or two new shows per month what do you do?

 

[chabig]

It wouldn't be my first choice for primary viewing but I wouldn't knock someone for getting one.

You're too kind. I'd definitely knock someone for getting one. Amazon ranks just behind behind Facebook in my list of trustworthy companies.

 

[KindJamz]

You're too kind. I'd definitely knock someone for getting one. Amazon ranks just behind behind Facebook in my list of trustworthy companies.

So you never shop at Amazon? Wow. I’d rather save a few $ and wait a day for it

I’m impressed. Your using your dollars to make a point

 

[sinsin07]

When you own MGM and all their content you make a TV. When your app is Apple TV with one or two new shows per month what do you do?

Keep saying "Its Magic".

 

[wigby]

You're too kind. I'd definitely knock someone for getting one. Amazon ranks just behind behind Facebook in my list of trustworthy companies.

You might be in the minority on this. Most consumers rank Amazon above Apple in terms of trust, privacy and even likability. I don't understand the survey results myself except that Amazon might still be seen as a retailer/delivery company more than a tech/gadget company so people need them for basic necessities and supplies especially during a pandemic.

Verge Tech Survey 2021

Facebook and Twitter are viewed more unfavorably than before.

www.theverge.com

 

[npmacuser5]

Next integration. Amazon needs to add their studio speakers to Airplay2 and HomeKit.

 

[thebryceman]

Please, please, please add Airplay 2 to the FireTV sticks as well. Would make a fantastic device for projectors and travel.