• by Karlene Lukovitz  @KLmarketdaily, June 6, 2023

Smart TVs are revolutionizing the calling experience, as well as video entertainment.

Apple has announced tvOS 17 software updates coming this fall that will allow Apple TV 4K owners to use a FaceTime app to initiate calls directly from Apple TV or start or pick up calls on their iPhones or iPads and hand them off to Apple TV.

FaceTime on Apple TV uses Continuity Camera support to connect wirelessly to the user’s iPhone or iPad, and leverages the device’s camera and microphone to bring participants together on the TV.

The Apple TV interface will intelligently center speakers and adapt the frame when others join a call.

The introduction of Split View for Apple TV will allow users to watch shows or movies with friends during a SharePlay session while also seeing everyone on a FaceTime call.

Later this year, Apple TV 4K owners will also be able to use other video-conferencing apps, including Zoom and Cisco’s Webex, on their sets, as outside developers will be allowed to use Continuity Camera APIs on Apple TV 4K to integrate the iPhone or iPad camera and microphone into their own tvOS apps.

The update will also introduce a new Control Center for the TVs, along with other enhancements designed to provide a more personalized experience and more seamless interconnectivity with the iPhone.

Apple Music Sing — a feature that enables users to sing along to their favorite tracks — will also integrate Continuity Camera so users can see themselves onscreen and add entertaining filters.