Hot topics

New Remote App Makes Apple Watch a Better TV Remote Alternative

Apple Watch SE as remote control
© nextpit

Read in other languages:

The Apple Watch has long been an alternative to the dedicated remote or iPhone when controlling Apple TV set-top boxes, offering basic navigation and actions. In watchOS 11, Apple is giving its smartwatches new control capabilities via the Remote app including taking advantage of the digital crown.

Apart from the new wellness features and changes in the latest Apple Watch software, those Apple Watch users who have an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD at home can now better rely on their smartwatch as a remote control.

Quick shortcut to volume adjustment and Siri

In the updated support page, Apple has expanded the control functions of its smartwatches in the Remote app with watchOS 11. Mainly, this has added the ability to use the digital crown to adjust the volume by turning it down or up. Users can also launch Siri by pressing and holding the digital crown until the assistant animation appears. You can then ask Siri your requests such as searching for content or opening apps.

A new menu is also introduced, which offers shortcuts to mute and unmute and turn on/off captions or subtitles in videos and movies. In the same menu, you can also power off or on the Apple TV by accessing the Power shortcut.

Apple Remote control app for Apple Watch
The new Remote app for Apple Watch adds new functions / © Apple

Combined with the existing functions like pause/play video and swipe gestures, these additional actions and gestures make it easier to navigate and control the Apple TV.

Below are some of the controls in the Remote app for Apple Watch:

  • Navigate on the Apple TV menu
  • Digital crown
    • Adjust the volume level by turning
    • Summon Siri by press and hold
  • More option
    • Power button
    • Mute/unmute
    • Enable captions on/off

Before you use an Apple Watch or Watch Ultra as a remote, you'll need to pair the Apple TV to your watch from the Remote app. The connection between the two devices uses Bluetooth rather than Wi-Fi, so it's important to have Bluetooth on your watch switched on before setup.

Meanwhile, watchOS 11 has been shipped this week. It's compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 and Watch SE 2 all the way to the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 (review).

Have you tried using your Apple Watch to control your TV before? What are your thoughts about these remote control upgrades? We're eager to hear your answers.

Via: 9to5Mac Source: Apple Support

Top Smartwatches of 2024:

  Best overall iOS Best for outdoors iPhone Best budget-friendly iOS Best value-for-money Best overall Android Best Android alternative Ultimate fitness tracking Best for runners Best battery life Best compact size
Product
Image Apple Watch Series 9 Product Image Apple Watch Ultra 2 Product Image Apple Watch SE (2022) Product Image Amazfit Balance Product Image Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Product Image Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Product Image Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Product Image Garmin Forerunner 965 Product Image Withings ScanWatch 2 Product Image Google Pixel Watch 2 Product Image
Review
Review: Apple Watch Series 9
Review: Apple Watch Ultra 2
Review: Apple Watch SE (2022)
Review: Amazfit Balance
Review: Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5
Review: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Review: Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
Review: Garmin Forerunner 965
Review: Withings ScanWatch 2
Review: Google Pixel Watch 2
Offers*
Go to comment (0)
Jade Bryan

Jade Bryan
Junior Editor

I still remember how amazed I was when I first got hold of the Nokia 3210 back when I was a kid, and it was during that time I developed my love for technology, particularly for mobile phones. I started sharing my knowledge through writing in different blogs and forums back in Nokia Nseries era. I even make videos before where I put different phones side-by-side. Today, I'm still an avid enthusiast of smartphones, but my interests have evolved into smart devices and electric vehicles.

To the author profile
Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
No comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing