Apple TV is a great device if you’re part of the Apple ecosystem. The problem is, it doesn’t come fully loaded with apps like the Roku or Boxee Box. You can buy or stream content via your iTunes account, subscribe to Netflix, Hulu Plus, MLB.TV, NHL, or NBA, or use a few other included apps, but that pales in comparison with the competition. There are jailbreaks for previous Apple TV models to provide more content, but the 3rd generation has none as of yet, and owners have to rely on other resources.
You can choose the ‘Computers’ icon and view everything in shared iTunes accounts from a Mac or PC. You can also use AirParrot to enable desktop mirroring from your Mac or PC or app mirroring from your Mac. This costs $10, but it’s a one time charge and will let you stream video from sites like Hulu.
If you have any iDevice, you can tap into some new content by using the AirPlay feature. I’ve come across a few apps that are configured for it. Note: Any network shown on Hulu Plus, which is an Apple TV app, will not be configured for AirPlay, so NO NBC, ABC or affiliates like Disney. It also doesn’t allow HBO Go or Amazon Instant Video.
Some AirPlay Configured Apps
- Bravo
- BBC (Video & Live Radio)
- Cartoon Network
- CNET
- CNN (Live)
- Crackle
- CW
- Discovery
- ESPN
- Food Network
- PBS
- Smithsonian
- TBS
- TNT
- Today
- VEVO
iMedia Share
iMedia Share Lite is configured for DLNA products, and AirPlay. The following channels can be found, with more channels added to the full version.
- AutoBild.tv (German)
- axs.tv HD
- Animal Planet
- Audi tv (both English and German)
- Beet.tv
- Bild.de (German)
- BREAK
- CBS News
- CNBC
- cnet
- CNN
- content one (German)
- DW (Deutsche Welle in English and German)
- Daily Motion (International)
- Discovery Channel
- Driving Sports HD
- euronews
- France 24
- funny or DIE
- Harvard Business Publishing
- Motorz
- NASA
- The New York Times
- PR Newswire
- Picasa
- PortalZINE.tv SD (German)
- Reuters
- Revision 3
- Spiegel Online (German)
- Showtime (Clips)
- TED SD
- twit
- Onion News Network
- Victoria’s Secret
- Video Bash
- Vimeo
- The White House – Washington
- YDN Design Guide
- YouTube
The Boxee app adds mostly YouTube and Vimeo content, but there are some others.
Mirroring
So here’s the BONUS! If you double click on the home button of an iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad using iOS 5 and greater, and swipe left to right, you’ll find an AirPlay button next to the audio control buttons once the Apple TV is set up. Tap the AirPlay button to display your device plus Apple TV. Choose the latter to reveal a Mirroring option. Turn it on to display your device’s screen. It will mirror what ever you display, though there is about a second lag time. This will enable you to Watch ABC, NBC, Disney, etc. PLUS play games like Angry Birds, Asphalt 7, Fruit Ninja, Temple Run, or Infinity Blade II on your big screen.
At least there are some options out there to get more free content on your Apple TV 3 without a jailbreak in the near future. If you have any other suggestions, please leave them in the comment section below.