All posts in “apple tv”

Battle of the Boxes: Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Chromecast

Battle of the Boxes: Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Chromecast

by Stephen Radford

A few years ago I "cut the cord", cancelled my TV License and cable subscription. Back then I used a 3rd generation Apple TV with subscriptions to Netflix and Now TV alongside my vast number of YouTube subscriptions. I've since tried what feels like every box or stick that displays web content on your TV. All have their own interfaces, experiences, content options, and trade offs. Which box works for you will depend on your requirements. My Requirements While your requirements will undoubtedly differ I think it's important to understand what requirements I'm testing these boxes and sticks…

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Mixing TVML and UIKit without a server

Mixing TVML and UIKit without a server

by Stephen Radford

When building for tvOS Apple gave us two approaches. A fully native app could be built using UIKit, storyboards and everything developers have been familiar with when building apps for iOS. However, Apple also opened up their TVML and TVJS platform that has been used on Apple TV 2 and 3 by the likes of Netflix, Hulu and Now TV. This approach allows for apps to be created using a simple XML markup and JavaScript. That sounds great but when using TVML you're required to use a separate server to handle the logic of populating data and navigating between views.…

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