Apple final month introduced tvOS 17 for Apple TV at WWDC 2023. And whereas the replace comes with some cool new options, like native VPN help, there’s nothing actually thrilling about it – a minimum of that’s what I assumed. tvOS 17 lets customers FaceTime straight from the TV, and whereas I first underestimated this function, I’m now in love with it.

Right here’s how FaceTime works on Apple TV with tvOS 17

Now that the primary public beta of tvOS 17 is offered, I gave it a shot and put in it on certainly one of my Apple TVs (extra particularly, the 2021 4K model with the A12 chip).

Instantly, I noticed the FaceTime icon on the Residence Display screen and thought “I have to test how that works.” After all, Apple TV has no built-in digital camera, so Apple’s answer was to carry a function from macOS to tvOS: Continuity Digital camera. Once you open the FaceTime app in your Apple TV, your iPhone instantly asks if you wish to join it to your TV.

In the event you faucet to attach, you’ll see an instruction to place your iPhone in panorama mode with the rear digital camera dealing with you. After that, your iPhone turns into the webcam on your Apple TV. It’s that straightforward (typically, as a result of the function remains to be fairly buggy within the beta variations and I typically needed to attempt pairing my cellphone a number of occasions earlier than it labored).

When your iPhone is related, the FaceTime app exhibits a really related interface to the app on iPad and Mac, with a column exhibiting your contacts on the appropriate aspect of the display. From there, you can begin a FaceTime name with anybody you need.

FaceTime on Apple TV makes use of the iPhone’s ultra-wide lens as default. Consequently, you possibly can allow Heart Stage in order that the picture is all the time targeted on you, even while you transfer round. There are additionally choices to allow Portrait Mode and 3D reactions. In brief, it really works just about the best way you’d count on.

This is among the greatest options – and I underestimated it

When Apple introduced this function at WWDC 2023, I used to be like “why would I exploit FaceTime on my TV?” And despite the fact that Apple highlighted that the function is a superb addition for company conferences, I nonetheless wasn’t satisfied. However now that I’ve tried the function just a few occasions, I see myself utilizing it extra typically. And right here’s why.

First, having FaceTime on the massive display is absolutely handy. You’re now not restricted to the small display of the iPhone and even the iPad. Personally, I hate doing FaceTime from my cellphone as a result of I’ve to maintain holding it, so I all the time use my iPad or Mac for that.

Second, the truth that Apple TV forces you to make use of your iPhone’s rear digital camera to FaceTime ends in extremely higher video high quality. Video calls look significantly better, particularly when each individuals are utilizing FaceTime with the iPhone’s rear digital camera. And having Heart Stage is a large addition, since I can stroll round my bed room or front room and different individuals can nonetheless see me.

And extra importantly, FaceTime on Apple TV turns into far more immersive for some events, like while you’re with household or a lot of associates and wish to FaceTime somebody. It’s far more enjoyable to do it on TV as an alternative of a small display. And even once I’m alone, I can sit with my MacBook on the sofa whereas speaking to somebody on my TV.

Nonetheless…

On the identical time, there’s one thing bizarre about utilizing FaceTime with an iPhone on Apple TV, and that’s the truth that you have to put your iPhone in entrance of the TV. Options like this and StandBy Mode spotlight the shortage of an Apple accent to position your iPhone horizontally.

There are actually numerous third-party equipment obtainable that do the job, however it’s bizarre to assume that Apple simply introduced a bunch of options that require equipment that the corporate itself doesn’t have. And as my colleague Zac Corridor wrote, tvOS 17 actually exhibits that it is perhaps time for Apple TV to get its personal built-in webcam.

Extra about tvOS 17

One other element about FaceTime on Apple TV is you can let different individuals use your TV to FaceTime on their very own accounts. There’s an choice to scan a QR Code on one other iPhone to start out a name on that TV. This, in fact, requires an iPhone operating iOS 17.

Different cool issues about tvOS 17 embody a redesigned Management Heart that appears significantly better, the icon grid that now has six apps per row as an alternative of 5, new audio output choices for the 2nd era HomePod, and a brand new photograph screensaver. Nonetheless, I’ve been noticing some efficiency points with this model, so preserve that in thoughts earlier than putting in tvOS 17 beta.

tvOS 17 is now obtainable as beta software program for Apple TV HD (2015) and later. The official launch is anticipated this fall. Extra particulars on tips on how to set up tvOS 17 beta in your Apple TV will be discovered right here.