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AirPlay 2 and HomeKit are coming to LG TVs

Select 2019 LG TVs will now support the Apple technologies

LG has confirmed that it’s bringing two Apple technologies to its LG smart TVs. Select models from 2019 will now support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit, the firm announced via a tweet. The software update will be deployed for users this week, but only to some of the firm’s 2019 models.

The decision will be gratifying for LG TV owners who have chosen the iPhone as the handset of choice with which to pair their LG TVs, in addition to those using Macs and iPads.

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HomeKit integration, for example, incorporates the TV into the Home app, allowing users’ smartphones to essentially double up as TV controllers. Users will be able to turn on the TV when they open a video app on their device, and they’ll be able to sync up the TV with Siri, meaning you can bark orders at your TV. The dream.

As for AirPlay 2, iPhone and iPad users will be able to load content from their devices for viewing on the TV – so Prime Video or YouTube content can be directed from the smartphone app to the TV. They’ll also be able to make full use of Apple Music, Apple TV and Apple Podcast, thanks to the software upgrade.

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If you want to Netflix and chill, you’ll have to download the app on your smart TV; unfortunately, the video streaming giant isn’t currently compatible with the AirPlay 2.

For its part, competitor Samsung has introduced compatibility with Apple AirPlay 2 and iTunes for 2018 and 2019 models. Rival Vizio has also confirmed it too will support AirPlay 2, after the technology was announced back at CES 2019.

The move from LG comes at a time when the company’s second-quarter profits are down; a decline in OLED TV sales coupled with rival Samsung’s QLED offerings means the company is not thriving like it once was. This most recent move to deploy a software update for its 2019 smart TVs comes as a welcome refresh to an ostensibly tired line.

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