Perhaps the best aspect of the second generation Apple TV is its ability to instantly stream Netflix content. This feature was highly requested leading up to the device’s release last year, and while its inclusion temporarily placated the demand for greater 3rd party support, users still yearn for a greater selection of apps.
As the Apple TV handles music just as well as it handles video, It is no surprise that Pandora support tops the wish lists of many. Though Apple has not made mention whether they plan to ever enable this functionality, there is an easy work around if you own a device running iOS 4.
Kibbles & Bytes reader Patrick H. clued us into a simple tip that, for all intents and purposes, enables Pandora support on Apple TV. Like many apps other post iOS 4.2 update, Pandora for iPhone/iPod/iPad supports AirPlay. Simply launch Pandora on your respective device, tap the AirPlay icon, and you should see the Apple TV in the source list. Tap play, and within a few seconds, music should begin playing over the speakers your Apple TV is paired with.
Though this method will not display a Pandora styled GUI on the Apple TV, it is an effective way to use the service—especially if the Apple TV forms the hub of your entertainment center. As Patrick points out, if you have fast fingers, enabling Pandora via an iOS device might even be quicker than trying to navigate it with an Apple Remote. While this solution is contingent on owning both an Apple TV and a device running iOS 4, it is still a great way to expand the Apple TV’s capabilities.
To download the Pandora App click here.
Click here to learn more about the Apple TV.