Apple TV 5.2 Adds Bluetooth Keyboard Support, AirPlay Output

In addition to releasing iOS 6.1 for iDevices, Apple has also updated the second- and third-generation Apple TV. The new version, 5.2, includes support for Bluetooth keyboards, AirPlay output, support for “Up Next,” and stability and performance improvements.

Apple TV 5.2 Update

What's New:

iTunes in the Cloud: Browse and play your purchased iTunes music directly from iCloud.

Bluetooth Keyboard: Use your Apple Wireless Keyboard to control your Apple TV. See this article for more information.

AirPlay audio for videos: Send stereo audio from movies, TV shows, and other videos on Apple TV to AirPlay-enabled speakers and devices (including AirPort Express and other Apple TVs).

Stability and performance: Includes general performance and stability improvements.

Of note, Apple released a software update for “AppleTV3,2”, a previously unknown version of the product (the second-generation AppleTV is designated “AppleTV2,1” and the third-generation is "AppleTV3,1). MacRumors speculates that the update may be for an international-specific model of Apple TV, with no feature changes beyond the third-generation unit already for sale in the United States.

Users can update the Apple TV via the device’s Software Update feature or by downloading the firmware from the links below, connecting the device to a PC or Mac via USB, and manually updating with iTunes.

There is thus far no indication that the latest Apple TV update causes the same issues that plagued users attempting to update to Apple TV 5.1.1 in December.

Firmware Download Links:

Apple TV 2G (AppleTV2,1)
Apple TV 3G (AppleTV3,1)
Apple TV 3G (AppleTV3,2)