Apple je uklonio mogućnost dijeljenja glazbe putem SharePlay s iOS 17.4 i tvOS 17.4 beta verzija, što sugerira da ta opcija možda neće biti dostupna kada budu puštene ažuriranja u martu. SharePlay je funkcija koja omogućava korisnicima da zajedno gledaju televiziju, slušaju glazbu, koriste aplikacije i igraju igre putem FaceTimea, ali Apple je proširio tu funkciju. Na HomePodu i Apple TV-u, SharePlay funkcija je omogućavala korisnicima da generiraju QR kod (na iPhoneu za HomePod) koji se mogao skenirati kako bi prijatelji i članovi porodice mogli puštati pjesme na uređaju. Još nije jasno hoće li se Apple vratiti funkciji SharePlay na HomePodu ili Apple TV-u prije nego što lansira ažuriranja iOS 17.4 i tvOS 17.4, ali do sada je SharePlay nedostajao u posljednje dvije beta verzije. Ažuriranja iOS 17.4 i tvOS 17.4 trebala bi se pojaviti u martu.
Apple Removes SharePlay Feature
Elimination of SharePlay feature from iOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4 betas
Apple has recently made the decision to remove the SharePlay feature from the iOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4 betas. This comes as a surprise to many users who were eagerly anticipating the release of this feature. It is unclear at this time whether SharePlay will be reintroduced in the final updates of these operating systems.
Background Information
What SharePlay is
SharePlay is a feature developed by Apple that allows users to watch television, listen to music, use apps, and play games together over FaceTime. It was designed to enhance the social aspect of using Apple devices, allowing friends and family members to enjoy digital content together, even when physically apart.
Apple expanding SharePlay to iOS 17, CarPlay
In an effort to make SharePlay even more accessible and widely used, Apple planned to expand the feature to iOS 17 and CarPlay. This would have allowed users to experience SharePlay not only on their HomePod and Apple TV but also on their iPhones and in their cars. This expansion demonstrated Apple’s commitment to improving the SharePlay experience and integrating it into various aspects of their ecosystem.
Functionality on HomePod and Apple TV
Generating a QR code for sharing songs
One of the key functionalities of SharePlay on the HomePod and Apple TV was the ability for users to generate a QR code on their iPhone. This QR code could then be shared with friends and family members, giving them the option to play songs on the device. This feature made it easy for users to share and discover new music in a collaborative and interactive way.
Owner needing Apple Music subscription
It is important to note that for the SharePlay feature to work on the HomePod and Apple TV, the device owner needed to have an Apple Music subscription. This requirement ensured that the owner had access to a wide range of music and allowed them to fully utilize the SharePlay feature. However, contributors who wished to play songs on the device did not need a subscription and only required the Music app on their device.
Removal of SharePlay in Beta Releases
SharePlay missing from past two beta releases
The decision to remove the SharePlay feature from the iOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4 betas has left many users disappointed. SharePlay was present in the initial beta releases, but it has since been removed. This exclusion has raised concerns about whether Apple plans to reintroduce the feature in the final updates.
Unclear if it will return in final updates
At this time, it is unclear whether SharePlay will make a comeback in the final updates of iOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4. Apple has not provided any official statement regarding the removal or the potential future availability of the feature. Users will have to wait and see if SharePlay will be reintroduced in a future update or if it has been permanently discontinued.
Release Date of iOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4
Set to launch in March
The iOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4 updates are scheduled for release in March. These updates were highly anticipated by Apple users, who were looking forward to experiencing SharePlay on their HomePod and Apple TV. However, with the removal of the feature from the betas, there is uncertainty surrounding its availability in the final updates.
Relevance to HomePod and Apple TV Users
Potential disappointment for users
The removal of the SharePlay feature from the iOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4 betas is likely to be disappointing for HomePod and Apple TV users who were eagerly awaiting its release. SharePlay offered a unique and engaging way to enjoy digital content with friends and family, and its absence may leave some users feeling let down.
Implications for music sharing on devices
SharePlay’s removal also has implications for music sharing on HomePod and Apple TV devices. The feature allowed users to collaborate on creating playlists and exploring new music together. Without SharePlay, the social aspect of music sharing on these devices may be limited, and users will have to find alternative ways to connect and enjoy music together.
Potential Reasons for Removal
Technical issues with SharePlay feature
One possible reason for the removal of the SharePlay feature could be technical issues. Beta releases are often used to identify and address bugs and glitches in new features and functionalities. If Apple encountered significant technical challenges with SharePlay during the beta testing phase, they may have made the decision to remove it temporarily to resolve these issues before reintroducing it in a future update.
User feedback or testing results
Another potential reason for the removal of SharePlay could be feedback from beta testers or the results of testing conducted by Apple. Beta testers play a critical role in identifying potential problems and providing feedback on new features and functionalities. If users encountered issues or expressed dissatisfaction with SharePlay during the beta testing period, Apple may have decided to remove it to address these concerns before releasing it to the wider user base.
Apple’s Future Plans for SharePlay
Possibility of reintroducing feature in future updates
While SharePlay’s removal from the iOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4 betas is disappointing, there is still a possibility that Apple will reintroduce the feature in future updates. Apple is known for continuously improving and expanding its products and services based on user feedback and market demand. Therefore, it would not be surprising if SharePlay returned with enhancements and improvements in a future iteration of iOS or tvOS.
Expansion of SharePlay to other devices
Additionally, Apple may have plans to expand SharePlay beyond HomePod and Apple TV. The initial introduction of SharePlay on iOS and CarPlay demonstrates Apple’s intention to make the feature accessible on a wider range of devices. It is conceivable that Apple is considering integrating SharePlay into other parts of its ecosystem, further enhancing the social and collaborative aspects of using Apple devices.
Impact on Apple Music Subscriptions
Requirement of subscription for HomePod and Apple TV owners
The requirement for HomePod and Apple TV owners to have an Apple Music subscription to use the SharePlay feature has implications for Apple Music subscriptions. By tying the feature to a subscription, Apple incentivized users to subscribe to Apple Music to unlock the full potential of SharePlay. The removal of SharePlay may impact the subscription rates and usage patterns of Apple Music.
No subscription needed for contributors
On the other hand, contributors who wished to play songs on the HomePod or Apple TV via SharePlay did not require an Apple Music subscription. This allowed individuals who did not have a subscription to still enjoy and contribute to the collaborative music experience facilitated by SharePlay. With the feature absent, contributors will have to find alternative methods to share and play songs on these devices.
Discussion in MacRumors Forums
Link to article for further discussion
For those interested in engaging in further discussion and sharing their thoughts on the removal of the SharePlay feature, an article has been published on MacRumors. The article provides additional context and details about the removal and serves as a platform for users to express their opinions and discuss the implications of this decision.
In conclusion, the removal of the SharePlay feature from the iOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4 betas has left many users disappointed and uncertain about its future availability. The absence of SharePlay on HomePod and Apple TV devices has implications for music sharing and collaborative experiences on these devices. It is unclear whether SharePlay will be reintroduced in future updates or if Apple has decided to discontinue it permanently. Users will have to wait for the official release of iOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4 in March to see if SharePlay makes a comeback.
