According to information in the most recent tvOS 16.4 and macOS Sierra 13.3 betas, Apple looks to be working on some natural language upgrades for Siri on the Apple TV and interface adjustments to the macOS TV app.
According to the tvOS 16.4 beta information, Apple has created a “Siri Natural Language Generation” framework to improve the personal assistant’s ability to understand natural language. Apple tells Siri jokes via natural language generation, claims 9to5Mac. Yet, what has changed is still being determined, given that functionality is present on the iPhone and other smartphones. As detailed by 9to5Mac:
Apple has enabled a new framework for “Siri Natural Language Generation” features in the most recent tvOS 16.4 beta. Apple exclusively employs natural language creation when using Siri on Apple TV to tell jokes. The business is also investigating the potential applications of language generation for timers.
Little is known about the updated natural language generation framework, which is limited to tvOS 16.4. However, 9to5Mac claims that similar (and unactivated) code is present in iOS, HomePod OS, iPadOS, and macOS, suggesting that whatever Siri features Apple is developing may eventually be available on all devices.
There is no evidence that Apple is attempting to compete with Google, Microsoft, and others on AI-enhanced chatbots with any natural language enhancements to Siri. Yet, Apple has some plans to enhance Siri’s functionality, starting with tvOS 16.4.
Additionally, the most recent macOS Duarte 13.3 beta contains a secret version of the Apple TV app for Mac that shows off a new look. The Mac version of the Apple TV software now has a navigation sidebar, making it comparable to the iPad version.
Access to numerous TV app features, including Apple TV+, Watch Now, the Library, buyable TV shows and movies, and more, can be found in the sidebar. The interface resembles the current TV app except for the sidebar.
The improved TV app still needs to be included in the macOS 13.3 beta, so Apple may decide to wait until a later software update or add it in a subsequent beta.