Beta: Siri Shortcuts

Beta Community Apple Beta
#6

@maddox
I’ve created a lot of channels shortcuts already using the API, but this will be very nice going forward.

I created a couple of test shortcuts with the new support and they work. However I’m getting a privacy prompt from the OS each time you run the shortcut.

I’ve seen this with other non channels shortcuts when I upgraded to iOS 15, and usually after the first time you run the shortcut the OS learns that it is ok.

However, with the Siri support for channels the system gives you a privacy prompt you each time.

Here’s a screenshot..

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#7

You can use also use the channels api commands in a shortcut and select a channel on your Apple TV by using the Apple TV’s IP address.

@maddox It would be nice if there was a way of having the built in shortcut support include a “destination” field. So you could select “where” to open a specific page or channel, etc. for “remote controlling”.

Also, speaking of remote controlling, it would be really cool to somehow build in some more support with shortcuts to automate the use of channels collections!

I’ve been doing manual channel selection using shortcuts and the API for several months, but wouldn’t it be cool to have the creation of these automated some more?

I suppose with the TVE channels, it actually could be a bunch of shortcut groups we could share amongst ourselves - because those have fixed channel numbers. Hmmm.

#8

@Techreader I was hung up there as well. When Channels Beta pulls up after your search, tap on it. Show Section, Watch Channel, and Watch Show will come up below. Is this the issue you’re having?

@mnwxman132

Same. And Allow proceeds to open the iOS app here.
With regard to your suggestion, thanks, but I’m not sure how to create that at the moment.

Edit: agree on the option to select where to open.

1 Like
#9

@severe

In the meantime , here’s a sample screenshot shortcut for history channel I use on my phone/iPad to control my Apple TV on my network.

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1 Like
#10

Siri Shortcuts do not work on tvOS (except those specific Apple Remote Shortcuts that can open things on the Apple TV), and certainly not on any device other than the one you ran it on.

These shortcuts open the iOS app.

Enter the channel number.

I noticed this as well when using it on my device. I also read that it was an iOS 15 bug. I'm not sure why it won't go away. There's not that much talk about this bug. I'll keep investigating.

This isn't possible since the shortcut can't communicate with an app on a different system, much less the fact that Shortcuts don't work on tvOS. You would have to stick with the Shortcuts listed on our API page that were pre-remade to send commands to the Channels app that is open on your Apple TV.

1 Like
#11

Just to make it more clear. These shortcuts are for the iOS app on your iPhone and iPad.

They have nothing to do with the Apple TV as there's nothing we CAN do to make things open on your Apple TV. But boy do I wish.

2 Likes
#12

Yep, Sticking with Yonomi to control Apple TV

#13

Directly? Or in conjunction with something like a Logitech Harmony Hub?

Thanks for adding this, I'm excited to check it out. I'm thinking it'll be especially useful on the iPad I have mounted in the kitchen. Channels DVR has made that kind of set up so much better.

I wish too! Fingers crossed... maybe one day? In the meantime, thanks for the great work.

#14

My shortcut turns on the Apple TV, opens the app and it tunes to a channel.

Unless you’re talking about something else.

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#15

I’m absolutely talking about something else.

This topic is announcing shortcut support for the iOS app. The app now has its own shortcuts.

Your shortcut is just a normal shortcut that talks to an API over the network.

4 Likes
#16

Could you share the rest of your Shortcut?

#17

you can get that type of pre-made shortcut here:

2 Likes
#18

please share the rest of this one

1 Like
#19

Here you go. It’s the exact one Maddox linked to, I just added the first 3 commands.

https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/c565beb2c29643e98e10db36894e8e5d

Works great with HomePods.

3 Likes
#20

Ok. Makes sense. I’ll stick with all my channels API shortcuts for control of channels on Apple TV , and I’ll keep beta testing the new shortcut support on my iphone and iPad.

I’ll ignore ios15 privacy bug for now, glad you are aware of it.

#21

Thanks everyone. The Channels API is working well. However, getting Siri to run the shortcut via HomePod mini has been a virtual nightmare with a “You need to continue on the companion device” message. As this isn’t an Apple support site, and I’ve had for the night, I’ll come back to it at another time.

1 Like
#22

OK, We're going in a new direction for Shortcuts.

I've completely rewritten how they work, but the exciting news is that you'll be able to open sections, channels, and shows on other clients (tvOS, Android TV, Fire TV) FROM your Shortcuts.

It's not quite ready yet, but we'll open a new topic when it's ready. For now, we've removed all Shortcut functionality from the app. It'll be back soon.

7 Likes
#23
#24

Shortcuts are back:

1 Like
#25