Apple TV

The wait is over for Apple TV owners looking forward to a new remote control option. The official Apple TV Remote app has been released by Apple after being revealed earlier this year. Once installed, any compatible iOS device will function as a remote control for second, third and fourth-generation Apple TV set-top boxes. Not only does the app simplify text entry with a keyboard for search fields, it offers full control of media playback.

The forthcoming update to Apple TV continues to bring fresh surprises for owners of Apple's set top box. Many improvements are coming to tvOS 10, including single-sign-on support and an upgrade to Siri's capabilities. Siri has already opened new doors thanks to the bundled Siri Remote, which simplifies many functions on the Apple TV interface. Four main highlights are coming to Siri with tvOS 10, which is expected to launch this fall.

Pay TV subscribers will be able to access all of the NCAA's March Madness coverage across 12 platforms, starting with Selection Sunday on March 10th all the way to the Final Four on Saturday, April 2. The Apple TV version of the NCAA March Madness Live app will feature a Split Screen option where users will be able to view two games side-by-side. Other supported platforms will include Amazon Fire TV, Roku players, Roku TV models, desktop computers, tablets and smartphones. College basketball fans will also be able to access all games aired on CBS without a subscription via their computer, smartphone or tablet, and watch select games on TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV’s digital platforms.

Until recently, some of the most popular content streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon would not allow movies and TV shows to be downloaded for offline viewing, much to the disappointment of their subscribers. While Netflix and Hulu haven't budged from their position, Amazon broke from the pack last September by adding Prime Video downloads to its mobile app, which allows Amazon Prime members to download content to their iPhones or iPads and watch it even when an internet connection isn't available or is too lousy for streaming video.

It was a big week for hot tech news, with the latest cutting edge gadgets making headlines. Apple was not left out of the fun, with the company just two weeks away from its next product launch. Twitter has a brand new Apple account, serving up iOS tips, tricks and support. Looking to the fall, fans of gridiron football with an Apple TV will need to look elsewhere for live games. But a new top-tier iPhone could be in the works for September. Here are more details on some news highlights from the past week.