Apple TV 6.1 update brings AirPlay security option, discovery over Bluetooth, and more

iOS 7.1 may have been the most-anticipated software update that Apple released on Monday, but it wasn't the only one. Apple also quietly slipped v6.1 software update to Apple TV owners.

( Also see: iOS 7.1 now available for download; brings CarPlay support, Touch ID improvements, UI tweaks, and more )

The update adds a security option which, when enabled, will require iOS devices or Macs to be verified with a one-time on screen code before using AirPlay. The update also adds support to allow an AirPlay device to discover Apple TV over Bluetooth in environments where multicast or Bonjour traffic is blocked on the network or the AirPlay device is on a different subnet.

The update also makes it easier to hide unwanted items from the main menu. Earlier, you could go to the Settings menu and hide services you did not wish to see on the main screen. Now, you can select the icon, hold down the Select button on the remote until the icon starts to jiggle, press the Play/ Pause button for more options, and select Hide This Item. The new style is similar to how you would uninstall apps on iOS.

( Also see: iOS 7.1 brings performance improvements to iPhone 4 )

You can also rearrange icons in a similar way, by simply moving the icon to its new place when it's jiggling, instead of pressing the Play/ Pause button. Refer Apple's handy support document for help with arranging and hiding icons on the Apple TV main menu.

Apple TV software update 6.1 brings additional features if you use Apple's Remote app. You can now create and play iTunes Radio stations. Another new feature is the ability to view your purchased TV shows and movies in the Remote app and tap to play them on Apple TV.

The update, which is now available over-the-air (OTA) to all second- and third-generation Apple TV sets, also brings general performance and stability improvements.

To update your Apple TV to the current software version:

Select Settings > General > Update Software. Apple TV checks for an available update; if one is available, a download message should appear.

Click Download and Install to start the download process.

Do not disconnect your Apple TV during the update process. The Apple TV status light may flash slowly during the update and restart process. This is expected behaviour.