The new Apple TV includes a beautiful, redesigned remote with touchpad functionality that allows for incredibly precise controls. In addition to using it on your TV, a new software called SiriMote will allow you to use it to control your Mac too.
How it Works
SiriMote lets you control any applications on Mac that play media, such as iTunes, Spotify, QuickTime, Keynote, Photos (Slideshows), and many more. Unfortunately, it only works with the buttons on the remote the touchpad itself won’t control your Mac. For example, you can click the main button for next track and the Menu button for previous track. Holding these buttons fast forwards and rewinds respectively. And of course the volume up/down buttons and the play/pause button function correctly on Mac.
System Requirements
SiriMote requires a Mac running Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan. The Mac must also have Bluetooth 4.0. The following models include Bluetooth 4.0:
- MacBook Pro (2012 or Later)
- MacBook Air (2011 or Later)
- iMac (2012 or Later)
- Mac Pro (2013 or Later)
- Mac Mini (2011 or Later)
How to Install Siri Remote
First, Click Here to visit the SiriMote website and download the application (it’s free!). Open the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions. You may have to right click the file and click Open if it gives you an unidentified developer error.
Once you’ve installed SiriMote, be sure to unplug your AppleTV to prevent Siri Remote from automatically pairing with it / turning it on.
Next, you’ll need to pair the Siri Remote with your Mac via Bluetooth. Open System Preferences > Bluetooth. On Siri Remote, press and hold the Menu and Volume Up buttons for about 5 seconds. You should see the device appear on the Mac. Click Pair to pair the remote.
Re-pairing with Apple TV
If you want to pair the Siri Remote with Apple TV again later, you’ll need to unpair it from your Mac by clicking the X next to the remote in System Preferences > Bluetooth. Now plug the Apple TV in again. Siri Remote should automatically repair to the TV, but if it doesn’t you can hold the Menu and Volume Up button to pair.