This time on Magic Rays of Light, Sigmund is joined by Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernández to discuss his inspirational journey from footballer to his starring role as Dani Rojas on the breakout hit Apple original series and Jonathan previews Apple's October event from an Apple TV perspective.
Introducing Magic Rays of Light, a New Apple TV Podcast
Today, I'm very happy to announce the launch of Magic Rays of Light, a new podcast exploring the world of Apple TV.
Once just another hobby, Apple TV has grown into a platform many of us use exclusively for our entertainment needs and with Apple's push into content production with Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade, it felt like the perfect time to grant the little black box its very own podcast.
Each fortnight, I along with a special guest will discuss everything from news, to tips and reviews, tvOS and Apple TV+ to Apple Arcade and the many talented people that turn those magic rays of light that flood out of our TV screens into windows through which we can escape together.
You can subscribe today via Apple Podcasts*, Overcast*, Pocket Casts, Spotify, or our RSS feed and can start listening to our debut episode now.
Episodes of Magic Rays of Light will be published every two weeks on Thursdays, and the second episode will arrive on July 23rd. If you want to follow the show on Twitter, we’re @_mrolfm, and more information including show notes can be found HERE.
*Apple Podcasts and Overcast are currently awaiting approval, however you can manually add the show URL via its RSS Feed whilst the show propogates to your favourite podcast players search results.
How to Watch the WWDC20 Opening Keynote on Apple TV
Apple's 31st annual World Wide Developers Conference kicks off tomorrow, June 22nd at 10 PT. This year, unlike any other before it WWDC will be a virtual event, which also means there's likely to be an increased demand to tune in, with developers normally attending in person also logging in online to see what the latest versions of tvOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and macOS will bring. This year there's a host of ways to follow tomorrows opening to the week long event.
WWDC20 Opening Keynote Starts 10 am PT/ 1 pm ET/ 6 pm BST on June 22
This will be the very first WWDC Opening Keynote to be broadcast live in 4K via the Apple Developer app and the Apple TV app (now live within Watch Now) or in HD via YouTube.
There are also options for those who prefer to watch in Mandarin or Cantonese via iQIYI (multiple language support) and Bilibili (Mandarine).
Fun fact: Since the introduction of tvOS in 2015 the Apple TV software has had as little time as 2 mins in 2017 and a record of 11 mins stage time the following year.
Up Next: This Week's Apple TV Releases
Each week Apple offers a mix of original Movies, TV Shows, Music and Arcade experiences available across all your screens - allowing you to pick-up where you left off. Here's our run down of what to add to your Up Next queue and gaming backlogs this week.
WWDC
Apple Developer App | June 22 - 26 | NR
Apple offer a glipse into the future of iOS, watchOS, tvOS and macOS with its annual World Wide Developers Conference. As per tradition this years online-only event kicks off with Apple's Opening Keynote on June 22nd, shortly followed by a Platform State of the Union, then starting June 23rd technical and design-focused sessions will be published each day at 10 am PT. Apple TV users can catch the week of events in full via the Apple Developer app.
Visit Screen Times throughout the week for our indepth WWDC Apple TV/tvOS coverage.
Dads
Apple TV+ | 1 hr 20 min | TV-14
The directorial feature-length debut from Bryce Dallas Howard - produced by father Ron Howard - explores contemporary fatherhood through testimonies and wisdom from famous funny men, combining those antidotes with portraits of non-celebrity dads from around the world - including Brazil, Japan and the United States.
Central Park
Apple TV+ | S1, E5 | 24 min | TV-14
The ominously titled 'Dog Spray Afternoon' is the latest episode from this hilarious animated musical. Owen grapples with a graffiti artist and Helen plots against Bitsy's dog, Shampagne.
Other Apple TV Highlights:
Disclosure
NetFlix | 1 hr 40 min | TV-MA
Laverne Cox's heartfelt documentary explores experiences of leading trans creatives and thinkers as they open up with their perspectives and analysis regarding Hollywood's historical impact on the trans community.
General Magic
Showtime | 1 hr 32 min | NR
This 2018 documentary recounts the story of one of history's most talented technology teams. From the first smartphones to social media, e-commerce, eBay and emojis, the ideas that now dominate the tech industry were born at General Magic, a 1989 Silicon Valley start-up. WWDC week seems as good a time as any to watch this truly inspiring work.
Love, Victor
Hulu | 10 episodes | TV-14
Inspired and set in the same world as 2018 hit movie 'Love, Simon', this story of self-discovery tackles challenges at home along with the struggle to adjust to new surroundings whilst being true to ones self and their sexual orientation.
Perry Mason
HBO | S1, E1 | June 21 | TV-MA
Beautfully shot new series 'Perry Mason' sees a child kidnapping gone very, very wrong, as the detective is in relentless pursuit of the truth in this slow-brooding tale of redemption. Perry Mason fans should expect to wait until the mid-way point of the season for the court-room drama synonymous with the character.
Search Party: Season 3
HBO Max | S3, E1 | June 25 | TV-MA
Revived after a two year hiatus, the comedy centres around four self-absorbed 20-something hipsters whose friendships corrode under the pressure of covering up a semi-accidental murder. If you have never seen this show before, be sure to watch the highly bingeable first two seasons on HBO Max before season 3 comes around.
Apple Arcade Updates:
Agent Intercept
Apple Arcade | Action | 12 +
The secret agent game full of fast cars continues to see frequent updates. Users now have reason to play every day with new Daily Crisis, along with new mission 'Loose Cannons'. Survive CLAW villains within in a winter-esque scene and play this game before it selfs destructs in 3,2,1...
Over the Alps
Apple Arcade | Adventure | 12 +
The debut game from Stave Studios sees you stay undercover in this Hitchcockian World War Two spy thriller. Already at version 2.0, this beautiful stylised game adds a story expansion called 'King of the Mountain' where you take on the role of a new spy as she takes on the 1939 Swiss Grand Prix. This game is as watchable as it is playable.
PAC-MAN Party Royale
Apple Arcade | Casual | 4 +
Bandai Namco's reimagining of this classic has seen a lot of improvements since its debut on Apple Arcade last year. It's latest update includes two new powerups, a new character, fifteen new mazes and some gameplay refinements. There's more than enough here to give players a reason to give this game another go.
The Pinball Wizard
Apple Arcade | Casual | 4 +
Easily one of the most original takes on Pinball in recent memory, Frosty Pop's dungeon crawler 'The Pinball Wizard' adds a new save paradigm, a new endless dungeon with multiple rooms and more. Frustrating at times but rewarding, this game will have you stroking your beard like the title character, whether you have one of not.
Apple Events App Updated Ahead of WWDC 2020 Opening Keynote
Apple have released an update to the Apple Events app for tvOS. The app had previously allowed users to watch Apple keynotes on Apple TV directly, however today's update redirects users to Apple's TV app search pane.
This spells the end of the Apple Events app which will likely leave the store in due course. Apple's special presentations began live streaming through the TV app beginning with the live broadcast of last years WWDC keynote.
Previous special events were upgraded to 4K earlier this week, whilst our friend Filipe Espósito at 9to5Mac has confirmed that this years broadcast will be the first to be live streamed in ultra high definition.
Users will be able to watch the WWDC 2020 opening keynote on Monday, June 22nd at 10 am PT/1 pm ET streamed directly from Apple Park.
The opening keynote can also be streamed on Apple TV through YouTube or via the Apple Developer app where The Platforms State of the Union and WWDC 2020's weekly programme of sessions will stay exclusive.
There is currently no event placeholder for Monday's event within the TV app.
Apple TV+ Secure International Rights to Israel-Iran Thriller 'Tehran'
Apple TV+ have secured the international rights to Israel-Iran espionage thriller 'Tehran' according to a report published today by Deadline.
The eight part limited series comes from writer Moshe Zonder (Netflix's 'Fauda') in which a Mossad computer-hacking agent is hunted in her hometown of Tehran. Finding refuge amongst a group of regime-opposing secular Iranians, she becomes romantically involved with a pro-democracy activist.
The deal between Apple and Cineflix Rights follows in the footsteps of other successful Iranian imports 'False Flag' on Hulu, 'Srugim' on Amazon and 'Shtisel' on Netflix.
Shot mostly in Hebrew and Farsi, 'Tehran' is likely to be the first fully subtitled series available on Apple's streaming service. The Thriller - to be re-cut with Apple co-producing - began airing earlier this year through Iranian broadcaster Kan 11 and stars 'Homeland' alum Shaun Toub and Navid Negahban alongside rising talent Niv Sultan.
Apple TV+ continues to beat-out competition from Netflix and Amazon for content. 'Tehran' follows a successful month for the streaming service with the capture of Tom Hanks WWII epic 'Greyhound' and upcoming projects from Brian Lazarte, James Lee Hernández and Martin Scorsese.
Apple Share First Look Trailer for ‘Little Voice’
Apple have shared a first look trailer for the upcoming Apple TV+ romantic comedy-drama 'Little Voice', ahead of its streaming debut on July 10th. The teaser trailer features the title theme of the same name, performed by award winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles.
The Bad Robot musical project's description:
"From Emmy Award-winner J.J. Abrams, Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-nominee Sara Bareilles and Jessie Nelson, Little Voice is a new coming-of-age drama series featuring original music from Sara Bareilles.
A love letter to the diverse musicality of New York starring Brittany O’Grady, Sean Teale, Colton Ryan, Shalini Bathina, Kevin Valdez, Phillip Johnson Richardson and Chuck Cooper, “Little Voice” follows Bess King, a uniquely talented performer struggling to fulfill her dreams while navigating rejection, love, and complicated family issues. Featuring original music by Grammy and Tony Award nominee, Sara Bareilles, this is a story about finding your authentic voice—and the courage to use it."
Sara Bareilles's new song 'Little Voice' received its debut earlier today and can be streamed in its entirety on Apple Music.
Up Next: This Week's Apple TV Releases
Each week Apple offers a mix of original Movies, TV Shows, Music and Arcade experiences available across all your screens - allowing you to pick-up where you left off. Here's our run down of what to add to your Up Next queue, music playlists and gaming backlogs this week.
Little Orpheus
Apple Arcade | Adventure | 4 +
This side scrolling comedy platformer from Sumo Digital and The Chinese Room ('Dear Esther' and 'Everybody's Gone to the Rapture') is set in a remote corner of Siberia where you control a Soviet cosmonaut who is dropped into a strange world full of surprise and discovery. This is one of a number of big-hitters releasing in the coming weeks on Apple Arcade - jumping right to the top of our must play recommendations.
Sara Bareilles - Little Voice (From the Apple TV+ Original Series 'Little Voice')
Apple Music | 2:20
The first new material from Sara Bareilles since 2019's 'Amidst the Chaos' also just happens to be the theme for the new Bad Robot production 'Little Voice' coming to Apple TV+ next month.
Central Park
Apple TV+ | S1, E4 | 25 min | TV-PG
Titled 'Garbage Ballet', the latest episode of this quirky animated musical series sees Paige hunt a rat, Owen battle trash in the park, and Molly obsess over her disastrous first kiss.
Oprah's Book Club
Apple TV+ | S1, E5 | 52 min | TV-PG
This month's book club sees Oprah get in-depth with author Robert Kolker and surviving members of the Galvin family about their extraordinary true story that inspired this months pick - 'Hidden Valley Road'.
Other Apple TV Highlights:
AFI Docs Fest
AirPlay | $8 - $50 | June 17th - 21st
Showcasing the best in documentary programming from the US and around the globe, AFI DOCS will be a fully digital affair this year. The film festival will open with the premieres of upcoming TV+ documentaries 'Boys State' and 'Dads' which will be followed by panels detailing both projects. More information can be found here.
Artemis Fowl
Disney+ | 1 hr 35 min | PG
This Disney+ original feature sees 12-year-old 'Artemis Fowl' - a genius and descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds - battle with a powerful race of underground fairies as he looks to uncover the whereabouts of his father. One for kids of all ages.
Da 5 Bloods
NetFlix | 2 hr 35 min | R
Spike Lee's latest joint sees four African American vets battle the forces of man and nature as they return to Vietnam seeking the remains of their fallen squad leader and the gold fortune he helped them hide.
Don't
ABC | S1, E1 | 42 min | TV-14
This hilarious and highly sarcastic Ryan Reynolds produced game show hosted by Adam Scott rewards contestants for what they don't do. “Don’t Turn the Car Around,” “Don’t Play Ball in the House,” “Don’t Beat Yourself Up,” Don’t Be Shocked”,“Don’t Look Back”. Don't miss this?
The King of Staten Island
Apple TV App | Rent | $19.99 | 2 hr 17 min | R
This semi-autobiographical comedy-drama from Judd Apatow follows tattoo artist Pete Davidson as he grows up in Staten Island following the loss of his father during 9/11.
English Premier League
Various | Sport | From June 17th
Englands top-flight football league restarts this week on NBC Sports in the US and through a host of broadcasters across the UK. The English top flight will play its remaining 92 fixtures behind closed doors beginning with two games on Wednesday 17th June. The first set of fixtures will broadcast for free in the UK across Sky (NOW TV), Amazon (Prime Video), BT Sport and the BBC (iPlayer).
Apple Arcade Updates:
Doomsday Vault
Apple Arcade | Adventure | 4 +
Developer Flightless brings new Challenge levels to its platform puzzler. Set on a dilapidated planet Earth your mission is to collect precious remaining plant life and return it to the safety of the Doomsday Vault.
Speed Demons
Apple Arcade | Racing | 12 +
Radiangames ultimate highway racing simulator adds new Grand Prix chapters and over 60 new events, along with reduced star and level reqirements and other minor tweaks and fixes. Be warned, this incredible game is addictive!
Tint
Apple Arcade | Puzzle | 4 +
This highly original puzzle painter game from Lykkeguard Europe will leave you in a state of zen. Coincidentally its own Zen Mode sees new levels added to its watercolor loop along with a restart button for completed levels which can be solved in a myriad of ways.
Towers of Everland
Apple Arcade | Role Playing | 9 +
Released just weeks ago, this fun dungeon crawler from Cobra Mobile sees a small update including tweaks that iron out certain kinks within its online gameplay. Highly recommended to those searching for games to emulate the traditional console experience on Apple TV.
Annecy International Film Festival to Screen Upcoming Apple TV+ Animation 'Wolfwalkers'
Apple's 'Wolfwalkers' has joined the lineup for this years Annecy International Film Festival. The festival which celebrates the very best in animation will take place from June 15th through June 30th and is to be held online this year.
'Wolfwalkers' is a new animated film which is planned to debut in theatres and Apple TV+ later this year. Created and directed by two-time Academy Award-nominee Tomm Moore ('The Secret of Kells,' 'Song of the Sea') and Ross Stewart, Cartoon Saloon, Melusine Productions and Folivari, the Apple exclusive joins the 2020 Annecy International Film Festival programme for a special, virtual sneak peek event. A first look at the film’s hand-crafted animation process will be showcased as part of the Work in Process Feature Films selection.
Cartoon Saloon's brief description of the animated project:
" 'Wolfwalkers' follows Robyn Goodfellowe, a young apprentice hunter who journeys to Ireland with her father in a time of superstition and magic to wipe out the last wolf pack. While exploring the forbidden lands outside the city walls, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. As they search for Mebh’s missing mother, Robyn uncovers a secret that draws her further into the enchanted world of the 'Wolfwalkers' and risks turning into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy."
Those interested in attending the online 2020 Annecy International Film Festival can purchase festival tickets here.
Thanks to Benjamin Mayo for the tip.