We might have some bias by saying that, but when you think about it, it's obvious that the operating system is one of the most versatile in existence. We think of it as the power behind phones and tablets, but it's not the only thing that powers them.
That last point is what we are talking about today. This version of the software has been used to power smart TVs and streaming boxes since the beginning of the year.
The popularity ofAndroid TV has been overshadowed by other platforms, but that doesn't mean it's not worth considering. If you are looking for a way to bring more smarts into your living room, and you are a fan of Google services, then you should definitely check out Android TV.
Here is what you need to know about it.
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There is a version of the operating system that is specifically designed for TVs. The first version was released in June of 2014). Similar to other TV operating systems, you can use Android TV to watch streaming apps. When you feel like having more interaction with your entertainment, you can play some games on the TV.
The new user interface on most Android TV devices released in 2021 and beyond has been replaced by elements introduced as part of the new Google TV interface. The home screen of the operating system was refreshed with larger buttons, increased animation, and a bright green microphone icon.
native support for scrolling and generating a color theme for system menus based on your wallpaper were added to the operating system. native support for 4KUI rendering improves the overall screen interface and makes visuals even sharper. The ability to upscale to 4K was present in previous versions of the TV set.
Some of the privacy changes that are present on the phones are also available on the TV as part of the refresh. Privacy changes include a feature that allows users to turn off access to microphone audio and camera video in all apps.
If you use the Google Assistant frequently on your phone and smart speakers, you will love the experience of using the TV.
The Assistant is built into the TV. If you press the Assistant button on your remote, you will be able to talk to the Assistant just like you would anywhere else.
It is helpful in a number of ways. For specific commands to your TV, you can have the Assistant pause what you are watching, adjust the volume, open specific apps, etc. Ask the assistant about the weather, who is dating, or turn off the lights in the living room. You know and love the same thing, just on your TV.
For those times when you are already on your phone, and you want to watch a show on the big screen,Android TV has you covered.
Do you want to watch a video on your phone? You can send a video to your TV with the help of the Chromecast icon on your phone.
It is a feature that works with any app that supports Chromecast. You can display family pictures on your television with a couple of taps, instead of looking at them on your phone.
There are a couple of ways to get your hands on the device. The cheapest option is to buy a streaming box with a built-in TV.
These are small gadgets that plug into your TV, like a mini-game console, and allow you to access all of the perks that come with it. Whether you have a dumb TV with no smart interface or you want to upgrade to a better one, an Android TV box is perfect for adding a ton of new features while spending as little money as possible.
The most robust options are the Shield and Shield Pro. The Shield supports HD-to-4K content, as well as 4K and Dolby Vision. It supports cloud gaming and has an ethernet port. If you are willing to upgrade, the Shield TV Pro will increase the storage to 16GB and the RAM to 3GB.
The top pick is the Chromecast with Google TV. It has the same upsides as the Shield, but you will have to buy an internet connection to stream games. It doesn't have upscale content and 8GB of storage isn't enough for everyone, but it's more affordable than the Shield, making it the same price as most premium streaming dongles.
Users can use their phone as a TV remote with the latest update to the OS, making it even easier to navigate.
If you want to upgrade your entire TV, you could buy a television that comes with a built-in version of the popular TV show, "The Simpsons."
If you need a new TV anyway, you should buy one that doesn't require extra hardware to use Android TV. You can save your HDMI ports for other devices.
The Hisense U8G Quantum is our current favorite TV. The 4K TV has four HDMI ports, supports 120Hz refresh rates, and has an affordable price. If you don't grab the set, Sony and TCL make excellent Android TV sets.
Maybe you want something a bit more high-end. Our list of the best 4K TVs is only for shoppers who want the best. The Sony A80J Bravia XR OLED is one of the best TVs out there. The picture display and sound quality are top-notch.
In line with the launch of Chromecast with Google TV in 2020, it was announced that the new user interface for Android TV would be called Google TV.
The new interface is powered by machine learning, the Google Assistant, and the knowledge graph. It is an easy way for users to find content from various streaming services. The new interface places content recommendations front and center and features a Live tab for TV-like integrations.
You can browse content by movies, shows, and apps on the interface. The library of purchased content can be accessed via the Play Movies and TV app. Content is recommended to you based on your viewing habits.
The option to create profiles specifically for younger viewers is included in the new interface. The kid-specific interface features bright colors and fun illustrations, as well as the option to pick background themes such as space travel and under the sea.
You can find a list of devices that support the old OS and those that support the new one. If you are stuck with Android TV, you will be able to manually fine-tune your recommendations, like you would get with Google TV.
Most old and new Android TV devices use the same OS as the new ones, and most new TV sets and boxes use the same OS as the old ones. We don't know much about any new Chromecasts, but several new Google TV sets have shipped in the next few years.
While the Android TV brand won't die anytime soon, it has shifted its focus to its own interface. Stadia is still being brought to more devices over time, as well as features from the old OS. It is up to you whether or not you want to keep your old device or upgrade to a new one.
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