In the rapidly evolving landscape of television technology, TV operating systems have witnessed a remarkable transition in recent years. While some companies such as Samsung and LG continue to rely on proprietary software solutions for their smart TVs, a growing number of manufacturers are embracing the adoption of third-party operating systems to enhance user experience and functionality. This news blog reveals about Android TV updates.
One of the most prominent third-party operating systems making waves in the TV industry is Android TV. By leveraging the power of the ubiquitous Android platform, TV users can now access and download a myriad of apps directly from the Google Play Store, much like they do on their smartphones. Despite not all mobile apps being readily available for TVs, the emphasis remains on providing a seamless and intuitive user experience tailored for the TV viewing environment.
The unveiling of Android TV 13 at Google I/O in 2022 marked a notable milestone in the evolution of smart TV interfaces. While the upgrade may not introduce a multitude of new features, it focuses on enhancing the picture-in-picture functionality that has been a staple of Android TV. With improved compatibility with popular video chatting apps like Zoom and Google Meet, users can now effortlessly multitask by keeping a video call running in a corner while enjoying their favourite TV content.
Google’s strategic integration of new APIs in Android TV 13 demonstrates a commitment to optimizing app performance and compatibility with TV hardware. The introduction of the “AudioManager” API enables apps to better anticipate audio output settings and playback modes, enhancing the overall audio experience for users. Additionally, the “MediaSession” API empowers Android TV apps to respond more effectively to HDMI state changes, enabling seamless content pausing and power-saving mechanisms.
Looking ahead, the anticipation for Android TV 14 looms on the horizon, although the update timeline for TV operating systems differs from that of mobile platforms. Manufacturers often exhibit a slower pace in rolling out TV software updates compared to smartphones. Notably, the recent launch of Google TV with Android 14 raises intriguing speculations regarding the future direction of Android TV. The alignment of Google TV with the latest Android iteration prompts contemplation on the potential phasing out of Android TV in favor of a unified Google TV ecosystem.