Android TV is Being Phased Out in Favor of Google TV
Here's what the demise of Android TV means for you
In 2020 Google Announced Android TV would eventually be replaced with Google TV. And now more new televisions are coming with Google TV already on board. Here's what this means for you.
Smart TV manufacturers have been using the Android TV operating system now for many years. But some are now making the switch to Google's latest Google TV OS. This will become the more common OS in the next few years.
Android TV
Android TV was an enhanced version of the Android operating system specifically designed for a big screen instead of for use on a smaller screen typically found on a phone or tablet.
This meant it needed to look great from across the room, and applications built specifically for it need to work with a remote control instead of a touch screen as is commonly used on an Android tablet or mobile phone.
Google TV
Since Google TV still uses the same Android software and features, other than the Name change which reflects the Google Brand, end-users would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the two operating systems. The original Android OS was not invented by Google, rather they purchased Android back in 2000.
Changing the name to Google TV aligns the operating system more closely with their brand. But there are some changes to Google TV software that will let it do much more than only power your television for TV entertainment. Google TV will include Smart Home features to make it the Hub of your Smart Home letting it control a larger number of smart devices.
Many of the old Android TV apps will work the same across both operating systems. But some changes are immediately visible as soon as you turn on a new television powered by Google TV.
The old Android TV OS was designed around apps, that's what dominated the home screen. While Google TV still lets you browse through your apps, its primary focus is on entertainment. On the Google TV home screen, a large portion of the screen now is devoted to shows on various apps and streaming services.
This caused a lot of user aggravation at first, especially for owners of the Nvidia SHIELD when in an update the home screen changed to reflect shows instead of apps. Users complained that this was another form of advertising, which showcased shows on channels and services they did not even subscribe.
Many other competing media streamers and televisions built and sold by Roku, Amazon, and also on the Apple TV already have done the same with their Home Screens. So Google is also aligning its TV OS brand with current industry standards. They also included a Tab on the Home Screen specifically for watching Live TV services and apps.
Use Your Phone as a Smarter Remote
The new Google TV software also integrates a phone as an enhanced remote. Controlling not only your TV but letting you watch content seamlessly between devices. Letting you resume watching a show or movie on either device right where you left off. You can also browse for and add content to a TV favorites list right on your phone.
2022 Was The Year All New Devices Were to Use Google TV
While Google initially specified that all new devices sold during 2022, should run Google TV, they loosened up on this a bit. Giving television manufacturers additional time to make the switch over from Android TV.
Even though TVs are still available and sold today with both Android TV and Google TV, the latter OS will now quickly become the new standard. Eventually, completely replace Android TV altogether in the near future. But rest assured, you won't lose anything you love. Including your favorite side-loaded apps, and these Nine Best Apps for TV Streaming, when making the switch to Google TV.
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