Android TV was launched as a replacement for Google TV in June 2014. Being a version of the Android operating system, it was mainly designed for soundbars, set-top boxes, digital media players, and TVs with native applications. Companies like Sharp and Sony have adopted the Android TV platform as smart TV middleware.
History:
| Date | History |
| June 2014 | Android TV was first announced as the successor to the unsuccessful Google TV at Google I/O conference. |
| October 2014 | Google discloses Nexus Player developed by Asus at a hardware event as the first Android TV device. |
| – | Earlier than the release of Android TV 9.0, an ADT-2 was released . |
| December 10, 2019 | The ADT-3 and Android TV are released together. |
Features:
As the adaptation of the Android operating system for a set-top box, the Android TV platform has integrated software on smart TV hardware. Along with the support for the voice input for commands and universal search across multiple services, it also supports software from “Google Play Store“. The Google Play Store though includes various media apps and games, but not all of them are compatible with Android TV.
Major features of Android TV:
- Voice search via remote
- Native Google Cast support
- Curated content on the top row
- Universal search using top apps
- Tons and games via Google Play Store
- Google Assistant integration
- Actor and actress bios
Google Assistant built-in Android TV:
With the visual responses of Android TV, the Google Assistant is also integrated, i.e., without leaving what we are watching, we can just say “Ok Google” or press the mic button to instantly perform other tasks like finding the latest blockbuster, dim the light, or check the score of the big game. Along with the set-top boxes, the Android TV platform is also built into full-size TVs. The Xiaomi Mi Box s, and Nvidia Shield TV are popular set-top boxes in the Android TV platform.
Chromecast built-in Android TV:
The casting of music, videos, photos, and other content that we desire from our favorite device straight to our TV is possible instantly, using Android TV.
Products using the Android TV platform:
Nvidia Shield (2017):
Being the best box for the Android TV owners, the Nvidia Shield plays a whole host of games that is not available on any other streaming device.
Features:
- Google Assistant/Home integration
- 4K HDR streaming
- Amazon Instant Video on Android
Sony Bravia Smart TVs:
To provide smart features to its mid-range and premium TVs, the Android TV platform is used by Sony, which means that we got hundreds of games, information, music, and video streaming apps, including Netflix, Youtube, and Amazon platforms.
Features:
- Great for 4K HDR streaming
- Unfussy but elegant design
- One of the best TVs
Sony Bravia A1E OLED TV:
With the best contrast and handles sound in a completely innovative way, the Sony A1E OLED is considered as an absolute imaging television.
Features:
- Fast and responsive UI
- Gorgeous picture quality
- Wide viewing angles
- It is relatively expensive