If you’ve been seeing the phrase “Google TV” more frequently in 2021, there’s a good reason for it. Google TV isn’t a new service but rather a big redo of an older service, Android TV. We have a guide exploring the ins and outs of Google TV, but we wanted to take a moment to address a more specific concern: How exactly is Google TV affecting Android TV going forward? Our FAQ has the answers that all Android TV users should know!
Further reading
- TCL’s 5- and 6-Series TVs now available with Google TV, Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- Google TV releases update, adds voice search and new programming guide
- What is Google TV? Here’s everything you need to know
- What is Android TV? Google’s smart TV platform fully explained
What is Google TV?
Google TV is a new interface for the Android TV platform that Google uses to provide content for TV viewing via devices like set-top boxes, dongles, and smart TVs. It’s more than a basic theme and rebranding, too: Google is reworking the UI layer of
The Google TV software updates began in 2021 and are currently rolling out slowly, so both
Does Google TV add any new features?
It does! Behind the scenes, new artificial intelligence (A.I.) features can recommend content based on your Google profile and how you use
- Support for a kids’ mode and parental controls
- Native support for compatible home smart devices (like viewing a live video feed from security cams)
- Support for slideshows from Google Photos
- Support for multiple user accounts
Is the Google TV interface replacing Android TV entirely?
Again, keep in mind that the underlying
On a device-by-device basis, things are a little more complicated. Devices that can be updated to Google TV have already received that upgrade or will be receiving it as the rollout continues. It’s not surprising that Chromecast was one of the first to get the new Google TV experience, along with
Other devices may be too old or too limited to fully upgrade to Google TV. These will most likely be phased out naturally over time as people switch to newer devices. They are also likely to receive some background benefits of Google TV’s A.I. capabilities even if they don’t get the full interface switch.
How do I know when my TV will get Google TV?
It’s still difficult to say since we’re in the middle of the rollout. So far,
For
Not all these updates include all Google TV features, but they adopt many features and cues from its interface. For the full Google TV experience, you may need to get a Google device or buy a new TV from a brand like Sony. Remember, Google has said that by 2022, any brands that offered
What if I really like Android TV?
There’s no roadmap for
What if I want to try Google TV right now?
Purchase a new Google Chromecast (usually referred to as “Chromecast with Google TV” to show the difference) or Sony Bravia TV. If you’re on
What about the Android TV remote app?
That’s changing, too. In 2021, the
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