Key Takeaways
- Main Android TV updates will now be launched solely as soon as each two years.
- Newest model out there is Android TV 14, with subsequent replace anticipated round 2026.
- Google’s shift to biennial updates aligns with person tendencies to want app updates and inexpensive streaming gadgets.
In contrast to smartphones and tablets, Android TVs do not obtain updates as often as you would possibly anticipate. For example, my Android TV hasn’t seen a serious replace in over two years, and chances are high yours hasn’t both. Updating these gadgets is difficult for TV producers, which is probably going why Google seems to be shifting to a biyearly launch schedule for main Android TV updates.
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A report from Android Authority means that main Android TV updates will now be launched solely as soon as each two years. Google reportedly knowledgeable TV producers of this shift throughout its annual Android TV companion convention earlier in 2024, although the corporate has but to formally affirm the information.
At present, the most recent model out there is Android TV 14. This model is predicated on Android 14, which initially launched nearly a 12 months again in October 2023. Nevertheless, with Google releasing the Android TV 14 replace in 2024, it is doubtless we can’t see the subsequent main Android TV replace till 2026. It is unclear whether or not that replace can be primarily based on Android 15, Android 16 (expected mid-next year), or Android 17.
As of now, Android TV 14 is simply out there on Google’s new TV Streamer box and can quickly be rolled out to Chromecast with Google TV. Android TV 13 by no means reached shopper gadgets, and most Android TVs right this moment are nonetheless working on Android 12. So, it appears Google had already been following a slower replace cycle for Android TV and this method is simply being formally acknowledged now.
The following main Android TV replace is perhaps years away
Nonetheless, Google’s transfer to a once-every-two-years launch cycle for Android TV updates does make sense, as most customers do not prioritize software program updates for his or her good TVs. Most change their TVs solely as soon as each 5–10 years, and the principle interplay they’ve is with apps, which could be up to date independently by the Play Retailer.
On high of that, when a TV begins to really feel sluggish, customers can merely connect the best streaming devices to take pleasure in quicker efficiency and the most recent software program with no need an entire new TV.
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Nevertheless, one essential factor to notice right here is that whereas manufacturers like Sony, TCL, and Hisense depend on Android TV for his or her good TVs, Samsung makes use of its personal working system. Not too long ago, Samsung began rolling out One UI for its smart TVs — primarily based on Tizen however sharing the identical branding as its Galaxy smartphones — and dedicated to offering updates and new options for as much as seven years for its flagship fashions.
We would have liked to see an identical long-term replace dedication from Android TV producers, however Google’s shift to a biennial launch cycle doubtless means this may not occur.
Google TV Streamer
The Google TV Streamer is a brand new set-top streaming system from Google that improves upon the Chromecast 4K. It boasts Dolby Imaginative and prescient, which ought to supply a wider vary of colours and deeper blacks when viewing supported content material, and even doubles as a wise residence hub with Thread assist and Matter compatibility. With AI smarts in tow, the system can curate content material primarily based in your preferences throughout your whole subscriptions, and arrange them conveniently in a single place.
