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 choose app updates and reasonably priced streaming units.
Not like 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 significant replace in over two years, and chances are high yours hasn’t both. Updating these units 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 associate convention earlier in 2024, although the corporate has but to formally affirm the information.
At present, the newest model out there is Android TV 14. This model is predicated on Android 14, which initially launched nearly a yr again in October 2023. Nonetheless, with Google releasing the Android TV 14 replace in 2024, it is possible we can’t see the following main Android TV replace till 2026. It is unclear whether or not that replace can be primarily based on Android 15, Android 16 (anticipated mid-next yr), or Android 17.
As of now, Android TV 14 is barely out there on Google’s new TV Streamer field and can quickly be rolled out to Chromecast with Google TV. Android TV 13 by no means reached client units, and most Android TVs at this time are nonetheless working on Android 12. So, it appears Google had already been following a slower replace cycle for Android TV and this strategy is simply being formally acknowledged now.
The subsequent main Android TV replace could be years away
However, 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 primary interplay they’ve is with apps, which could be up to date independently via the Play Retailer.
On prime of that, when a TV begins to really feel sluggish, customers can merely connect the greatest streaming units to take pleasure in quicker efficiency and the newest software program without having a complete new TV.
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Nonetheless, one necessary 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. Lately, Samsung began rolling out One UI for its good 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 beloved to see the same long-term replace dedication from Android TV producers, however Google’s shift to a biennial launch cycle possible means this would possibly not occur.
Google TV Streamer
The Google TV Streamer is a brand new set-top streaming machine from Google that improves upon the Chromecast 4K. It boasts Dolby Imaginative and prescient, which ought to provide a wider vary of colours and deeper blacks when viewing supported content material, and even doubles as a sensible dwelling hub with Thread assist and Matter compatibility. With AI smarts in tow, the machine can curate content material primarily based in your preferences throughout all your subscriptions, and manage them conveniently in a single place.