All you need to know about Google's TV platform

Publish date: 2023-05-23

Adamya Sharma / Android Authority

If you’re in the market for a smart TV or a streaming device, chances are you’ve already heard of Android TV. The platform was born in 2014 when Google retired the Google TV moniker. It’s another story that Google TV is once again a thing (more on that later), but Android TV isn’t going anywhere. It will remain Google’s dedicated software for internet-connected televisions and streaming devices.

Currently, the Android TV platform rivals the likes of Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, LG’s webOS, and Samsung’s Tizen OS. However, unlike the latter two, which are mostly available on televisions from the respective companies, Android TV’s reach expands to several different devices and brands. Google also recently announced its own dedicated Android TV hardware in the form of the new Chromecast. We’ll talk about all this and more in this comprehensive Android TV platform guide.

What is Android TV?

Adamya Sharma / Android Authority

Just like Android is software meant for phones, the Android TV platform is Google’s dedicated operating system designed for the big screen. It brings the Google Play Store to televisions and streaming devices, along with other Android capabilities such as sideloading apps, playing games, accessing the Google Assistant, and much more.

The first Android TV device was the Nexus Player launched by Asus in 2014.

The first Android TV device was the Nexus Player launched by Asus in 2014. It ran the Android Lollipop software and came with support for Google Cast (now known as Chromecast). This was followed by the launch of the Nvidia Shield TV in 2015. The device saw successors in 2019, but the older box is still one of the most popular Android media streamers to date.

Fast forward to 2022 and Android TV is built into televisions from many of the top 10 smart TV OEMs, including Sony, TCL, Xiaomi, Hisense, Panasonic, OnePlus, and more. The software, Google claims, is also present in devices from over 160 TV operators worldwide.

Android TV’s interface for most smart TVs and other devices launched before 2021 is divided into rows of content. The apps you see on the home screen are customizable, and you can also play around with the settings to further personalize your Android TV devices. To learn how to do that, you can read our in-depth Android TV setup guide here.

The majority of Android TV devices are yet to jump onto Android 11 or Android 12.

In terms of software versions, Android TV is nothing like Android on smartphones. Sure, its software names correspond with those of the mobile OS, but the way its updates roll out is starkly different. For instance, Google released the Android 12 update for its TV platform in November last year, but almost none of the Android TV devices out there have jumped onto the latest version or even Android 11. The new Chromecast with Google TV, for instance, is still on the rather outdated Android 10.

The software you get really depends on when you purchased your Android TV device. The more recent, the newer the software.

How is Android TV different from Google TV?

Google just restructured things a bit in the Android TV world. The Google TV moniker previously put out to pasture has been resurrected as a UI for the Android TV. Google TV redesigns the way your Android TV’s interface looks and unifies content from different apps.

It also ditches the rows UI and replaces it with content tabs on the top of the home screen (see image above). Content is now arranged in sections labeled For You, Live, Movies, Shows, Apps, and Library. You also get smart home controls and a new ambient mode to display Google Photos as screen savers.

Google Play Movies and TV will also be rebranded to Google TV.

Besides being a new UI for Android TVs, Google TV is also the new name for the Google Play Movies and TV app. With the name change comes a new overall look, including a new app icon and logo. Confused? We’re not sure what inspired Google to do this either.

Perhaps the company is laying the foundation for a future streaming service (something like Apple TV Plus) or planning more changes to the Android TV platform. We’ll likely know more in the future. Meanwhile, all your previously purchased movies and shows will remain available on the rebranded app.

The Google TV UI is catching on pretty fast. It’s not only available on the new Chromecast but also on TVs from brands like Sony, TCL, Hisense, and more.

Some Android TV devices have also received an interface update that adds personalized streaming recommendations to the platform. It brings a Netflix-like home screen redesign. One of the Android TV boxes that have received this update is the Nvidia Shield TV. It now features a new Discover tab for content recommendations. The new UI is not identical to that of Google TV but there are many similarities.

How do Android TV devices work?

David Imel / Android Authority

As mentioned before, the Android TV software can be found on many devices be it streaming sticks, dongles, set-top boxes, or television sets. Most of these devices are plug-and-play, with a brief universal setup process.

If you have a third-party Android TV device like the Mi TV Stick or the Nvidia Shield TV, you’ll have to plug it into your TV or monitor’s HDMI port using an HDMI cable. If your TV is preloaded with the Android TV platform, you can just plug it into a power socket and get started.

Once your Android TV is ready to use, you will see content divided into rows. If you have the new Chromecast, you’ll experience the new Google TV UI we explained above.

In any case, you’ll find that some popular apps such as Netflix, YouTube, YouTube Music, and others are pre-installed on your Android TV device. You can also download more apps through the Google Play Store.

Soon, Google will also offer a Live TV tab on Android TV devices through its Google TV UI. Live TV channels will show up as per your YouTube TV subscriptions, but the integration will be limited to the US at launch.

Android TV hardware

David Imel / Android Authority

Android TV has quite a vast ecosystem of devices. Since it is software, several third-party OEMs use it on their own streaming hardware. If you’re looking for Android TV hardware right now, you have an option to choose between various set-top boxes, media streaming players, TVs, and streaming sticks/dongles.

A TV set might be the most expensive option from the lot but then you don’t have to hunt for monitors or TVs to connect a separate device with the software. If you already have a regular monitor or a TV that’s not internet-connected, you can opt for a cheaper streaming stick or media box instead.

Most Android TV devices these days come with voice-enabled remotes. This means you can simply press a button and tell Google Assistant what you want to watch.

Below is a list of all the different types of Android TV devices you can buy.

Set-top boxes and sticks

If you’re looking for more options, you can also check out the following devices:

Not satisfied with these top Android TV devices? Check out our full list of the best Android TV boxes here.

Smart TVs

Google has multiple OEM partners when it comes to smart TVs powered by Android TV. You have an option to choose TVs from the likes of Sony, TCL, Xiaomi, OnePlus, VU, Skyworth, Panasonic, and more.

Best premium Android TVs: If you’re looking for the best Android TV money can buy, you can’t go wrong with a Sony. The Sony A90J is one of the top models from the company’s 2021 lineup. The flagship OLED Android TV boats of the new Google TV UI based on Android 10, and is available in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 83-inch models starting at $2,999.

If you want something less expensive, but still premium, you can also consider the Sony A80J. The 4K OLED TV costs $1,699 for the 55-inch model. You can also get a 65-inch or 77-inch version if you want to go bigger. You can expect slightly lower peak brightness from this TV, but overall, it’s still one of the best Sony has to offer. You also get the new Google TV experience with it.

The Japanese manufacturer’s A9S is 4K HDR Android TV is an even cheaper option in the premium segment. It’s a 2020 model and now costs $1,199. It doesn’t come with Android TV baked in but should ideally get that interface update sometime in the future. However, only a 48-inch size is available for the TV, so you will have to compromise on screen real estate a bit.

Best mid-range Android TVs: Want something premium from Sony but don’t want to go bankrupt? The Sony Bravia XR X90J and X85J are great 4K LED TVs to consider. Both models came out in 2021 and offer the Google TV experience right out of the box. One thing you should know is that the XR X90J comes with Sony’s latest Cognitive XR processor, while the X85J carries the older X1 processor. This is why the 50-inch XR X90J costs $899 while the same-sized X85J TV comes in at $750.

The Hisense U8 55-inch TV is also a good mid-range Android TV option to consider. Starting at $749 for a 55-inch set, it’s slim and offers a 4K UHD LCD panel, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, local dimming, and more alluring features.

You can go even cheaper with the Hisense U7 55-inch model. It doesn’t feature local dimming zones like the aforementioned newer model, so black might not be as deep and the contrast may not be at par with the U8 TVs. However, you do get the same Android TV experience, a 120Hz panel, Dolby vision, and HDR 10 support.

TCL also has a contender in this range. Its 55-inch Class 6-series 4K QLED TV offers 4K HDR picture quality, Mini-LED backlight display technology, and the updated Google TV experience. It costs $749.

Best budget Android TVs: If you want to spend as little as $379, the Hisense H8G is the one to look at. It’s a 4K LED TV. Like its more expensive sibling, it comes with full-array local dimming, support for 4K resolution, HDR 10, Dolby Audio, and more. You can choose from a 50-inch panel ranging up to a 75-inch screen without breaking the bank.

The Xiaomi Mi TV 4S is also an excellent entry-level Android TV to consider. However, it’s only available in markets like Europe and India. The 55-inch variant is priced at €378 (~$442). It offers 4K resolution, HDR, Dolby Audio MEMC, three HDMI ports, and three USB ports. It runs Xiaomi’s PatchWall skin on top of Android TV and is a decent set to consider if your budget is not too high.

The TCL S434 is also a decent entry-level Android TV to consider. It’s a 4K TV that starts at $299 for the 50-inch model. It also comes with a voice-activated remote control that uses the Google Assistant.

Looking for more recommendations? Check out this list of the best Android TVs you can get. We’ll also update this list of Android TV devices as the new 2021 lot starts rolling out.

Android TV alternatives

Roku

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Apple has its own TV platform called tvOS. It also has dedicated streaming hardware in the form of the Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K boxes. However, it’s a bit more expensive to buy Apple’s streaming devices as they start retailing at $144.

You get access to all popular streaming apps and an a la carte selection of TV channels through Apple TV devices. Of course, Apple also has its own Apple TV Plus subscription streaming service on which you can watch Apple originals and other content.

Amazon Fire TV

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Amazon’s Fire TV range consists of the most popular streaming devices out there. They run Fire OS and offer up cheap streaming devices that boast great performance. There are three Amazon Fire TV streaming sticks on offer. The most affordable one is the Fire TV Stick Lite priced at $30. Then there’s the new Fire TV Stick with a revamped Alexa remote for $40. The third option is the top-of-the-line Fire TV Stick 4K for $50. Amazon also sells a set-top box called the Fire TV Cube that costs $120.

LG Web OS

Just like Google has the Android TV operating system, LG has its own webOS software for televisions. It has a unique UI with cards at the bottom of the screen. You can use LG’s Magic Remote to switch between them, showing you everything from smart TV controls to different apps.

WebOS is not much different in terms of the streaming options its presents. You can download almost all streaming apps, including YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, and more from LG’s Content Store. However, unlike Android TV, LG’s operating system is limited to smart TVs. You won’t find it on other devices like streaming sticks or set-top boxes.

Samsung Tizen OS

All Samsung smart TVs come with Tizen TV OS built-in. It features a Smart Hub which integrates all your content in one place. The layout arranges an array of cards at the bottom of the screen. These cards display everything from devices connected to the TV, to streaming services, apps, the settings menu, and more. Just like webOS, Samsung’s Tizen OS for TVs is also limited to television sets.

FAQs

Q. Does Android TV support Disney Plus?

Yes, Android TVs support all major streaming apps, including Disney Plus.

Q. Can I play games on the Android TV platform?

Q. Which is the best Android TV device?

If you have the money, you can’t go wrong with the Nvidia Shield TV. Google’s new Chromecast with Google TV is a good option if you don’t want to spend a lot too. Of course, if you’re looking for a full-fledged Android television set, you can choose from the options mentioned above.

Q. Does Android TV have a web browser?

Android TV devices usually don’t come with a built-in web browser. However, you can download and install third-party apps that function as a web browser through the Google Play store. You can even sideload a browser app like Google Chrome on your Android TV device. That said, newer devices with Google TV let you download browsers from the Play Store.

Q. Is Android TV platform free to use?

Yes, you don’t have to pay to use Android TV software once you’ve bought an Android TV device. However, you will need to pay for the individual subscription services you use for streaming. You’ll also have to pay for some Android TV apps just like you pay for mobile apps.

Q. How do I set up my Android TV?

You can follow our detailed Android TV setup guide to learn how to get started with your Android TV and make the most of it with essential apps.

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