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ExpressVPN debuts on Apple TV and improves the UI for its Android counterpart
The new Apple TV app is available for those using tvOS 17
If you’re a frequent VPN user, you might rely on your service provider to maintain security and privacy. Whether your VPN provider is compatible across your devices, however, is essential to leveraging this technology. ExpressVPN is one provider that continues to expand its offerings to those who rely on it for privacy, and it’s now available on Apple TV.
Android TVs are a great alternative to the usual smart TVs. They're more reliable and often have better features and app support. They come with almost all the video and music streaming applications you can think of, and you can always install more from the Play Store. Notably, Android TVs also come with built-in Chromecast support, which can help you stream from your phone or PC easily. Many manufacturers have also started making Android TVs, so you're bound to find some solid options from the likes of Sony, TCL, Hisense, and more while shopping for the best TVs. These manufacturers also ship their TVs with the updated Google TV interface out of the box, which uses Google's A.I. to offer a more personalized TV viewing experience.
Best TVs in 2024
Finding the best TV for yourself can seem daunting but we're here to help. Here's a list of the best TVs you buy can right now in 2023.
Finding the best TV for yourself means selecting one that satisfies your needs by offering great visuals and user experience. Your budget obviously also plays a big role, but thanks to advancements in TV technology, even affordable TVs can provide a pretty good experience. It's up to you to decide whether you want the absolute best visual experience or settle for almost the best.
Best media streaming devices in 2024
Looking for an Android TV, Fire TV, or Roku streamer for your TV? We have handpicked the best media streaming devices you can buy in 2023.
Media streaming devices are genius. They are an amazing option for those looking to get the best out of their old TVs, or projectors, as getting a new smart TV may not always be the most affordable or the smartest way to enjoy your content if you already own a TV with a large display. And they are also a great way to change how you navigate your favorite content, in case you don’t love the experience that comes with your smart TV.
Rokid Station review: The first Android TV box for AR glasses is a no-frills affair
For when you want to watch YouTube without your phone
Even before Apple pulled the curtains back on its Vision Pro headset, there's been a surge in consumer-grade AR (augmented reality) glasses over the past couple of years, with brands like XReal (formerly nReal), TCL, Lenovo, and Rokid leading the charge. Rokid's Max eyewear is my favorite of the bunch simply because it projects the largest screen.
Best Android TV boxes and sticks in 2024
Android TV boxes and sticks can make your 'dumb' TV smart. Here are the best options to consider right now.
Android TVs are readily available on the market right now, but you don't necessarily have to splurge on a new TV just to get all the smart features. If your regular old "dumb" TV still has some years left in it, then you can consider buying a new Android TV box or a stick to get all the fancy new smart features, complete with the new and updated Android TV platform.
Android TV's new Shop tab is going to simplify movie night
Android TV is getting a much-needed update in the form of a new Shop tab that will give users a new way to rent and buy movies.
Some of the best TVs on the market right now are backed by almost invisible operating systems that make it easier to enjoy all your favorite content with a seamless yet evolving menu system. Google's Android TV is one of the more popular operating systems that can found on a number of different products from brands like Sony, TCL, Sharp, Hisense, and many more.
LineageOS 20 is already available for a plethora of devices from Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, Sony, and even Google. Keeping the modding spirit alive, more devices are constantly being added to the list. The second generation Pixel phones are the latest Google devices to get the official support of the latest LineageOS release based on Android 13.
Android 13 for Android TV releases with performance improvements and additional features
Android 13 for Android TV is now here, though you can only use it on ADT-3 and the Android Emulator for the moment.
Android is the largest operating system in the world. It powers over 2.5 billion smartphones worldwide, and every year it receives a new upgrade with improvements over the previous version. It powers TV devices such as Chromecasts too, and it can run apps just like its smartphone counterpart can. The most recent version of Android TV was Android 12, but now Google is rolling out Android 13 for Android TV.
Google Messages gets end-to-end encryption for group chats
Users will soon get the option to react to RCS messages with any emoji as well
After rolling out a new icon and several new features to Google Messages in October, Google is now bringing a highly-requested feature to the messaging app. According to a recent blog post, Google Messages will soon receive end-to-end encryption for group chats, making your group conversations much more secure.
Android TV 13 comes to the Raspberry Pi 4 courtesy of unofficial LineageOS 20 ROM
Give your Pi a taste of Android TV.
It’s easy to make an older 'dumb' TV feel new by attaching an Android TV box or stick, but it’s not quite that simple when you just have a Raspberry Pi for your DIY project. Even though the homebrew tinkering flagbearer uses the same ARM architecture as most Android devices, porting Android to the Pi has always been a tricky process. Nonetheless, XDA Senior Member KonstaT has been responsible for compiling Android for the popular credit card-sized computer and his latest effort now shoehorns Android TV 13 to the Raspberry Pi 4.
Mecool Now KA2 Android TV review: Could be smarter
If you have Google across your devices and want to stay that way, add the Mecool Now KA2 Android TV with video calling to your list.
Sometimes a computer screen can be a bit too small if you want to video chat with a group of people, like your family. Now Mecool has introduced an add-on camera for your TV that will let you get the entire group into the frame when you chat. The Mecool Now KA2 is the latest Android TV video camera offering from Mecool, which has a range of home entertainment products, boxes, and sticks. It also offers a range of accessories, such as flash drives, keyboards, and remotes.
How to sideload apps on Android TV: APK Install and ADB Sideload methods explained in easy-to-follow steps!
Not sure how to sideload apps on Android TV? We explain two easy ways to sideload APKs or Android app bundles on Android TV devices.
Android TV may not be perfect, but it's one of the better smart TV platforms on the market. It gives you access to lots of apps and games, most of which you can download from the Google Play Store. But some Android TV apps aren't available via Google Play. Fortunately, just like how you can sideload apps onto Android smartphones and tablets, you can sideload apps on Android TV devices. Sideloading on Android TV isn't as straightforward as phones or tablets, but it isn't very challenging either.
Google Play system update for October 2022 adds pending update reminder on Android TV, fixes bugs, and more
The Google Play system update for October 2022 offers critical bug fixes, various improvements to the Play Store, and more.
After rolling out the October 2022 Android security patches to the eligible Pixel smartphones earlier this week, Google has now started pushing a fresh new update for the Google Play system. The new release brings several Google Play Store improvements, some Android TV related enhancements, updated system management services, and more.
LineageOS 19 is now available for the Moto Edge 20, Google ADT-3, and Dynalink 4K Box
The LineageOS team has extended LineageOS 19 support to the Moto Edge 20, the Google ADT-3, and the Dynalink 4K TV Box.
After releasing LineageOS 19 based on Android 12 for the OnePlus 8 series, Galaxy A52 4G, and Galaxy A72 late last month, the LineageOS team has now extended support to three more devices. The latest devices to make it to the LineageOS 19 build roster include the Moto Edge 20, the Google ADT-3, and Walmart's Dynalink 4K Box.
Android TV's “expanded” picture-in-picture mode is here with Android 13 Beta 2
Android 13 introduces a new expanded picture-in-picture mode that allows developers to create longer and wider PiP windows on Android TV.
During the excitement of a new Android 13 beta release, it's quite easy to forget that phones (and tablets) aren't the only things getting upgraded. While the initial Android 13 beta for Android TV was a bit underwhelming, the latest version includes something that users have been wanting for quite a while -- a revamped picture-in-picture mode.
You'll soon be able to cast content from different services directly in Google TV
Google is making it easier than ever to cast movies and shows from your phone to your TV by bringing a cast button directly into Google TV.
Soon, the Google TV app on your phone will be able to cast content directly to your Android TV without the need for third-party apps. This should be a major step in streamlining the viewing experience at home, since you can easily find the content you want to watch in one place and then start casting directly from there.
The first beta of Android 13 for Google TV and Android TV is here
The first beta of Android 13 TV is now out, allowing developers and power users to get a sneak peek at the new smart TV interface.
Thanks to developer previews and beta releases, we already know quite a lot about Android 13. However, most of the changes we have documented so far have been about smartphones and tablets. Info about what the next version of Andriod brings for TVs and streaming devices has remained few and far between. But that changes now as Google has released the Android 13 Beta for TV, giving us our first look at the next version of the Android TV platform.
Android TV 13 to bring an "expanded" picture-in-picture mode
Android 13 introduces a new expanded picture-in-picture multi-window mode that will allow developers to create longer and wider PiP windows.
Picture-in-picture mode is one of the most useful features of Android. It was first introduced on Android TV devices with Android 7.0 Nougat and was expanded to smartphones and tablets with Android 8.0 Oreo. Picture-in-picture, also known as PiP, is a multi-window mode that allows users to play videos in a small, floating window. And the feature is set to get even better in Android 13.
Sony rolls out VRR firmware update for its 2021 Bravia XR TV lineup
Sony has finally started rolling out the VRR support to its 2021 Bravia XR TV lineup. Read on to learn more about all the incoming changes.
When Sony launched its 2021 Bravia XR TV lineup in January last year, the company said that it would roll out variable refresh rate (VRR) support to the TVs via a post-launch firmware update. Over a year after making that announcement, Sony has now finally started rolling out VRR support to the TVs.