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Android 12 for Android TV will finally bring native 4K UI and refresh rate switching
Android 12 for Android TV is finally bringing a native 4K UI to the operating system, along with dynamic refresh rate switching.
Android 12 Beta 3 launched for Pixel phones earlier today, and with it came a new beta update for Android TV as well. The previous Android TV 12 betas were a bit lackluster, but the latest beta brings some much-awaited features, making Android 12 the most exciting update to the Android TV platform in years. The most significant new features are the introduction of native 4K UI rendering and dynamic refresh rate switching.
TCL brings its premium C Series range of 4K TVs to India
TCL today launched its C series range of premium 4K TVs in India that offer support for features like 120Hz MEMC, variable refresh rate support, and much more.
TCL today launched three new premium 4K TVs in the Indian market. The new range features 120Hz MEMC support, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, Game Master, Hands-free voice control 2.0, and a host of other features. The new range will also be upgraded to the new Google TV interface, starting Q3 2021. Here's a quick look at all the new models in TCL's C Series lineup:
Google Stadia app finally arrives on Android TV devices
Google Stadia now officially supports the NVIDIA SHIELD, Chromecast with Google TV, and other Android TV devices as of June 23rd.
Google Stadia launched almost two years ago in November 2018, and while many of the platform's original issues have now been fixed, the lack of proper TV support has remained consistent. Google didn't even have Stadia available at launch on its new Chromecast with Google TV, which was released eight months ago. Thankfully for anyone using Stadia, Google is finally bringing the service to Android TV devices starting later this month.
India opens antitrust investigation into Google over its smart TV dominance
The Competition Commission of India has ordered an investigation into Google on allegations that it has abused its dominant position in the smart TV segment.
After reviewing a case filed by two lawyers against Google's anti-competitive practices in the smart TV segment, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has now ordered an investigation into the matter. While Google has denied any wrongdoing, the antitrust watchdog is "convinced that a case is made out for directing an investigation," based on its initial review.
Sony Bravia X90J 55-inch 4K TV with HDMI 2.1 is now available in India
Sony has introduced the Bravia X90J in India, the first smart TV offering with 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, along with HDMI 2.1.
Sony has launched the Bravia X90J 4K smart TV series in India, starting with the 55-inch model. The highlight feature of the new smart TV series is the inclusion of HDMI 2.1 and 120Hz refresh rate support at 4K resolution with auto low-latency mode and variable refresh rate. This essentially makes the TV the perfect companion for next-generation gaming consoles, including the Sony PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X.
The Chromecast with Google TV was released last year, becoming the first device to run the updated Google TV software experience. While still based on Android TV, Google TV's interface tweaks and custom launcher are different enough that some app developers might want to test their work on it. Thankfully, Google is now rolling out the first emulator for Google TV, allowing anyone to test apps on the new platform without buying a Chromecast.
Android TV's outdated remote control app is getting overhauled
Google is adding remote-control features directly into Android phones, so even if your remote is lost, you can continue to control your TV.
We knew Google has been quietly preparing to introduce a new remote remote control experience for Android phones, and the company officially shared what that will look like when it becomes available later this year.. The feature arrives alongside a flurry of news at Google I/O 2021, including Android 12’s new Material You design.
Google is scaring TiVo away from Android TV
TiVo's owner, Xperi, says it wants to move away from Android TV due to Google forcing its 'Google TV' interface.
TiVo started as a DVR box for over-the-air television, but the brand is now used for various TV products under its current owner, Xperi. The TiVo Stream 4K was released last year as a $50 Android TV player, though most excitement around the product faded once the Chromecast with Google TV arrived later that year. Now it appears that TiVo is already looking to ditch the platform, according to a recent Xperi investors meeting.
Google I/O 2021 schedule goes live: Here's what to look out for
Google I/O 2021 takes place next month, but the schedule and list of sessions is already live. Here's what to look forward to.
Earlier this month, Google announced when its highly-anticipated developer conference will take place. Google I/O 2021 kicks off on May 18th and lasts through May 20th, and it'll be a virtual event that's free for anyone to attend. Today, Google published the full schedule for the event, giving us an overview of what sessions will take place, what topics will be covered, and who will be speaking.
Google will kill Play Movies and TV app on Roku and several smart TVs
Google is sunsetting the Play Movies and TV app on several platforms including Roku and smart TVs from Samsung, LG and Vizio. Read on.
Google is sunsetting the Google Play Movies and TV app on several platforms. The move comes after Google renamed the Google Play Movies and TV app on Android to Google TV last year.
Sony Bravia X80J and Bravia XR A90J are the first TVs with Google TV that you can buy right away
Sony's new Bravia TV series powered by the new Google TV platform are now available for purchase in the US via Best Buy.
With the launch of the new Chromecast last year, Google introduced a special version of Android TV called Google TV. Google had stressed that it is a custom UX solution that would focus on content discovery and content aggregation that is built on top of Android TV, kind of like an alternative to PatchWall and OxygenPlay. To date, Google TV was only available with the latest Chromecast device, but it is finally expanding to television sets. As promised, Sony’s new Bravia series with Google TV are now available for purchase in the US.
Google adds Kid Profile support to the Chromecast with Google TV
Google has announced it's rolling out support for Kid Profiles to the Chromecast with Google TV following feedback from parents.
Google said it plans to add support for Kid Profiles to the Chromecast with Google TV following an outcry from users.
Google TV app preps a new remote control feature for your Android TV
The Google TV app on Android will soon get a new remote control feature to help users control their Android TVs.
The Google TV app on Android (previously Play Movies & TV) is getting a new remote control feature that will let you control your Android TV. XDA's Mishaal Rahman, has spotted the feature in the latest Google TV release (v4.25) and, while it isn't live yet, he has managed to enable it manually to get the following screenshots:
Google TV's basic mode strips away apps and other smart features
Smart TVs that launch with Google TV will offer a “Basic TV” mode, which will strip the smart features away for a more barebones experience.
The first smart TVs that launch with Google TV will offer a “Basic TV” mode, which will strip the smart features away for a more barebones experience.
Amazon Music comes to Google TV and all Android TV devices
Amazon Music is making its way to Google TV and all devices running Android TV, and it's available in the U.S., UK, and many other countries.
Amazon Music is making its way to Google TV and all devices running Android TV. The new addition arrives shortly after Google TV added the Apple TV app, along with the service’s many original movies and TV shows.
The first Android 12 preview for Android TVs brings an all-new Google TV experience
Google today released the first Android 12 preview for Android TVs with an all-new Google TV experience and much more.
Google just released the first Android 12 developer preview, and it gives us a good look at some of the major improvements coming in this year's big Android upgrade. It includes several changes that aim to make Android more intuitive and secure while also improving overall performance. Along with that, Google is also rolling out the first Android 12 preview for Android TVs, which brings all the latest Android features to TVs and an all-new Google TV experience.
TCL will update its 2019 & 2020 Android TVs to Android 11
TCL has confirmed that its 2019 and 2020 Android TV models in Europe will be updated to Android 11 later this year. Here are the details.
If you own a 2019 or 2020 TV made by TCL, we have some good news: The company has confirmed that it is planning to update its 2019 and 2020 Android TV models to Android 11 sometime in 2021.
Google reportedly requires new Android TV devices support AV1 video decoding
Google has reportedly required that all new Android TV products launching later this year running Android 10+ support AV1 video decoding.
With there being many different hardware companies making smartphones, tablets, televisions, PCs, and silicon; software companies making apps and operating systems; and media giants making streaming services, it's important for key industry players to agree to support certain video coding formats to ensure the best user experience, minimize network use, and support a wide variety of devices. That's why the Alliance for Open Media created the AV1 video codec. It's designed to efficiently transmit video over the Internet with a minimal impact on quality. The best part is that it's royalty-free so companies don't have to pay any licensing fees, but sadly, its adoption has been rather slow until very recently. AV1's adoption may accelerate in 2021 as Google is reportedly mandating that all new Android TV products support AV1 video decoding.
TCL's 2021 TV lineup to include Google TV and more 8K models
TCL Electronics will roll out TCL TVs with Google TV built-in this year. The company also says its entire 6-series will have 8K resolution.
The first official day of CES is almost over, and we've already seen numerous new processors, laptops, smartphones, and TVs. TCL Electronics was at the show once again, taking the wraps off of its new TCL 20 series and NXTPAPER tablet. At the show, the company also unveiled details about its new TV lineup. The company has announced that it plans to roll out a TCL Google TV series later this year, and they're also planning to make 8K TVs more mainstream by offering the resolution across its entire 6-Series line.
Chromecast with Google TV will soon get an Apple TV app
Google on Wednesday announced the Apple TV app will be available on its new Chromecast in early 2021, so get ready to watch Ted Lasso.
Apple TV+ is still building up its catalog of original programs, so it’s not quite on the level of HBO Max or Netflix. But if you’ve been curious about checking out The Morning Show or Greyhound, you’ll soon be able to do so through the Chromecast with Google TV.