- Android TV devices are currently being revised.
- The update adds personalized streaming recommendations to the platform.
- It will also bring a new Netflix-like home screen redesign.
Google is giving the Android TV interface a much-needed redesign. The latest update gives users a glimpse into the new Google TV user interface, which is currently only available on the new Chromecast.
The company announced today that Android TV devices, including set-top boxes and televisions, will be updated with three new tabs: Home, Discover, and Apps. You will see all three at the top of your screens when you turn on your Android TV devices.
The new Discover tab gives older Android TVs one of Google TV’s most sought-after features – streaming recommendations. Much like the For You tab in the new Chromecast with Google TV, it puts together personalized suggestions for movies, TV shows, and live TV based on what you’re watching and what’s trending on Google.
Next, the new Home tab will essentially replace the row UI currently displayed. You will now get Netflix-like content tiles arranged in different sections (see above picture). The Apps tab shows just that – all the apps installed on your Android TV.
Android TV user interface update: availability
It is unclear whether the new Android TV interface will be available for all older and existing versions of the platform. Most Android TVs are currently running Android 9 or 10 unless you have one that’s over 4 to 5 years old. If so, you might be stuck in Android 8.
We also don’t know if this is an intermediate step before a full-fledged Google TV update lands on your Android TV devices, or if this is the scope of the update on existing devices.
Even with this updated UI, you don’t get any Google TV features like the ability to add content to a watchlist. There’s also not a word about the ability to create multiple user profiles, which is vital for a platform with personalized recommendations.
The new Android TV update rolls out today to devices in the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, and France. According to Google, the rollout will be extended to other countries in the coming weeks.