What Is Android TV?

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The Android operating system is available on so many devices that it's hard to keep track. We're not just talking about smartphones and tablets, but Android is available on most devices, like your TV.

Enter Android TV, a way for you to watch your favorite streaming platforms and even control your smart home devices from your couch.

The History of Android TV

Android TV debuted in 2014 and was first revealed on the Nexus Player developed by Asus. Before Android TV, Google released a TV operating system called Google TV in 2010.

However, Google TV was a commercial failure, and Google shut it down after three years. After a few months, Google replaced it with Android TV. Now, Android TV is available on various devices, such as TVs, soundbars, digital media players, and Android boxes.

Android TV is an operating system designed to run mainly on TVs. With Android TV installed on your device, you can stream apps directly on your TV, cast your phone or PC's screen onto your TV with a Chromecast (how to get started with a Chromecast), or listen to music.

The main perk of Android TV is that it is, well, Android. This makes it very easy for developers to create an Android TV version of their apps and publish it on the Google Play Store.

Even though Android TV comes with its own Google Play Store, not every app on your phone will be available on Android TV. However, you can still sideload apps on Android TV by using APK files. Only Android apps that support TVs will show up on your search since the apps need to consider the dimensions and limitations of Android TV.

What Can You Do With Android TV?

Most streaming and music apps are readily available on Android TV's Play Store. This includes Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Spotify, and much more. The apps worth installing on your Android TV are already available on the Play Store so that you won't miss out on any of the fun.

What's more, like other Android devices, Android TV includes Google Assistant. You can speak to your device, give it verbal commands, or ask it questions, and Google Assistant will do the rest for you.

You can also use Android TV as a command center for your smart home devices. If you have smart home devices, you can control them through your TV. For instance, you can speak to your Android TV's Google Assistant as you're watching a movie and ask it to dim the lights in your living room.

How Is Android TV Different From Google TV?

In a surprising turn of events, Google has brought Android TV's predecessor, Google TV, back. As mentioned before, Google TV was the name of Google's first TV operating system, which Android TV later replaced.

Newer Chromecast models and some other devices now run Google TV rather than Android TV. However, this is more of a rebranding, as Google TV is still Android TV at its core, and the functions are still the same.

The interface is different, as Google TV has an overhauled home screen, which puts even more emphasis on discovering new stuff to watch by utilizing AI technology. Google is also implementing new features to make watching live TV with Google TV easier than ever.

Android TV Is Android for Big(ger) Screens

Android TV is Google's operating system for televisions. As the name suggests, it is based on Android and even has access to the Play Store. You can watch your favorite shows and listen to music using apps as you would on an Android phone.

While Google now offers Google TV on more modern devices, Android TV still offers many features to enjoy your favorite shows or watch live TV for free.