Android TV can be confusing for some users. On the one hand, there is the operating system in question, which is found on a large number of multimedia devices and televisions. But there is also Google TV, which is the Android-based operating system used in Chromecast on Google TV and some TVs. It is also necessary to distinguish between Android TV offered by Google and TV based on the open source Android project, but that is another matter entirely.
The important thing we have to keep here is, Android 14 coming soon for TVs. Let’s remember that the company is working on Android 13, but it seems that Google has decided to “pull back” this version and go directly to Android 14. Thanks to researcher and independent journalist Mishaal Rahman, we learned many details of the news. We are telling you the highlights that will come to Android 14 on TVs soon and below these lines.
New improvements to accessibility, shortcuts, content and more
Rahman is gone a thread It’s on Twitter with all the new features you’ve discovered so far in Android TV 14 settings. New features include new improvements in accessibility, energy savings and other quality of life improvements. Anyone who wants to try the beta version of Android TV 14 should do so by creating a virtual device from Android Emulator. The company provides all the files needed to assemble the system. that means We still can’t trust this version on TVsbut it is the way for developers and researchers to learn about all the features.
Perhaps one of the most prominent functions discovered, customize shortcuts via a special button on the remote control. This can cause users to stop relying on apps to map buttons on the controller.
According to the screenshots provided by Rahman, the feature will allow both to open our favorite apps and to access a specific TV source. Although this button with the star icon is not usually found on remote controls, it will be possible to replace one of the Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and similar advertising buttons with a function that we will actually use.
Image: Mishaal Rahman
On the other hand, Android TV 14 can also bring users: Receive call notifications from apps supporting this functionality This is Google’s explanation for the feature in Android 14:
“When enabled, you can receive calls from compatible apps on this device. To set call notification preferences for individual apps, see the settings for that app. Call notifications are only displayed on this TV when you are in your own personal user profile. Set this option to receive calls in other profiles when these profiles are active. “
This feature allows the user to receive notifications from different installed apps, a process similar to what we do on mobile devices today. However, we’ll have to wait for more details on this new functionality.
Image: Mishaal Rahman
And since we’re talking about mobile phones, everything points to Android TV 14 going to be much more similar to the experience we have on smartphones. The system looks much more intuitive and the appearance of many elements has been changed to make the experience much more comprehensive and easy.
This one is indicated by New option dedicated to headphone connection via BluetoothIt is a much more accessible feature as it will appear in the control center without needing to go to the system settings to configure a new Bluetooth device.
Other notable improvements relate to accessibility options. The menu can now be accessed directly from the settings section and Google has added some functionality such as probability. highlight bold text or color correction.
Image: Mishaal Rahman
It will also come with Android TV 14 new energy saving modes we will disable some functions or others depending on the density. And now the system will allow us to choose four energy options: low, medium, high and unrestricted. Depending on the option we choose, the system may decide to disable some basic network functions or some specific functions when the TV is not in use. This improvement may eliminate the problem of some connected devices (such as a hard drive or USB stick) turning on suddenly.
It looks like it will include, among other significant improvements: a way to force conversion to HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision or SDR, a measure that can be useful for content on streaming platforms.
Google has yet to make any official announcements about the upcoming Android 14 news, so we’ll have to wait to learn more details about this system in the coming months.
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Ben Stock is a hardware enthusiast and author at Div Bracket. He provides comprehensive coverage of the latest hardware advancements, offering readers a technical and in-depth look at the newest products and trends.