There’s never been a better time to ditch the satellite subscription, with Amazon’s Fire TVrecently joining the likes of Google TV and Chromecast, along with the impressive Rokustreaming dongle, and Apple TV. Things are about to get a lot more exciting though, with Google’s own Android TV also set to join the party. Placing ease of use as a priority, could Android TV be the best streaming service
yet?
yet?
Google already has its foot firmly in the door when it comes to TV on demand, thanks to its Google TV service – offering access to TV shows, music, YouTube and web browsing. Throw in its Chromecast streaming stick, and it’s easy to think there’s no need for additional services or devices from Google. You can already watch Breaking Bad and catch up with Jesse and Mr White on all the devices above – so why would you need Android TV as well?
– offering access to TV shows, music, YouTube and web browsing. Throw in its Chromecast streaming stick, and it’s easy to think there’s no need for additional services or devices from Google. You can already watch Breaking Bad and catch up with Jesse and Mr White on all the devices above – so why would you need Android TV as well?
Android TV is reportedly Google’s attempt to make things a lot easier. According to The Verge, which managed to get hold of documents showing off Android TV in action, there are also a number of major video app providers currently working on an immense set of applications and services that could really set Android TV apart from rivals.
providers currently working on an immense set of applications and services that could really set Android TV apart from rivals.
You won’t find any excruciating keyboard menus here while you attempt to type searches into web browsers better designed for touchscreen devices: Android TV is putting emphasis clearly on entertainment. Google explains: “Android TV is an entertainment interface, not a computing platform.”
That means you’ll find all the unnecessary Android features stripped out – NFC, 4G connectivity and so on – leaving you to concentrate on a fast, fluid and easy to navigate platform that should be the perfect match for your TV.
The interface is designed to be as simple as possible – with Windows 8-style tiles representing different kinds of content, from TV shows to movies to games – and you’ll be able to search through them simply by tapping an arrow button on your remote. Like the Amazon Fire TV, there will also be an optional game controller, although whether it’ll be able to stream high-end games, or if you’re restricted to more simple Android-based offerings, remains to be seen.
As with other TV streaming devices, the success of Android TV will depend on Google nailing the content available for its service. Looking at the screenshots you’ll already be able to enjoy shows from Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and Pandora; fingers crossed Google continues to add to the list too!
There’s no word on whether the Android TV will be one device or many, or when it will launch, but watch this space.
or many, or when it will launch, but watch this space.
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