Google Updates Android TV OS and Reaches 80 Million Users

During the Google I/O developer event held on Tuesday, Google provided an update regarding its television platform, Android OS. The company announced that its Android TV OS now boasts over 80 million monthly active devices.

This figure encompasses usage through the newly introduced Google TV experience for Chromecast, as well as integration into various smart TVs and other platforms.

Upcoming Features for Android TV OS

A range of new features for the Android TV OS were previewed by Google. These include a convenient remote control functionality for users, alongside several updates tailored for developers concerning casting, emulators, and additional capabilities.

The Android TV OS was revamped last autumn with the launch of the Google TV experience. This new interface, built upon the foundation of Android TV, currently powers Chromecast with Google TV and smart televisions from Sony.

It is also slated for imminent release on select TCL TVs. Google reported an 80% year-over-year increase in usage within the U.S. when announcing the 80 million monthly active devices milestone at the Google I/O event.

Comparing Android TV OS to Competitors

Google’s reported milestone appears to position Android TV OS ahead of competitors such as Roku and Amazon Fire TV, which have 53.6 million and 50+ million monthly active accounts, respectively.

However, it’s important to note that these are measured differently.

The Android TV OS figures represent the total number of devices actively used within a month. Consequently, a user with multiple devices may contribute to the count for each device.

Conversely, Roku and Amazon define monthly active users based on “accounts” that have been active during the month, counting each account only once regardless of the number of devices used.

Were Roku or Amazon to calculate active devices in the same manner as Google, their numbers would likely be higher.

Market Differences

Furthermore, both Roku and Amazon Fire TV support their own device lines and select partner TVs, while Google’s Android TV OS also powers devices and services from a wider range of TV and streaming device manufacturers, as well as TV service providers.

This broader scope includes operator-tier set-top boxes powered by Android TV OS, representing a distinct market dynamic.

New Remote Control Feature

Google also announced the addition of remote control features directly within the Android operating system. This will enable users to control their TV even if their physical remote is misplaced.

Arriving later this year, this feature will simplify tasks such as typing usernames and passwords or searching for extended titles, according to Google. It will be compatible with all users of Android TV OS, including those utilizing Google TV.

Developer Updates

For developers creating Android TV experiences, Google unveiled several new features. Cast Connect will allow users to cast content from their Chrome browser on their phone or tablet to an Android TV application.

Stream Transfer and Stream Expansion will facilitate the transfer of media to other devices or the simultaneous playback of audio on multiple devices.

New Tools for Developers

Google is also releasing its first Google TV Emulator, based on Android 11, alongside an Android 11 image featuring the traditional Android TV experience.

Developers can now utilize a remote within the Emulator that closely replicates the functionality of standard TV remotes.

In response to developer feedback, Firebase Test Lab is now supporting Android TV. Initially, Firebase Test Lab Virtual Devices will run developer apps in the cloud on Android TV emulators, enabling testing across numerous virtual devices.

Support for physical devices will be added shortly.

Android 12 Beta 1 for TV

Finally, Android 12 Beta 1 is now available for TV on the ADT-3 Developer Kit, starting today.

This article was updated on May 19, 2021, to clarify that the 80% growth figure represents year-over-year growth in the U.S. The original wording implied broader growth.