Google is finally releasing Android 14 for TVs, which includes numerous new features and enhancements. The new operating system for smart TVs will finally include a picture-in-picture mode, allowing users to multitask and watch two separate videos simultaneously.
Aside from that, the IT giant is introducing various energy modes to provide consumers with granular control over energy consumption. New accessibility features and AI-powered personalized descriptions are also being added.
Google said on its developer blog, “We’re bringing Android 14 to TV! The next generation of Android provides improvements in performance, sustainability, accessibility, and multitasking to help you build engaging apps for TVs.” The tech giant also introduced a new Compose for TV feature for developers, which will allow them to create new apps using Jetpack Compose, the company’s most recent Android development tools.
The new operating system focuses heavily on performance and sustainability. Android 14 for TV will have new energy modes that allow users to choose the experience they desire from their Android televisions. There is a low-energy mode that lowers the smart TV’s standby power usage.
Then there’s an increased energy mode that keeps network connectivity active even while the TV is in standby mode. Finally, there is an energy-efficient option that supports Google Cast via Wi-Fi but not Ethernet.
Multitasking is also a major priority for the company as it is finally introducing a picture-in-picture mode. However, this feature will not be available on all smart TVs. Google says the feature is only available for ‘eligible’ Android 14 TV models. It has not revealed the list of TVs that will include this feature, but newer and higher-end smart TVs are more likely to get it.
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Finally, certain accessibility features are being introduced. These include color correction, improved text options, simpler user navigation, and other features. All of these functions can be turned on and off with remote shortcuts. Additionally, Gemini AI has found its way to Android TV. Google will add customized movie and TV show descriptions to the Android TV home screen, powered by Gemini.
