Do you know that even Google has been bewildered by Android TV updates and release dates? Because Google has officially canceled its plan to roll out Android TV 13. Alternatively, it is planning to release Android TV 14. As an initial step, it released the Android 14 Beta 3 version on October 4th to select Pixel devices, which also suit Android TV. The expectancy level of the Android TV 14 release date is relatively high. Some expected the release of Android TV 14 would happen on the same date Android 14 was released for Pixel 8. Since it didn’t happen, you can expect Android TV 14 release in the latter half of this year.
Mishaal Rahman, a specialized journalist covering news of Android devices, has experienced and used some features of this beta version of Android TV 14. Based on his tweet, we can expect the features listed below to be upgraded on the Upcoming Android TV 14.
Let’s start with a unique feature. The latest update is preparing to help pick up calls from the Android TV from connected devices. But it is not certain how far this will be possible. The suspicion is whether the TV will just notify you of incoming calls. The update may also include a new Headphones option that makes connecting Bluetooth headphones easier without crashing into the settings menu.
Android TV 14 will be interesting with this next add-on feature of creating a shortcut to view your favorite apps and switch inputs for TV or other devices. What makes this feature interesting is you can perform these actions using a single “Magic Button.” You might remember Rahman’s indication that a new Chromecast with Google TV could be coming. If not, at least a Google Remote could be. The Google remote also has the “Magic Button” to create shortcuts for the app and switch the inputs of the TV or other devices.
This update will make Accessibility easy to access by moving it to the top-level menu item in Settings. There have also been quite a few changes in the Settings option. You can see the Power & Energy settings option in the System section below the About section. Additionally, the Energy Saver option has been renamed to Shut-Off Timer, which is quite satisfactory.
You can see that Google is adding a shortcut for Text scaling, a bolt text setting that makes reading convenient. In addition, you can see a new color-correcting setting update for those with color blindness. Another interesting feature called Audio Description reads what is happening on the screen. But again, it is only for supported content on Android TV.
Additionally, under Display settings, you can find a new option called Format selection. This option allows the user to choose formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, or SDR.
Energy Efficiency Settings is the most important aspect of this update, with the inclusion of four energy modes: Low, Moderate, High, and Unrestricted. You can switch the modes according to your network connectivity.
The Non-Seamless option has been renamed Always. This setting matches the content to frame rates. Android TV 14 will inform the user if frame rates do not match the content.
As far as the updates on the Beta version of Android TV 14 are concerned, they are quite appreciable. I hope that these updates are real and expect them very soon. Google has deprioritized the Android 13 update, which resulted in no Android 13 usage by any of the devices. The expectation is that the same will also not happen for Android 14. Let’s expect frequent and regular updates on Android TV, such as Apple TV OS updates.
