The Android 14 update, announced at Google I/O, brings impressive new features to TVs, aiming to enhance the TV experience significantly. Let’s take a look at the new features of Android TV OS and see what has changed…
New features for smart TVs with the Android 14 update
One of the standout features of Android 14 is the introduction of Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode for TVs. With this update, you can now use a second app in a small window while another app runs in full screen. For instance, you can watch a game while tracking live scores in a small window, or continue watching TV during a video or voice call. This feature will be particularly useful for live sports, smart home devices (like doorbells or baby monitors), and health tracking.
Android 14 also takes significant steps to reduce power consumption. The “Low Energy Mode” saves energy by disconnecting from the network when the TV is not in use. The “High Energy Mode” keeps the network connection active to maintain Google Home functions. The “Optimized Energy Mode” strikes a balance by allowing only essential features to maintain network connectivity.
The new update improves the performance and startup times of TVs. Android 14 promises performance boosts even on low-memory devices, reducing startup times to as little as 4 seconds in some cases. This means your smart TV will now start up much faster.
Android 14 also offers important accessibility improvements. Features like color correction, text options for visually impaired users, and easier navigation for users with physical motor impairments have been added. This likely means that the TV experience will be more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Moreover, Google is encouraging developers to transition from the old Leanback UI toolkit to the new Compose for TV system. This shift will make apps more modern and user-friendly. Additionally, Google’s switch from APKs to app bundles will save up to 20% in storage space.
This year, Android TV OS has reached 220 million monthly active devices, marking a 47% increase compared to last year. Especially the PiP mode and power-saving features will both improve efficiency and enhance users’ TV experience. What do you think of the new features introduced with the Android 14 TV update? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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