Latest news with #AndroidTV
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Sony TVs are getting a big upgrade with Android 14 — here's the new features and who gets it
Sony TVs with a Realtek chip are in for a big surprise, as they're getting a massive update to Android TV 14 on Google TV. The new upgrade invites several enhancements, like performance gains for displays with limited RAM, Picture-in-Picture mode, and new energy modes. Given that some of the best Google TVs are made by Sony, this is a welcome surprise. It's unclear when users should expect the next batch of updates to Bravia sets, which is expected to include Sony's 2025 TV lineup, but we'll update this page when more info becomes available. If you didn't already know, Google TV is built on Android TV software. It's essentially the exact same thing, only Google TV serves as the interface, and Android TV is the software that powers it. The Android TV 14 upgrade initially launched back in mid-2024. Aside from these select Sony TVs, only a handful of streaming devices have received the new firmware upgrade so far, including Onn 4K boxes and the Google TV Streamer. Android 14 introduces a range of enhancements to the platform. A notable benefit is improved performance for low-RAM TVs, providing slightly better navigation and responsiveness. New energy modes, like Low Energy Mode, Optimized Energy Mode, and Increased Energy Mode, are also included in the mix, as well as a Picture-in-Picture mode. According to Reddit user FlickFreak, these are displays that use a Realtek processor as opposed to a MediaTek one. That means you can expect this initial rollout to be based on cheaper and older models as of right now, like the Bravia 2, X75K, and 77L, many of which are still on Android TV 10 and 11. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Here's the full list of Sony TVs getting Android 14: If you didn't automatically receive an update, make sure you're connected to the internet first. Head to All Settings and click System, then navigate to About. From there, you can select System software update and see if your TV is compatible. If you don't have access to Android TV 14 yet, you might have a more modern display or one with a MediaTek chip, which means you'll have to wait a bit before Sony rolls out that particular update. We'll update this page when we know more about the particular timing of the update for those TVs. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Mint
06-08-2025
- Mint
Android projectors allow you to take your entertainment along: Top 5 options for you to choose from
Android projectors offer a smart, portable way to enjoy big-screen entertainment anywhere like at home, while travelling, or even outdoors. With built-in Android OS, these projectors let you stream movies, shows, or YouTube videos directly without needing a laptop or Fire TV Stick. Many also support wireless screen mirroring, Bluetooth audio, and come with built-in speakers. Product Rating Price WANBO Vali 1, Native 1080P Fully Automatic, Smart Home Projector 4K Ultra HD, DRM L1, 900 ANSI | Voice Assistant | Chromecast | Android TV 11.0 | 12W Speaker | WiFi, BT | White View Details XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro New Portable Projector, Google TV with Licensed Netflix, Build-in Adjustable Stand, Mini Projector Supports Power Banks, 450 ISO Lumens, ISA 2.0, 2 x 5W Harman Kardon View Details WZATCO Legend, Native 1080P Fully Automatic 4K HDR Projector for Home, Ultra Bright 1600 ANSI, (Intelligent OA + Screen Fit), HDMI ARC, Android TV, Google Assistant, BT 5.2, WiFi 6, 2GB 32GB, Black View Details E GATE Duster 8X Projector | 100% Dust Proof | Automatic Android Projector | 800 ISO Lumen | 1080p Native & 4K HDR | HDMI ARC | 18watt DSP Audio, Voice Remote, 1GB-32GB, Triple Wifi6, Netflix, EGate View Details BenQ MX560 XGA Business & Education Projector, DLP, 4000 Lumens High Brightness, 20000:1 High Contrast Ratio, Dual HDMI, USB-A, Upto 15000 Hrs Extra-Long Lamp Life, 10 W Speaker, 3D Capable, White View Details If you're planning to upgrade your movie nights or require a convenient display option for presentations, these Android projectors are worth a look. We've picked the top 5 models currently available online in India, based on features, resolution, and real-world usability. The WANBO Vali 1 delivers rich 1080p visuals, excellent wireless performance, and smart features at an accessible price. It's ideal for both casual and semi-serious users, with a near-silent fan, vivid colours, and seamless Android TV 11.0 interface. Its 900 ANSI brightness holds up in lit rooms, and the 12W speaker is capable for indoor use. The build feels premium and setup is hassle-free. Resolution Native 1080P, 4K Ultra HD support OS Android TV 11.0, Chromecast, Voice Assistant Brightness 900 ANSI Lumens Sound 12W built-in speaker Connectivity Wi-Fi & Bluetooth connectivity Excellent picture quality in most lighting Android TV interface with Chromecast Premium build and quiet operation No mention of Netflix licensing Lacks lens cover for portability No zoom or manual focus option Buyers love the bright, vivid visuals, silent fan, and smooth performance. The projector's build feels premium, and it delivers great results even in semi-lit environments without lag or connectivity issues. Choose WANBO Vali 1 for its unbeatable mix of performance, Android TV 11.0 support, and crisp image quality — all in a sleek body that's easy to set up and use. The XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro is a compact yet powerful projector featuring Google TV, licensed Netflix, and Harman Kardon audio. Its 450 ISO lumens are ideal for dark or dim spaces. Build quality and streaming experience are strong points, while support for power banks adds real portability. It's a premium pick for users who want streaming, portability, and great sound in a mini form factor. Resolution Native 1080p, 4K support OS and additional features Google TV with Netflix license Sound 2 x 5W Harman Kardon speakers Build Built-in stand, Power bank support Official Netflix app support Superior audio and build quality Ultra-portable and USB-C power support Pricey for casual users Works best in low-light only Limited brightness for daylight use Buyers highlight the crisp visuals and excellent value, especially praising the licensed Netflix support and compact size. Audio from Harman Kardon speakers is a standout for many users. Go for MoGo 3 Pro if you want a travel-friendly projector with official streaming apps, quality sound, and true wireless freedom via power bank support. The WZATCO Legend impresses with 1600 ANSI brightness, 4K HDR support, and Dolby-enabled audio. It's ideal for home setups and even works well outdoors. Google Assistant and ARC support add to the smart functionality, while build quality feels solid. Netflix functionality can be buggy, but the overall picture and sound quality at this price make it a top-tier pick for serious home entertainment. Resolution Native 1080P, 4K HDR support Brightness 1600 ANSI Lumens Special features Dolby Audio, HDMI ARC OS and extra feature Android TV, Google Assistant Connectivity WiFi 6, BT 5.2, 2GB RAM + 32GB Extremely bright and clear display Dolby audio with ARC support Premium features at mid-range pricing Netflix and ARC can be inconsistent Not ideal for travel use Large size may not suit small rooms Users find the projector ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, praising the brightness and Dolby sound. Some note issues with Netflix and ARC, but overall satisfaction remains high. Pick the WZATCO Legend if you're after high brightness, immersive sound, and smart TV functions, all without breaking the bank. Best for fixed home setups. The E GATE Duster 8X offers solid 1080p performance with 4K HDR playback, good sound, and standout dust-proof design. Its 800 ISO lumen brightness makes it viable even in moderate light. With automatic keystone, voice remote, and triple Wi-Fi 6, it's built for hassle-free viewing. Netflix compatibility is hit or miss, but it still offers exceptional value under ₹ 20,000. Reslution Native 1080p, 4K HDR support Build and design Dust-proof design Remote Voice remote, Android support Clean, crisp image output Loud speakers with DSP tuning Auto keystone + voice control Inconsistent Netflix support Slightly bulky for portable use UI can feel laggy at times Buyers highlight its clarity, value-for-money, and easy setup. Sound is punchy, and brightness is good even in slightly lit rooms. Some users report issues with Netflix apps. Opt for Duster 8X if you want durability (dust-proof), loud sound, and full-HD clarity. It's ideal for budget buyers setting up a dedicated media room. The BenQ MX560 is designed for office and education but doubles up for occasional home entertainment. Its 4000-lumen brightness makes it a great choice for well-lit rooms. While it lacks Android or smart features, it excels in core performance like contrast, lamp life, and reliability. Audio output is modest but serviceable. It's a no-frills, high-brightness projector suited for presentations and clear visuals. Resolution XGA resolution (1024 x 768) Contrast 20,000:1 contrast ratio Connectivity 2x HDMI, USB-A Lamp life 15,000-hour lamp life Exceptional brightness for daylight use Long-lasting lamp Reliable for office or classroom setups No Android OS or smart features Basic built-in speaker Lower resolution than 1080p models Buyers find it ideal for bright environments and presentations. The image quality is crisp despite its lower resolution. Sound output is modest, and users appreciate its reliability and longevity. Choose BenQ MX560 if you want a bright, durable, and no-nonsense projector for work or study. It's built for utility, not smart entertainment. The BenQ MX560, with 4000 lumens, handles well-lit spaces easily. If you'll use it during the day or in classrooms, this is your most reliable choice. If streaming apps matter, go for the WANBO Vali 1 or XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro. They offer smoother interfaces, Chromecast, and licensed app support for direct content access. XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro is ultra-portable and runs on a power bank. It's compact, lightweight, and ideal for camping, hotel stays, or backyard movie nights. The E GATE Duster 8X offers 4K support, punchy sound, and Android features at a value price. It's a solid pick for budget home setups without major compromises. Projector Brightness Sound Quality Additional features WANBO Vali 1 900 ANSI Lumens 12W speaker, near-silent fan Android TV 11, Chromecast, Voice Assistant, Premium Build XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro 450 ISO Lumens 2 x 5W Harman Kardon Google TV, Licensed Netflix, Power Bank Support, Adjustable Stand WZATCO Legend 1600 ANSI Lumens Dolby sound, loud inbuilt speakers Android TV, Google Assistant, Screen Fit, HDMI ARC E GATE Duster 8X 800 ISO Lumens 18W DSP Audio, low noise Triple WiFi6, Netflix Support, Voice Remote, HDMI ARC BenQ MX560 4000 Lumens 10W speaker, mixed reviews 3D Capable, Dual HDMI, Long Lamp Life, USB-A Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Android Authority
03-08-2025
- Android Authority
Building a DIY TV box made me realize how awful Google TV really is
Robert Triggs / Android Authority Like many affordable smart TVs, mine runs on a frankly garbage processor that makes trawling through my TV's updated Google TV interface a real chore. Quad‑core Cortex‑A55 CPUs are pretty standard but also as cheap as they come, and paired with a tight-fisted 1.5GB RAM, it's easy to see why the UI experience is just so bad on my TV and many others. Thankfully, there are plenty of options to escape the confines of cheap TV processors, including various Android TV boxes and the much-loved NVIDIA Shield. But I'm a big fan of making do with the kit I already have, and an old Raspberry Pi 4 has been sitting dormant on my desk for far too long. Does your Android TV box suffer from performance issues? 912 votes Yes, it's a huge problem 43 % Yes, but only now and again 40 % No, it doesn't 17 % On paper, the Raspberry Pi 4 looks like a solid candidate for running Android TV. With four Cortex‑A72 cores, up to 4 GB of RAM, and built‑in HEVC 4K HDR decoding, the Pi 4 (and its successor Pi 5) should handily outpace cheap TV chipsets — and even nudge closer to Shield territory. So over the last weekend, I set about seeing what I could get this aging box to do. Thankfully, I didn't have to start entirely from scratch. The brilliant KonstaKang maintains LineageOS Android TV builds for various Raspberry Pi devices. I grabbed the 22 build for my Raspberry Pi 4 based on Android 15, slapped in on my speedy Samsung T2 SSD to avoid microSD card performance bottlenecks. I won't repeat the installation instructions, as it is as simple as flashing the .zip file, tweaking one line in a file, and plugging into the Pi. Hello, Android TV, my old friend Robert Triggs / Android Authority I was instantly pleased on boot to be treated by the 'classic' Android TV interface — no flashy banner ads, just space for my apps. While even I find the barebones look of the interface to be a little stark, at least it's functional and has everything you want exactly where you need it. I can't say the same about the eclectic Google TV interface, which I despise from both performance and ad-infestation perspectives. The drawback is that Google services aren't pre-installed (more on that in a minute), so you must manually load up specific TV APKs. USB storage works fine, and APKs are dotted around for various streaming platforms. After flashing Widevine L3 for DRM, I tried to load up an Amazon Prime video, and although I could sign in and the app ran smoothly, I encountered nondescript playback issues. Perhaps some platforms require more secure Widevine L1, but I couldn't find a patch for a custom Android TV setup. Jellyfin and YouTube ran perfectly fine, however — no app‑launch lags, instant playback seeking, zero back‑button delay. It feels like a breath of fresh air compared to my TV experience. Barebones Android TV runs almost flawlessly on the modest Raspiberry Pi 4. Sadly, there's another drawback: 10-bit 4K content doesn't play back smoothly on the Raspberry Pi 4. The platform has had a troubled history with FFMPEG decoding, and it's clear that Android's capabilities don't leverage its hardware acceleration as well as other platforms. However, trimming back to a lower bitrate 4K HEVC file seems to work just fine, and 1080p is flawless. The setup is usable for self-hosted media, at least. For the full modern Android TV experience, you would want the Play Store, account integration, and perhaps even the modern Google TV interface. Flashing these additional Google services for Android TV 15 isn't difficult, but that's where things went horribly wrong. You can install essentially two levels of GAPPS on an Android TV: the minimal version, which contains core Google services, and the full version that comes with the Google TV UI. I initially tried the first option, for a decent halfway house: the classic TV interface with access to the Play Store and other service integrations. Performance took a bit of a hit here, though. The system definitely started pausing when loading up apps and switching menus, which it wasn't doing before. Still, everything continued to work, and grabbing apps was admittedly easier. Robert Triggs / Android Authority Out of curiosity, I then flashed the full GAPPS package, and oh boy, was that a mistake. The Google TV interface really cooks my Raspberry Pi (quite literally, it quickly became hot to the touch), and it runs like a snail. Those homescreen ads aren't just an eyesore; they kill performance. It took me an age to log in to my Google account; it simply kept closing the login screen and sending me back to the start. The Play Store became far more agonizing to navigate. Apps that were previously lightning fast now took several seconds to open and load content. Thankfully, once you're in an app and the main UI is pushed to the background, performance picks up again, but menus remain sluggish, and I encountered regular hangs and crashes. Everything was working great until I installed the Google TV UI. With the only change being the addition of Google's TV interface, it's hard not to agree with my initial assessment that it's a bloated nightmare that makes weak TV hardware even more lethargic. Perhaps optimization is an issue for the Raspberry Pi. Still, whatever Google services run in the background — account syncing, ad serving, data harvesting, and whatever else — don't agree with low-end hardware already stretched running the barebones Android TV OS. Google TV isn't the platform for me Ryan Haines / Android Authority As someone who mostly binges old shows from my DIY NAS, I'm in the admittedly rare position of seldom stumping up for a streaming service and, therefore, don't really need the bloated overkill of the Android TV ecosystem. As such, there are a couple of far better Linux-based options to run on DIY TV projects — namely, LibreELEC and OSMC. These Kodi platforms are primarily designed around local media playback or plugging into your home Plex or Jellyfin servers. However, there are also unofficial add-ons to access your Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube streaming accounts, so you don't have to totally miss out on streaming capabilities here either. So I gave them a try as well. While a stripped-down media hub won't be for everyone, for pure playback, LibreELEC and OSMC on the Pi 4 obliterate my Google TV: menu navigation never skips, and playback controls are instantly responsive — a night-and-day difference. Furthermore, their focus on playback has allowed them to implement smooth 4K HDR playback on the humble Raspberry Pi, so they outperform my Pi-based Android experience there as well. When it comes to DIY media box projects, Google TV is the worst setup I tried. While I might not have been able to build a flawless Android alternative to my sluggish smart TV, I have come away with a drastically different view of what I really want from a living-room platform. Google TV has undoubtedly fallen into the service feature-creep pit, focusing heavily on flashy banners, sprawling UI integrations, and ad revenue generation, at the expense of snappy performance and instant content delivery. Every extra step that Google throws on top of simple content playback ups the CPU and RAM requirements. This might be fine on platforms that pack as much punch as a mid-range smartphone, but TVs are all too often cheap and incapable of running Google's extra bauballs smoothly enough for a solid experience. The fact that Google wants to lower the requirements for Google TV has already set my alarm bells ringing. Joe Maring / Android Authority Funnily enough, Plex's controversial Universal Search and content discovery options run far smoother and arguably do a better job than Google's OS. This includes rating, comments, and watchlist all under one roof, and a single click to jump to the content from platforms you are actually subscribed to, all while keeping demanding UI flourishes to a minimum. My Google TV, by comparison, still serves generic ads for services I don't pay for and lags its way through dressing up online content previews with fancy transitions. Yes, some apps surface what you want quickly enough, but others are an insufferable labyrinth of sub-menus and performance problems. For instance, the UK's ITVX app notoriously runs like an absolute snail, making for an inconsistent browsing experience. I wish Google would build something as fast and slick as Plex or Kodi. Overall, I'm not sure that the traditional app-based approach is really what I want from my next TV platform. Yes, the idea of running Android on everything is nice, and it undoubtedly helps the platform that developers can target your TV and phone almost simultaneously. However, phones and TV are inherently different in the way we consume content, and a TV-first platform really should be focused on serving up content as painlessly as possible. Google TV obviously set out to do this, but it hasn't accomplished that goal particularly well in terms of either features or performance; it's just another layer running on top of apps, running on top of an OS, without the tight integration with actual content that a good media server ideally needs. No wonder affordable smart TVs continue to run like absolute garbage. Google TV's service‑first, ad‑heavy model may suit powerful set‑tops, but its background and UI bloat on budget models overwhelm the hardware. I'd rather run Kodi or barebones Android TV on my Pi than let Google's extras bog down my living‑room experience. Follow
Indian Express
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Sonodyne Sama 5000 review: Amp up your living room's audio profile
With TVs becoming better at audio every passing year, one wonders if soundbars really make sense anymore. But try watching a movie on Amazon Prime on an Android TV, and you will realise no TV is good enough for you to hear the dialogues clearly. But soundbars are not just about hearing better; they are about the better experience of watching movies and listening to music. The Sonodyne Sama 5000 promises a superior experience on both these fronts, given its experience with hi-fi audio. The Sonodyne Sama 5000 is a soundbar that goes under your TV, which connects to its compact subwoofer without wires. While the soundbar has controls on top, you can use the remote to take charge of the device. The subwoofer and soundbar link up automatically as soon as you power up both devices, and this is a big plus. The remote is simple and convenient to use. I like how there are just three sound modes—music, movie, and voice. Depending on what you are watching, you can easily change this, and trust me, this feature is very useful when you browse videos on YouTube. Another feature I like is the ability to adjust the subwoofer volume separately using the select button—this is important for those who are touchy about their bass levels. You can cycle between audio sources, too, if you are streaming via Bluetooth from your phone or using a USB drive where you store your songs. There is also the Dolby Atmos button, which brings in an immersive audio experience in one touch. It takes a second to figure out that your living room audio is suddenly on steroids. Even the BBC newsreader's voice fills the room, and you know you cannot even think of playing Indian news TV with these powered on. The subwoofer makes a huge difference here. And you can feel it at work as soon as you switch to a movie, so much so that on late nights I had to keep the soundbar off to ensure we didn't become the topic of discussion in the society WhatsApp group. Watching Chief of War on Apple TV, I realised the soundtrack had traversed into the realm of the physical… I could feel the room vibrate with the power of the audio objects scattered all around. As Jason Momoa dives into the Pacific Ocean, the depth of the water around him starts exerting its pressure on my ears. This is truly an immersive experience in your living room. Switching to Bluetooth mode, with music streaming from the phone, this immersive experience finds new layers. With FLAC files, the audio quality is much sharper than it is on the OTT apps. You feel each strum of the guitar, each twang on the mandolin, each beat of the drum… the soundbar projecting music across the room. A number like Amrit Ramnath and Guru Nanak's Sumiran sounds different when the speakers complement the recording in every possible way. Everything has so much depth and clarity, with space for each channel. I have not experienced this song with so much soul before. It is almost as if there is a cloud of music hovering around where my TV is placed. I could not spot any major negatives with the Sonodyne Sama 5000, other than the fact that you need to be careful about the audio level if staying in an apartment complex like I do. One thing to keep in mind is that the soundbar is a bit taller than some of the latest models I have seen from other brands. So if you plan to keep it in front of the TV, then it could block the TV remote. The Sonodyne Sama 5000 is a complete entertainment hub in the true sense. It can take your TV watching experience to a whole new level while also becoming the primary music destination for everyone at home. Priced at Rs 45,000, this is a great option for those looking to amp up the audio capabilities of their living room. Nandagopal Rajan writes on technology, gadgets and everything related. He has worked with the India Today Group and Hindustan Times. He is an alumnus of Calicut University and Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal. ... Read More
Android Authority
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Android Authority
Android TV is getting ready to kill off the Discover tab... last month? (APK teardown)
Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority TL;DR Android TV currently offers a Discover tab for getting recommendations and building your watchlist. A new update to the system launcher suggests that Google's planning to drop Discover and move your watchlist to the Home tab. Confusingly, Google's messaging in the app suggest that this change was supposed to take place in July. What does your usage of Android TV look like? Google's big-screen entertainment platform certainly tries to act as a hub that not just organizes all your streaming options in one place, but helps steer you in the direction of what you might want to check out next. Are you taking advantage of that, though, checking in on the Discover tab to get some recommendations from Google? Or are you more likely to dive right in to your favorite streaming app itself, and learn about what's new on a service-by-service basis? We wonder just how many users fall into that latter camp — and Google probably has been too, as the company seems to be getting ready to kill off Discover as we know it. ⚠️ An APK teardown helps predict features that may arrive on a service in the future based on work-in-progress code. However, it is possible that such predicted features may not make it to a public release. At least, Google sure looks like it was getting ready to put an end to the Discover tab in Android TV. We're just a little less than sure if that plan is still in motion. Looking over the changes in Google's 7.1.7-787904429-f update for the Android TV Home app — basically the Android TV launcher that provides the base UI — we've identified some new text strings that reference plans to remove Discover: Code Copy Text Your recommendations and watchlist will move to the 'Home' tab. The Discover tab is going away soon The Home tab can already function as a reasonable enough tool for finding new content, especially when you add a few channel rows for your favorite apps. Consolidating Discover recommendations there makes enough sense if Google's looking to clean up some of Android TV's sprawl, and bringing the watchlist along sounds just fine. Considering how straightforward those strings read, where's our confusion coming from? Well, we also found these new strings: Code Copy Text The Discover tab was removed in July 2025. Also, customise your recommendation is on Home tab Your watchlist have moved to Home tab Today marks the start of August, and we're still seeing the Discover tab on all the Android TV devices we checked. More than that, we haven't yet seen the 'going away soon' message displayed, which sure seems intended to give users a bit of a heads-up in advance of the removal. For the moment, color us a little confused about Google's intentions here. Perhaps plans to kill Discover have already been canceled, but this unused code still managed to sneak in to a public build. Or maybe Discover really will be going away, but Google's had to push its timetable back a little. We'll keep an eye out for any further Android TV updates that might shed more light on the company's plans. Follow
