Google To Spice Up Android TVs In 2026: Know How

Google has reportedly decided to adopt a bi-yearly update schedule for Android TVs. In layman's English, that means the upcoming Android TV update will skip Android 15 and instead jump directly to Android 16 in 2026.

This decision was shared during the annual Android TV partner conference, according to Android Authority.

The main reason behind this shift lies in the longevity of televisions. Unlike smartphones, which often see frequent upgrades and replacements, many TV owners tend to keep their devices for extended periods—typically 5 to 10 years. Most consumers only replace their TVs when serious damage occurs, and TVs generally have a longer lifespan and better repairability compared to smartphones.

Additionally, factors such as price, screen quality, sound system and hardware durability influence a consumer's decision to hold onto their TV.

While Android TVs support a variety of features, the primary function of a TV remains media consumption. In contrast to smartphones, the software updates for TVs don’t significantly impact the user experience. This lack of pressure from users to receive frequent software updates allows Google the flexibility to release new operating systems on a less frequent schedule.

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Will Android TV 16 focus on AI?

The latest Android TVs are currently running on Android TV 14, with the next major update to arrive in the form of Android 16. While the general refinements are expected to come our way, the Android TV platform in general has been lacking in oomph factor. This is where Google's Gemini could help. 

Generative AI has become popular in smartphones and it is speculated that in the near future, Android TVs may also see integration with Google’s Gemini AI chatbot. This addition could significantly enhance content discovery and personalisation, transforming the viewing experience.

With Gemini AI, users might soon be able to search for specific scenes or moments within shows, movies or events. For example, a user could search for "Show me a match where Dhoni hits helicopter shots" or "Show me the scene where Harry Potter enters the magical platform." This kind of personal search will make it much easier to find specific videos.

The potential for content personalisation in Android TVs is vast and with AI's role, the platform could become a powerful tool for personalised entertainment, it will help users connect with content in a whole new way.

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Can Android TV OS harm the existence of Google TV OS?

There's an ongoing question about whether the Android TV OS could potentially harm the growth of Google TV OS in the future. While many people view Android TV and Google TV as essentially the same product, they are actually quite different in both functionality and user experience.

Google TV takes a highly personalised and content-centric approach. It displays recommendations based on a user’s watch history and preferences, offering a more personal experience. The home screen prioritises content over individual apps, making it easier for users to discover new shows and movies without navigating through endless menus.

Android TV, in contrast, follows a more traditional, app-centric layout. While it does feature a “Live” tab to suggest content, it leans more towards manual search than personalised recommendations. This layout works well for those who prefer a straightforward interface but may lack the content discovery and personal suggestion features that make Google TV more engaging for users.

The integration of Gemini will definitely make some changes, but more importantly, the cost of the product will impact the final sales numbers.

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The demand for more performance will likely require more powerful processors and upgraded hardware, which in return may increase production costs. As a result, manufacturers may raise the prices of Android TVs, making them less affordable for consumers. Additionally, it’s also unclear whether AI-driven features will be free or require a paid subscription, which could further impact accessibility for users.

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