Google, right now, offers two operating systems for smart TVs. On the one hand, there is Android TV, which is already very present among us and is widely known. And then there’s Google TV, his latest bet. What is the difference between both? Let’s see it.
Google TV and Android TV, what is the difference?
Google has been betting for some years now to gain a foothold in the smart TV sector . And not by manufacturing their own devices precisely but by allowing other manufacturers to have access to an operating system capable of providing all users with those services and platforms that over time have become practically essential.
Since then and until now Android TV , a name that you already intuit where it comes from, has been that operating system with which the company has not only managed to stand up to other manufacturers with a lot of weight and experience within the sector such as Samsung or LG with their respective Tizen and webOS, also convince that they have a lot to say in this sector.
However, the company recently surprised with the launch of a new proposal called Google TV . This made many wonder what it really was and what the company wanted to achieve with a new operating system for Smart TV. Well, it was not very clear at the beginning, but that question is still resolved today.
Google TV is still Android TV or, rather, it shares the same base of that system and that is none other than Android. But there are some differences that are important to know. The first and easiest to see is the interface of both systems, especially in everything that affects the home screen. Here we have that there is a change with respect to how the contents are organized.
In Android TV there is a distribution scheme that is more similar to what you would have on other devices such as mobiles or tablets. On Google TV the home screen is based on recommendations . It is true that you can have direct accesses to your apps and services, but the leading role is taken by that important part with which it seeks to offer the user suggestions that help to enjoy the experience more.
Then there is the fact that Android TV is based on Android 9, while Google TV is based on Android 10. This allows you to enjoy some advantages that go implicit in the version jump. For example, now part of the setup process is done through the Google Home mobile app. This is something that facilitates actions such as choosing which streaming platforms you want to use to customize that section of the home screen.
For the rest, everything you can really do on Android TV devices can also be done on those that integrate Google TV. On the contrary, it will not happen and it is to be expected that applications or access to services will arrive that will only be available on Google’s new Smart TV platform.
Can I update Android TV to Google TV?
This is a question that many users ask today. If you have a TV with Android TV or any other device with Google’s system, can you upgrade to Google TV? The answer will depend on each manufacturer .
TCL and Sony have announced that they will be the first manufacturers to allow their Android TV-based Smart TVs to make the leap to Google TV. To do this, you only have to install the corresponding update. However, other devices will have to wait to see whether or not their manufacturers release this update.
Therefore, you will have to be attentive to each brand and its updates. But the idea is that all devices that have the necessary hardware to do so make the leap to Google TV leaving behind Android TV.
How to get the new Google TV interface on Android TV
One of the virtues of Android has always been its customization capacity, so if you dare, you can now get the new Google TV interface . This is what you would need to do.
The first step is to check that your Smart TV, set top box or any other device with Android TV has version 9 or higher. You can easily check that in Settings> Device Preferences> About> Version.
If you meet this first requirement, the next is to download two files to your phone, tablet or computer that you will find in the following links:
Once you have them, upload it to a cloud storage service like Google’s own Drive since it will be the easiest way to have them accessible from your device with Android TV with an app like File Commander .
With access to these two files the next step is to install it. When you do, you will be ready to change the launcher that is neither more nor less than that layer that allows you to enjoy the new home screen.
Changing the launcher is something that is done first by going to Settings> Device Preferences> About> Version> Developer options . There you have to activate the Network Debugging option.
Now, with the help of an Android phone, install the Remote ADB Shell application. This application allows you to access the device remotely. Don’t worry, you just need to follow these directions.
1. Enter the IP address assigned to your Android TV device. You can see it in the Settings, in the About> Status section
2. With the IP entered, add the port 5555 and click to connect
3. Accept the following message that will appear and when it appears to write a new command type: pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.tvlauncher
Ready, you have the new home screen that is enjoyed in products with Google TV. And if you want to go back to the previous launcher, the command to do it is the following: cmd package install-existing com.google.android.tvlauncher
The future of Google TV
Google TV, as we have said before, will be Google’s only operating system for smart TVs and other set top boxes or HDMI dongles. Android TV will eventually disappear and it makes sense that it should. Because it is no longer just the home screen, it is also that brand equity in order to create a recognizable ecosystem.
Therefore, it will be a matter of time before everything happens. For now, you will have to be patient and use the previous method if possible to have the new interface. Although it must also be said that nothing serious happens to the current Android TV home screen. As long as you can access all those services that interest you, the aesthetic section may be the least relevant of all.
