Most viewers are acquainted with streaming services like Roku, Amazon Fire, Xbox, Playstation, Chromecast etc. The introduction of the Android TV and its recent high-profile partnership with the best 4k ultra hd tv makers like Phillips, Sony etc., has increased viewer curiosity about it.
What is Android TV?
It is an extension of Google’s mobile operating system but this Android version has been specially configured for the smart TV. However, this statement does not give any indication of how different Android TV is from the regular Android Smart TV.
Effectively speaking Android TV is a smart TV streaming platform built using the Android OS by Google. This enables users to use internet connectivity and stream content directly to TV by making use of free and paid apps. The process is quite similar to Roku or Amazon Fire but unlike these streaming platforms, Android TV has a very open system that gives it access to even those apps that might not be approved by Google.
Thus, Android TV has impressive streaming capabilities and menu navigation can be easily done using the Android phone as the remote. The 4k android tv is versatile in its use and hence it can run apps, play emulators, use Kodi, connect to a TV Tuner and even function as a media player for the user’s digital files. But to maximise the use of its capabilities, more technical prowess is required that what users normally possess.
How to use Android TV?
Users can access Android TV either by:
Purchasing an Android TV enabled smart TV or
By using an Android TV supported streaming console like NVIDIA Shield, Mi Box, Razer Forge TV etc.
Using the basic features of Android TV does not require a Google User Account. For advanced operations like using the Google Assistant or downloading additional apps, users need to have a Google user account. To set up Android TV on any 4k ultra hd smart tv the following process has to be followed:
At the beginning of the set-up process, the user will be prompted to enter his Google user account. Generally owning another Android device speeds up the Android TV set-up process.
Next, the connectivity preference has to be given followed by certain generic questions about the user preferences and location that need to be answered.
After all the questions have been answered, the home screen of the Android TV opens up.
Herein the user can navigate the screen and choose what he wants to watch using the voice-capable remote control that comes with Android TV devices.
Android TV also comes with Google Assistant. This makes it easy to navigate the Android TV using its remote. Users can ask questions, check the news, pull up content, control smart devices using its voice command feature etc.
It also supports Google casting wherein audios and videos present on an Android mobile can be streamed onto the 55 inch 4k smart tv with in-built Android TV.
This streaming platform also offers almost all options that are present on conventional streaming systems. These options can also be customised to suit the needs of the user. It also comes with many powerful features that users need to learn to use if they want advanced access.