Android 14 for TV: Smarter, Faster, Greener
Google has unveiled the next generation of its TV operating system, Android 14 for TV, promising significant improvements in performance, energy efficiency, and user experience. This update comes at a crucial time, with Android TV OS powering over 220 million active devices worldwide, marking a 47% year-over-year increase.
Performance Enhancements
Android 14 for TV aims to address common pain points in smart TV interfaces:
- Faster Boot Times: While not specified, Google claims improved boot latency on select TV models.
- Quicker Home Screen: The Google TV home screen launcher now loads over 4 seconds faster on a cold start.
- Smoother Scrolling: Both vertical and horizontal scrolling have been optimized for a more fluid experience.
- Reduced Storage Footprint: The OS now uses 20% less storage space.
These improvements are particularly welcome given that many TV manufacturers opt for lower-powered hardware to keep costs down.
Energy Efficiency
With an eye on sustainability and upcoming EU regulations, Android 14 for TV introduces new energy modes:
- Low-Energy Mode: Disables network connectivity during standby but allows critical updates.
- Optimized Energy Mode: Enables select network-wake features like Google Assistant and Wi-Fi casting.
- Increased Energy Mode: Adds support for ethernet casting and Google Home controls.
These new modes aim to reduce standby power consumption to 2W or less, meeting future EU requirements for networked devices.
New Features
While not feature-heavy, Android 14 for TV does bring some notable additions:
- Picture-in-Picture: Finally available on Google TV.
- Find My Remote: Now a platform-level feature.
- Accessibility Improvements: Including color correction, enhanced text options, and improved navigation.
What This Means for Users
Android 14 for TV represents a focus on refining the core TV experience rather than adding flashy new features. Users can expect:
- A more responsive interface, especially on lower-end hardware.
- Reduced energy bills thanks to improved standby efficiency.
- Better accessibility options for those with visual impairments.
While the update may not be revolutionary, these quality-of-life improvements should make for a noticeably better smart TV experience when it rolls out to consumer devices later this year.