Android TV lands in more TVs, adds HDR support, snags lots of new apps

By Caleb Denison May 18, 2016

This story is part of our complete Google I/O coverage

android tv new tvs apps bravia meets realapps — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Android TV didn’t get much stage time at Google’s I/O 2016 keynote Wednesday, but according to the official Android blog, Google’s TV OS and streaming TV platform is expanding its reach into some more TVs and set-top boxes, and has gained an impressive array of new streaming app partners.

For televisions, Sony will continue to use Android TV as its OS of choice for its 2016 Bravia TV line. Sony will soon be joined by RCA, which is expected to introduce its first Android TV models to U.S. customers later this year. In Europe, Beko, Grundig and Vestel will introduce Android TV models in June.

For set-top boxes, Sharp’s NetPlayer, as well as Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi’s mysterious 4K set-top box, will run the Android TV platform.

Google has also added some key streaming service apps, namely CNN, Comedy Central, MTV, Freeform, Nickelodeon, Spotify, Starz, WATCH ABC, WATCH Disney Channel, WATCH Disney Junior, and ESPN. The addition of Starz was noted earlier Wednesday, when it was also learned that Starz would launch HDR programming through its over-the-top app first.

One might hope that would mean Android N would then allow Android TV to support HDR, and, indeed, it does. Other new features coming to Android TV include picture-in-picture for browsing around while a video plays in the background, and recording APIs for recording live TV programming.

Google Cast is also making an expansion. The system, which allows users to “cast” content to their TV without the need for add-on hardware like the Chromecast, first appeared in Vizio’s lineup of P-series televisions. Now, Google Cast will reportedly be coming to Magnavox, Philips, Polaroid, Toshiba, and Westinghouse televisions, thus putting some pressure on Roku-enabled TVs.

With Google Home on the horizon, Google is building a pretty compelling case for its home entertainment ecosystem — and a strong alternative to Amazon’s Echo speaker — by allowing users to launch programming on their televisions or set-top boxes using voice commands. What is not clear is whether Google’s new digital assistant will ultimately end up enabled on the televisions themselves, or if users will have to invest in a Home speaker.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Editor at Large

Digital Trends Editor at Large Caleb Denison is a sought-after writer, speaker, and television correspondent with unmatched…

Audio / Video

Best Samsung TV deals: Save on 4K TVs, QLED TVs, OLED TVs, 8K TVs

A person watching a Samsung TV.

Sorting through some of the best TV brands is a great way to start a search for a new TV. Samsung comes in at the top of many people’s list, and the electronics giant has a lot to offer if you’re looking for a new TV for your living room, basement, or home theater setup. Samsung regularly kicks out some of the best TVs you can buy, and it offers some great value as well, as it regularly has models among the best TV deals. Currently you can find a number of Samsung TV deals out there. They include 4K and 8K TVs, as well as TVs utilizing a number of different picture technologies such as OLED and QLED. We’ve tracked down what we feel are the best Samsung TV deals to shop right now, including OLED TV deals and QLED TV deals. There is even one Samsung The Frame TV deal. Read onward for more details on how to save, and don’t be shy about making a purchase if you see a deal you like, as there’s no telling how long these deals will last.
Samsung 65-inch QN85C QLED 4K Smart TV — $1,300, was $2,000

We find the QN85C to be sitting at just about the perfect price for a TV right now, while still maintaining the qualities and freshness of a much more quality TV. While it is 4K, it uses mini-LED tech, which allows for fine-tuned light control. Remember that the best QLED TVs are typically renowned more for their brightness than contrast; this tech can tip that need for contrast in the QN85C's favor. Other great features of this TV include audio with Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound, 4K upscaling, and motion acceleration to keep fast moving content smooth.

Audio / Video

Best Sling TV deals: Save 50% off your first month and more

Sling TV app icon on Apple TV.

A great way to save on one of the best live TV streaming services is by making Sling TV your provider of choice. Sling is popular among people who prefer to watch their TV with an internet connection, as its user interface closely resembles the familiarity of cable, and Sling TV channels also match much of what you’ll find if you’re coming from a cable or satellite provider. Sling TV offers several ways to save, and we’ve provided a list of the best Sling TV deals currently taking place below. So whether you want to kick back with your favorite movies or ensure you have access to anticipated sports games — such as the NBA playoffs — taking place this month, Sling TV offers several streaming deals to help you save.
Today’s best Sling TV deals

Sling TV is one of the more affordable ways to stream live TV online because it allows you to customize what kind of content you’re paying for. Basketball fans should make it a top consideration, as Sling currently has a package available that ensures you'll have access to all of the NBA playoffs. Sling offers two base subscription packages, Orange and Blue. Sling Orange is focused on sports and family entertainment, while Sling Blue is primarily focused on news and general entertainment. You can also buy a subscription to both Orange and Blue. Other packages are available that add channels not available through either base plan. Unfortunately there is no Sling TV free trial happening right now.

Audio / Video

Upgrade Mom to AirPods Pro — 28% off ahead of Mother’s Day

Apple AirPods Pro 2 in their USB-C and MagSafe case.

If your mom is still using basic wireless earbuds or an older model of Apple's AirPods, why not give her an upgrade for Mother's Day with Amazon's offer for the Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C? From their original price of $249, they're down to a more affordable $180 following a 28% discount. We're pretty sure that the $69 in savings won't last long, like all other AirPods deals, but you should be hurrying with your purchase anyway if you want to get the AirPods in time for the holiday.

Why you should buy the Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C, which we've tagged as the best option for Apple fans in our roundup of the best true wireless earbuds, are a mid-cycle upgrade to the Apple AirPods Pro 2. As you can guess from its name, these wireless earbuds come with a charging case that uses a USB-C cable instead of a Lightning cable. The charging case also supports MagSafe charging, its resistance is upgraded to an IP54 rating for protection against dust in addition to water, and it works with Precision Finding so it's easy to track if it gets lost.