Many people today are stoked about the potential of Android TV, and the people at Google are certainly hoping this will be their breakthrough television project. So what are the odds for success, and what is good and bad concerning the technology?
If you have an Android smartphone, you are already miles ahead in using this technology. It will mirror your Android device to your TV, and you will be able to play games, and use all of the normal apps you are accustomed to on your big screen. With Android TV, Google is hoping that the great experiences people have had with their smartphones will transfer to your living room.
Companies like DirectTV (directselecttv.com) are already offering packages that mix television with the Internet. This indicates that now is the right time for Android TV to hit the market.
Google Believes in Content First
Android TV is being designed to let users find the content they want, with the least amount of effort. To that end, you will be able to search for programs with your own voice, and you will have easy access to the games and apps you love. Android TV will require that you have a set-top box, and you will also need a special remote control. That may put off a few potential customers.
At this point, perhaps you are wondering just how Android TV will differ from Apple TV, Xbox, and others competing in the streaming media niche. The answer is not very much. Android TV includes Google Cast, as this is the very same technology that is used in streaming video and music from your smartphone to your television.
One thing that may stand in the way of Android TV is the success of Google Chromecast. Chromecast has already found a comfortable niche, as it is cheap, and very functional. Android TV promises to offer better and higher functionality than Chromecast, and with this offering, they are making a move to be the centerpiece of future smart homes.
Is This The Future Of Television?
Android TV wants to being the best web experiences to the smart TV platform. You can watch YouTube videos, play games, and easily search for content and the TV shows you want to watch. Combined with some of the new Google apps which you can view by clicking here, if you are already a fan of your Android smartphone, you will love using the same interface on Google TV, and switching over will not be a big deal for you.
There is something else you should know about Android TV, and if you are a regular user, this will not be a surprise. In the view of Google, an Android TV user should never be more than three clicks away from the content they wish to view. It will even suggest content for you based on what you have viewed in the past.
If you are one of those people overly concerned about your privacy, you may have a problem with this. Yes, they are gathering information about you, and if that bothers you, Android TV is something you will probably want to stay away from.
The Bottom Line
Google failed before in this market, so you have to believe they learned some lessons from that fiasco. The key for Google is to woo those people who do not already use Android smartphones.
