Google TV Streamer to debut with Android 14 and new MediaTek chip
Top 3 Key Points:
- First with Android 14: The new Google TV Streamer will be among the first devices to feature Android 14 for TV.
- MediaTek Chip Upgrade: This device marks the first time Google uses a MediaTek chip, moving away from the Amlogic processor.
- Enhanced Features: Android 14 will bring improved performance, picture-in-picture, energy efficiency, and better smart home integration.
Google is set to launch its latest streaming device, the Google TV Streamer, which will be one of the first to run on the newly released Android 14 for TV. This update is made possible by a fresh partnership with MediaTek, a major shift from the previous use of Amlogic processors in Google’s streaming hardware.
The announcement came just a week ago, aligning with the excitement surrounding Google’s recent hardware reveals, including the Pixel Buds 2 and Pixel Watch 3. The news of Android 14’s debut on the Google TV Streamer was first reported by Android Authority, which obtained a copy of the device’s firmware, codenamed “kirkwood.”
Android 14: What to Expect
The Google TV Streamer is expected to be a significant upgrade over its predecessors, partly because of Android 14. This new operating system brings a host of enhancements, such as support for picture-in-picture mode, improved accessibility options, and overall better performance. The device will also include 4GB of RAM, despite running a 32-bit version of Android 14.
Goodbye Chromecast, Hello Google TV
Google is officially moving away from the Chromecast brand in favor of the Google TV name, a change that signals a major shift in their streaming device strategy. The new Google TV Streamer is expected to outperform its predecessors, thanks to a refreshed design and significant upgrades under the hood.
The new operating system will introduce several power-saving options, including a Low Energy Mode and an Optimized Energy Mode, helping to reduce standby power consumption. Additionally, the device will feature enhanced networking capabilities with the inclusion of a Thread radio, further improved by Android 14’s advanced network stack.
Smarter Home Integration
Android 14 will also give users more control over their devices and apps. A new API will allow apps to embed custom prompts directly into the Google TV Streamer’s Device Controls interface. Plus, users will be able to access the Google Home panel more easily, streamlining the management of smart home devices.
What About Older Devices?
It’s still unclear whether older Chromecast devices will receive an upgrade to Android 14 for TV. Currently, most of these devices run on Android 12, and while they may not benefit from all the new features, it would be a welcome upgrade for users if they did.
In summary, the Google TV Streamer is poised to set a new standard in streaming devices, with Android 14 and a MediaTek chip at its core, bringing exciting new features and improved performance.
Key Points:
- Google Calendar is coming to the New Tab Page in Chrome for Workspace users.
- Circle to Search is expanding to more Android devices, including Xiaomi 14T.
- Chrome is getting other new features for enterprise users.
Google Calendar on Chrome’s New Tab Page:
Google Workspace users will soon see their Google Calendar on the New Tab Page in Chrome. This will make it easier to see upcoming meetings and join them quickly. You’ll also see your daily schedule below the calendar.
Circle to Search Expanding to More Devices:
Circle to Search, a feature that lets you search by drawing circles around objects in your photos, is expanding to more Android devices. This feature was previously limited to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, but now it’s coming to Tecno and Xiaomi devices.
Other Chrome Updates:
Chrome is also getting other new features for enterprise users, such as a new sign-in flow that provides more transparency and a feature that lets admins set site shortcuts.
These updates are all designed to make it easier for businesses to use Chrome and Google Workspace.
YouTube is making content creation easier and more fun with new AI features.
- AI-powered video backgrounds: Create stunning visuals for your Shorts videos with Google’s Veo AI model.
- AI-powered video ideas: Get inspiration for your next video with YouTube Studio’s AI-powered brainstorming tool.
- AI-powered comments: Quickly respond to your viewers with AI-suggested replies.
YouTube is adding more AI features to help creators make better videos. One of the biggest announcements is the integration of Veo, a powerful AI model, into YouTube Shorts. This means you can create high-quality backgrounds and even short video clips using just a few words.
Imagine being able to describe a scene, like “a bustling city street at sunset,” and having Veo instantly generate a visually stunning background for your Short. Or, perhaps you need a quick clip to transition between two scenes; Veo can create a short video that perfectly fits your needs.
Another exciting feature is the new AI-powered brainstorming tool in YouTube Studio. This tool can suggest video ideas based on your channel’s history and what’s popular on YouTube. It’s like having a creative assistant that always has fresh ideas.
For example, if you’ve been creating cooking videos, the tool might suggest ideas like “Vegan cooking hacks” or “Quick and easy weeknight meals.” Or, if you’re a gaming channel, it could suggest ideas like “Top 5 new games to try” or “Let’s play a classic game.”
YouTube is also working on AI-powered comments. This feature will suggest replies to comments, making it easier for creators to engage with their audience.
For example, if a viewer leaves a comment saying “Great video!” the AI might suggest a reply like “Thanks for watching!” Or, if a viewer asks a question, the AI could suggest a helpful answer based on the video’s content.
These new AI features are making YouTube an even more powerful platform for creators. By automating tasks like background creation and idea generation, creators can spend more time focusing on what they do best: creating great content.
Key points:
- Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a new navigation bar key for quick keyboard switching.
- This allows for faster switching between multiple keyboard apps and languages.
- The feature is currently being tested and is expected to become standard on Google Pixel devices in December.
Android users will soon experience a significant improvement in keyboard switching. A new feature being tested in Android 15 QPR1 Beta introduces a dedicated key on the navigation bar that allows for rapid switching between different keyboard apps and languages.
Imagine having the ability to seamlessly switch between multiple keyboards without navigating through settings or menus. This new key, visually represented as a globe, provides a direct and intuitive way to change keyboards on the fly. Whether you need to switch between different languages or prefer different keyboard apps for specific tasks, this feature offers a convenient solution.
For example, if you have multiple languages enabled and use both Gboard and SwiftKey, you can quickly toggle between them by pressing the new key. This eliminates the need for extra steps and ensures a smooth typing experience.
While this feature is currently in beta testing, it’s expected to become a standard part of Android 15 QPR1, which is scheduled to be released on Google Pixel devices in December. This means that many Android users will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of faster and more efficient keyboard switching.
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