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.