It’s an Android world, at least that’s what Google is hoping it will be, as it showcased a redefined Android TV at its annual developer conference. Google also showcased Android Auto for cars as well during the keynote address. We take a quick look at what these are offering:
Android TV
Android TV isn’t something new. Google has been trying to get into users’ living rooms for some time now. Google TV was introduced way back in 2010 with the first Google TVs being made by Sony and Logitech. In the second generation of devices, LG, Asus and others had also partnered on Google TV. But Google TV wasn’t a success. Nor was the Nexus Q which was a media-streaming entertainment device introduced in June 2012. Q wasn’t much of success and it was replaced by Chromecast, which was showcased at last year’s Google I/O conference.Android TV now lets users broadcast content to your TV, as well as search a grid of popular content, apps, and games. Voice search and Google Knowledge Graph are also enabled for Android TV, which means you can just talk to your TV and do a voice search for instant results.
Google has also made sure that there’s one Android software-development kit for all the company’s Android form factors and thus will allow apps to work across supported devices and platforms. According to the announcements at I/O, Sony and Sharp are producing Android-powered TVs and set-top boxes which will launch by 2015. Google also expects Asus, Razer to launch the first set of Android TVs by fall. The 2015 line of HD and 4K televisions from Sony, Sharp and TP Vision have Android TV.
Google’s Android L Developer Preview SDK includes the new Leanback support library that allows developers to design smoother, simpler, living room apps. Developers can “now build immersive native apps and console-style games on Android TV devices,” according to Google.
Dave Burke, director of engineering for Android, announces the Android TV during his keynote address at the Google I/O developers conference. Reuters
Where Chromecast is concerned, Google boasted that it is one of the top five selling electronic devices on Amazon and that is doing very well in countries like Australia, UK, USA. However Google didn’t give any numbers on how many Chromecast devices were sold across the world.
Chromecast now allows users to stream content from anywhere and you don’t even have to be on the same Wi-Fi network as the device. Do note that this an optional feature and users can make sure that not everyone can go around streaming content on their Tv sets via Chromecast.
There’s a feature called Backdrop which can run feeds of photos, news, weather, or art while you’re not using the Chromecast. Sort of like a screen saver for your TV. Except of course, this might mean of lot of electricity consumption and we’re not sure if this a good idea. There’s also a Cast Screen button which lets users directly mirror anything on their Android device to the TV. Of course you will need a supported phone or tablet from Samsung, HTC, LG, or the Nexus.
Android Auto: According to Google the idea behind Android Auto is to ensure that users aren’t switching between the phone and the steering wheel while driving. Like Android TV, users can just mirror their smartphone’s screen on the car’s screen.
Android Auto supports Google Maps which you can run via voice commands. You can also reply to messages you get on your phone with Voice. Users can play and find music on their cars without having to fiddle with the actual buttons. Google is also bringing some apps to Android Auto such as Songza, Pandora, and other radio and music streaming apps.
Google has also introduced Android Auto APIs, where app developers can ensure that an app designed for smartphones runs on Android Auto as well. The SDK for Android Auto will be introduced later. Google’s list of partners include Bentley, Ferrari, Audi, Ford, Nissan, Mazda, Suzuki, Skoda, Honda to name a few and they have a total of 40 partners. Whether Android Auto will also be a part of low-end models from these companies remains to be seen, but according to Google the first set of cars should be expected by end of this year.
Google Android Auto is the company’s answer to Apple’s CarPlay which also supports Siri-based contextual voice commands for making calls, sending and receiving messages.
Overall with Android Tv and Android Auto, Google is strengthening the Android platform and hoping to extend it in your living room and cars.
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