Android TV: Is This the Future of Television?

With Android dominating over 76.67% of the mobile operating system market, it’s no surprise that Android TV is making waves in the television industry. Designed for smart TVs, set-top boxes, and multimedia devices, Android TV offers an intuitive interface, Google services integration, and a powerful app ecosystem—all out of the box.

From advanced voice control to seamless content discovery, Android TV is redefining how we experience television. But what makes it the future of smart entertainment? Here are five key reasons why Android TV is leading the way:

1. Widespread Adoption by Operators and Manufacturers

The shift toward Android TV among global operators is undeniable. In 2016, only three operators were using Android TV, but by April 2019, over 140 operators in 60+ countries had embraced the platform.

Even major brands such as Sony, NVIDIA, TCL, Hisense, and Philips have adopted Android TV for their smart TVs and home entertainment systems, proving its widespread influence. Android TV has also expanded into laser projectors, soundbars, and operator-backed streaming services, further solidifying its dominance in the industry.

Despite initial pushback from cable giants, Android TV’s growing market share has forced competitors to innovate, leading to the development of alternative solutions like RDK (Reference Design Kit) from Liberty Global and Comcast.

2. Highly Customizable User Interface

A seamless, intuitive user experience (UX) is crucial in smart TV adoption. Android TV’s Material Design ensures a 10-foot UI that’s easy to navigate from standard viewing distances, making it comfortable for extended use.

• Standard Android TV Launcher: Automatically recommends content based on viewing habits.
• Operator Tier Customization: Service providers can fully customize branding, UI layout, and content recommendations.
• Voice Commands: With Google Assistant integration, users can search for shows, control smart home devices, and interact with their TV hands-free.

AT&T’s Android TV-powered streaming service is a great example of how operators can design custom launchers to prioritize their own programming, creating a unique viewing experience tailored to their audience.

3. The Power of Google Assistant & AI Integration

Voice-controlled assistants have transformed how we interact with technology, and Google Assistant on Android TV takes that convenience to the next level. With advanced AI, Android TV understands commands like:

• “Play Stranger Things on Netflix.”
• “Show me the weather for tomorrow.”
• “Turn off the living room lights.”

Beyond entertainment, smart home integration makes it easy to manage IoT devices, from adjusting thermostats to controlling security cameras, all through the TV interface.

4. A Robust Google Play Store with 5,000+ Apps & Games

Unlike traditional cable services, Android TV offers a vast selection of apps through the Google Play Store. With over 5,000 apps and games optimized for big screens, Android TV provides an unmatched level of entertainment and functionality.

• Streaming Services: Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Prime Video, and more.
• Gaming Hub: Android TV supports Bluetooth controllers, transforming your TV into a gaming console.
• Productivity Apps: Video conferencing, news apps, and even fitness programs cater to diverse user needs.

For operators, Android TV’s app ecosystem is a game-changer. Unlike closed platforms, it ensures continuous innovation and access to new services without restrictive licensing agreements.

5. Smart Home & IoT Capabilities

With over 26.6 billion IoT devices in use worldwide, Android TV’s smart home capabilities are a major selling point. By 2025, this number is expected to exceed 75.4 billion, making Android TV’s role in IoT integration even more significant.

• Control home automation systems (lights, thermostats, and security cameras) directly from the TV.
• Seamless integration with Google Home and Nest devices.
• Operators can bundle smart home services, increasing revenue while reducing subscriber churn.

Google’s YouGov survey found that 79% of users want smart home control through their TV, reinforcing Android TV’s role as the central hub of modern smart homes.

The Future of Android TV

Google remains committed to enhancing Android TV, ensuring a faster, smarter, and more engaging user experience. With improvements in monetization tools, turnkey solutions, and content accessibility, Android TV is set to become the preferred choice for entertainment worldwide.

“We’ll continue to bring innovations to the platform and improve the quality and reliability of the Android TV experience. We believe that providing the best smart TV experience possible and working closely with our operator and OEM partners to offer more choice will lead to more users choosing the Android TV ecosystem.”

— Shalini Govil-Pai, Head of Android TV

*Google, Android, Google Play, and Android TV are trademarks of Google LLC.