Google has released a new update for Android TV that gives its smart TV operating system a new look – one that is almost identical to the UI on the company’s Google TV software on its latest Chromecast.
The new interface refreshes the look of Android TV to bring it more in line with Google TV, and slides carousels of popular content at the top of the menus, dropping big icons for more minimalist tabs.
That said, there are some differences between the UI on the Chromecast’s Google TV and the updated Android TV. The new Android TV menu contains three main maps: home, for quick access to apps and channels; programs, as a dedicated place to find your applications; and a brand new Discover tab, which offers personalized recommendations for TV shows and movies, as well as trending content from Google – similar to the “For You” tab on Google TV.
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Conversely, the Google TV UI uses the aforementioned ‘For You’ tab as its home screen and then breaks down specific pieces of content into dedicated programs, movies, and live tabs, rather than gathering them all in one place. It also makes it easier to access your purchase content via a library tab that Android TV does not have.
However, it’s still a nice update that helps to bring Google’s diverse smart TV platforms a little more in line – even if it’s a bit baffling that Google TV and Android TV at this point are still separate products with different interfaces exist. (Google still plans to offer Google TV on newer smart TVs in the future.)
The updated Android TV user interface launches today on Android TV OS devices in the US, Australia, Canada, Germany and France, with more countries promising to follow in the coming weeks.