Android TV debuts updated programming guide, Google Assistant
Details
Michelle Clancy
| 27 May 2017

Google has launched Android O, which makes it easier for users to access content from Android TV apps.


Android O includes a new, content-centric home screen experience for Android TV, and integration of the Google Assistant for voice-controlled navigation.

The new Android TV home screen organises video content into channels and programmes in a way that’s familiar to TV viewers. Each Android TV app can publish multiple channels, which are represented as rows of programmes on the home screen. Apps add relevant programmes on each channel, and update these programmes and channels as users access content or when new content is available. To help engage users, programmes can include a video preview, which is automatically played when a user focuses on a programme. Users can configure which channels they wish to see on the home screen, and the ordering of channels, so the themes and shows they’re interested in are quick and easy to access.

Also, the top of the new Android TV home screen now includes a quick launch bar for users' favourite apps, and a special Watch Next channel. This channel contains programmes based on the viewing habits of the user.

Google said*that the APIs for creating and maintaining channels and programmes are part of the TvProvider APIs, which are distributed as an Android Support Library module with Android O. Later this year, Nexus Players will receive the new Android TV home experience as an OTA update.

Meanwhile, the Google Assistant on Android TV,*coming later this year, will allow users to find and access content using their voice. Because the Assistant is context-aware, it can help users narrow down what content to play. Users will also be able access the Assistant to control playback, even while a video or music is playing.

The Assistant can control compatible smart home devices too, so viewers can dim the lights to create an ideal movie viewing environment.

Google Assistant will launch in the US on Android devices running M, N, and O.