Difference between Android TV and Google TV

Considering that the Android operating system is developed by Google , it is understandable why people often confuse Google TV and Android TV. The following article will help you understand the difference between Android TV and Google TV!

How is Google TV different from Android TV?

The Android TV operating system (abbreviated as Android TV) powers a variety of Smart TVs and set-top boxes as well as media streaming services. These include the Nvidia Shield, Razer Forge TV, TiVo Stream 4K, and more. However, Google unveiled Google TV in September 2020 as the successor to Android TV.

Rather than a complete overhaul, Google TV is simply a new, sleeker software interface. Google TV sits on top of the Android TV operating system to provide a different visual interface. It's similar to how a phone manufacturer like Samsung gives Android its own style.

To clear up any confusion, the easiest way to think of Google TV is as a new interface on top of Android TV. Android TV still exists as an operating system; Google TV is just a new face of it. If you’re still wondering what Android TV is , this article will clear it up for you.

What changes does Google TV bring?

The biggest change Google TV brings is the home screen. Google TV relies heavily on recommendations from the streaming services you subscribe to, so Disney+ will show you top picks if you subscribe, etc. It also offers content recommendations instead of app recommendations on Android TV.

One of the standout features of Google TV is the ability to bring all the content from your favorite streaming platforms to a single screen.

Another cool feature that Google TV boasts is Watchlist. Using your phone, tablet, or computer, you can add movies and TV shows to your Watchlist from a Google search.

This is especially useful if you tend to forget the name of a show or want to add a movie after a conversation with a friend but are away from the TV. It's also a handy feature, especially if you feel like there are so many streaming services that you can't keep track of what you're watching.

For easy content management, Google TV has an identically named companion Android app (formerly called Play Movies & TV) that you can use to browse content to watch, buy or rent movies, and use your phone as a remote control.

Several new tabs are also available on Google TV, including Live and For You. Parental controls are also available, including the option to set up multiple user profiles, like on Netflix.

Finally, when you set up Google TV, you do this through the Google Home app, not on the TV itself. You’ll be asked to select a few options, including which streaming services you’re subscribed to and want to appear on your Google TV home screen so it can customize your recommendations.

How to get Google TV on Android TV

Some new set-top boxes, streaming dongles, and smart TVs come with Google TV. If your smart TV doesn’t have Google TV, you can buy a streaming device like the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) or Chromecast with Google TV (HD). Both are under $50, making them the cheapest option if you need Google TV.

Alternatively, you can ditch your current TV and buy one with Google TV support built in. If you like tinkering with devices, there's a way to make your Android TV look like Google TV.

While Google TV is built on Android TV, it's important to understand that it looks quite different. The core is the same, but Google TV uses Android's operating system to deliver a fresh, personalized interface.