Google TV Streamer to debut with Android 14 and new MediaTek chip
Top 3 Key Points:
- First with Android 14: The new Google TV Streamer will be among the first devices to feature Android 14 for TV.
- MediaTek Chip Upgrade: This device marks the first time Google uses a MediaTek chip, moving away from the Amlogic processor.
- Enhanced Features: Android 14 will bring improved performance, picture-in-picture, energy efficiency, and better smart home integration.
Google is set to launch its latest streaming device, the Google TV Streamer, which will be one of the first to run on the newly released Android 14 for TV. This update is made possible by a fresh partnership with MediaTek, a major shift from the previous use of Amlogic processors in Google’s streaming hardware.
The announcement came just a week ago, aligning with the excitement surrounding Google’s recent hardware reveals, including the Pixel Buds 2 and Pixel Watch 3. The news of Android 14’s debut on the Google TV Streamer was first reported by Android Authority, which obtained a copy of the device’s firmware, codenamed “kirkwood.”
Android 14: What to Expect
The Google TV Streamer is expected to be a significant upgrade over its predecessors, partly because of Android 14. This new operating system brings a host of enhancements, such as support for picture-in-picture mode, improved accessibility options, and overall better performance. The device will also include 4GB of RAM, despite running a 32-bit version of Android 14.
Goodbye Chromecast, Hello Google TV
Google is officially moving away from the Chromecast brand in favor of the Google TV name, a change that signals a major shift in their streaming device strategy. The new Google TV Streamer is expected to outperform its predecessors, thanks to a refreshed design and significant upgrades under the hood.
The new operating system will introduce several power-saving options, including a Low Energy Mode and an Optimized Energy Mode, helping to reduce standby power consumption. Additionally, the device will feature enhanced networking capabilities with the inclusion of a Thread radio, further improved by Android 14’s advanced network stack.
Smarter Home Integration
Android 14 will also give users more control over their devices and apps. A new API will allow apps to embed custom prompts directly into the Google TV Streamer’s Device Controls interface. Plus, users will be able to access the Google Home panel more easily, streamlining the management of smart home devices.
What About Older Devices?
It’s still unclear whether older Chromecast devices will receive an upgrade to Android 14 for TV. Currently, most of these devices run on Android 12, and while they may not benefit from all the new features, it would be a welcome upgrade for users if they did.
In summary, the Google TV Streamer is poised to set a new standard in streaming devices, with Android 14 and a MediaTek chip at its core, bringing exciting new features and improved performance.
Google’s May 2025 Android updates bring exciting changes to improve how your phone works and how you message. These updates focus on making devices faster, safer, and more user-friendly.
One big change is to Android’s memory system. By increasing the memory page size from 4KB to 16KB on newer devices, apps can load quicker and use less power. This helps phones, especially those with modern chips, run smoothly and save battery life. Older devices will stick with the smaller page size to avoid issues.
The Google System Updates for May also add new features. Google Wallet now supports more card types and makes transit passes easier to use in apps like Google Maps. The Play Store now shows video previews of apps, helping you decide what to download. There are also fixes to improve battery life, storage, and network performance, making your phone more reliable.
For Google Messages, a new “delete for everyone” feature lets you remove sent messages from group chats within 15 minutes. This works for both RCS and SMS, so you can fix mistakes easily. Other messaging upgrades include better scam detection and the ability to send high-quality photos and videos. These updates show Google’s effort to make Android devices faster, more secure, and better for communication. Keep your phone updated to enjoy these improvements!
Google Maps is making driving more fun with a new feature for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Now, you can pick different car icons to show your vehicle on the map. Choose from options like a sleek sedan, a rugged SUV, or a cool arrow.
This small change adds a personal touch to your navigation and is rolling out to all users soon. Meanwhile, Ecobee’s Smart Doorbell Camera is getting a big upgrade with Google Home support. You can now see who’s at your door right from the Google Home app, view live video, and even talk to visitors.
If you have a Nest Hub, the doorbell feed pops up automatically when someone rings. This feature, already available for Ecobee’s thermostat, makes your smart home setup smoother and is available now for all users. On the AI front, Google’s Gemini app is getting smarter with the Gemini 2.5 Pro preview.
This update improves coding skills, helping developers create better apps and websites. It also handles video and text tasks more effectively. The preview is out for everyone to try, with Google planning to share more at its I/O 2025 event. These updates from Google and Ecobee bring small but meaningful improvements, making your car rides, home security, and digital tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Google is rolling out exciting updates to make browsing, searching, and downloading apps smoother and safer for Android users. These changes focus on improving Chrome’s security, redesigning the Google Search bar, and enhancing the Google Play Store’s download process.
Chrome’s Improved Security
Google Chrome now offers stronger protection with “Enhanced Safe Browsing” powered by Gemini Nano, an AI model that works directly on your device. This feature checks websites in real-time to spot phishing attempts and other online threats, keeping your data safe without relying on cloud servers. It’s a step up from the standard protection, giving users more peace of mind while browsing.
Redesigned Google Search Bar
The Google Search bar on Android is getting a fresh look. It’s now simpler and easier to use, with a modern design that fits better with your phone’s home screen. The updated widget lets you access Search, Lens, or voice commands quickly. The new layout is clean and user-friendly, making searches faster and more intuitive.
Better Play Store Downloads
The Google Play Store is improving how it shows app download progress. A new notification design displays a progress bar right in your notification panel, so you can track downloads without opening the app. This small but helpful change makes managing app installs more convenient.
These updates show Google’s focus on creating a safer, simpler, and more efficient experience for Android users. They’re rolling out gradually, so keep an eye out for them on your device!
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