Google TV is gearing up for a significant update with the introduction of Android 14. While we have already highlighted some of the exciting new features that are now live, Google TV is also set to support additional functionalities, such as a customizable remote button.
Nestled within the Android TV OS 14’s Google TV build, we find support for a new customizable remote button. This unique “star” button will appear as a “shortcut” in Google TV, allowing users to open their preferred app or switch inputs on their television.
Development of this feature has been underway for some time, with a 2021 build of Google TV for Chromecast featuring this option and a nearly identical user interface to the one unveiled in Android 14. Intriguingly, leaked pre-release marketing materials initially suggested that Chromecast was intended to ship with a button of this nature.
However, it is worth noting that there are currently no Google TV remotes equipped with this “star” button. It is absent from devices like Chromecast with Google TV, Walmart’s Onn box, as well as remote controls from Hisense, TCL, Sony, and other brands with more extensive button layouts. It is possible that this button may be reserved for a future iteration of Chromecast. At present, the details surrounding this feature remain uncertain, though we previously reported on a forthcoming Chromecast model.
Moreover, Mishaal Rahman has uncovered a couple of additional features in development for Google TV. One notable addition is a new headphones section in the quick settings menu, although specifics regarding its appearance are yet to be revealed. It is expected to display available headphones for seamless audio connectivity.
Another exciting feature in the works is call notifications. Rahman has discovered code snippets indicating that “supported apps” will be able to deliver notifications for incoming calls. This functionality will respect user-profiles and is likely to include popular communication apps like Google Meet. Interestingly, Apple is also integrating FaceTime support into tvOS with its next release, making the timing of this development noteworthy.
Once enabled, users will receive calls from supported apps on their Google TV devices. Preferences for call notifications can be adjusted individually within the respective apps. It is important to note that all notifications will only appear while in the user’s personal profile on the TV. However, users can modify this setting in other profiles to receive calls when those profiles are active.
The Android 14 builds for Google TV have just been released this week, and the final version is expected to arrive later in 2023. As for when the update will roll out to retail hardware, it is currently unclear. Major system updates hold less significance for Android TV and Google TV compared to other platforms.
In conclusion, Google TV’s forthcoming update with Android 14 promises several exciting features, including a customizable remote button and call notifications. These additions are set to enhance the user experience on Google TV devices, and we look forward to their official release.