What are the reasons for Android TV lagging behind in streaming app availability/features?

by Deadpool-fan-466

We know that when it comes to Smart TV operating systems, Android TV is one of the most popular & ever growing among the others.

And yet, whenever a streaming service is launched/becomes widely available (especially since last year), support for Android TV usually comes late, or with conditions, or with features unavailable. But the other Smart TV operating systems (notably TizenOS, Firetv & Roku) & devices running them gets them first.

Generally it's one of the following scenarios:

  • App is available, but took a long time to be available (e.g. Apple TV app)
  • App is available, but certain features are not supported (e.g. Hulu doesn't support 4K or HDR, HBO Max doesn't support Dolby Atmos)
  • App is not available on Android TV devices/ available on select Android TV devices/might work with sideloading (e.g. BBC iplayer, ITV Hub, All 4 etc.)

So why does this happen? Is it because of the low market share? Does it have something to do with Google?

Also, what are the apps (not just streaming) you'd like to see become available on Android TV, that are already available on other smart TV OS?

P.S. I know many apps are not available on android TV, but supports Chromecast Ultra (and/or the CCwGTV). I'm talking about Android TV availability in general.

pawdog

I'm sure different developers have their reasons. It's always just been that way. There is maybe one major US service left that doesn't support Android TV and that's Direct TV Stream and I have never heard any reason why that is. Sometimes features are only available on a higher end device or a device with a certain chipset. Android TV is the only platform not totally controlled by the OS maker. HBO Max does support Atmos in the U.S. Hulu does support 4k on certain devices. It was kind of surprise to me that Apple TV ever came to Android TV. Seems the British companies really hate Android TV. It's not market share because if they build an app for Fire TV it can easily be run on Android TV unless they code it specifically not to so it takes more work to not support Android TV. So I blame backroom deals, platform exclusives, and company politics for some of this stuff.

swtimmer

It is crazy right? In France you even have providers selling their own Android TV sticks and boxes but they don't release the app they have for a broader audience. Crazy that you cannot just install and use the Google TV that is baked into your TV and you need to rely on a stupid stick.

KPFX

I would say it is picking up speed pretty quickly. Chromecast (using a phone) lost popularity to the other dedicated devices with a remote (Roku, Fire, and AppleTV). Android TV was just a niche player on weird off-brand devices up until late 2020.

It's really only been a year since the official launch of the new Chromecast with Google TV, and more TV & device manufacturers are just now including it as the OS.

With the market share growing and Roku getting into so many disputes, Android TV is finally becoming a viable platform for developers, and it shows if you look at the past 24 months. Remember, Android TV got HBO Max and Disney Plus BEFORE Roku! And my cable operator is hoping to release their app before the end of the year.