Is Android TV still worth it in 2022 or should I just move on to Google TV

by djdisciplejosh

I have a CCwGTV plugged into my Roku smart TV in my bedroom and it's made a world's difference. I first got the Roku smart TV in June 2020 (before CCwGTV was even announced) but I still had trouble finding content to watch. When I got the Chromecast on release day (mid-October in Canada) it changed the game for me. I loved how it gave me personalized recommendations for things to watch, something that I didn't find much with Roku. It's actually the very thing that drove me to sign up for streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+. I especially love the watchlist feature, which really helps save stuff I like.

I'm planning on getting a new 65 inch TV for my living room. The one I'm eying specifically is the Hisense U6G (aka U68G in here in Canada). It runs the latest version of Android TV, which seems to resemble Google TV a lot more. This TV in particular has all the image quality and specs and features I want for my desired budget which is $1000 CAD and this one is currently $950 CAD.

I have heard that Hisense is coming out with new TVs that have Google TV, one of which is the U6H, a direct upgrade from the U6G I mentioned earlier. I'm kinda conflicted on whether I should wait until June-July or just bite the bullet and get the current U6G.

But my dilemma is that if Android TV is still worth getting now that Google TV is gaining more traction. Would I be missing out on much if I stayed with Android TV or would I be falling behind? I heard rumors and speculation that many Android TVs themselves are gonna get a software update to Google TV.

Enjinr

Google TV is Android TV. Google TV is just the launcher or interface. The OS is still Android TV. Get the TV that has features you want in a TV. If you prefer the Google TV interface to the one your TV comes with, add a Chromecast with GTV.

nataku411

CCWGTV is definitely better than anything pre-installed on a TV as it gets faster updates, but hopefully they release a better iteration as it's a bit anemic, slow at times.

hunter_finn

I would recommend that you prioritize the image quality and stuff like E-arc and other such hardware level stuff over the smart features of the tv itself.

Yeah having android tv or Google tv directly on the tv is cool and all, but ultimately the support from the manufacturer ends way sooner than the actual lifespan of the tv. So after few years you will probably end up getting Nvidia shield or another external Google tv box with up to date software anyway.

Then again I'm not saying that built in Android tv/Google tv is a bad thing, i just mean that if there is two different tv's and you like the hardware of one more even though it has something like Samsung tizen or lg web os. Then that is not a reason to dismiss them completely.

For example i have Philips 55pus7272 2017 model with Android tv. As a smart tv it is rather useless, but stuff like good (for the price) image and additional features like ambilight with connection to my Philips hue lights. It still is great when paired to chromecast with Google tv or something like that.

pawdog

I'm not impressed with what Google TV wound up being. Tons of recommendations with no ability to customize is a step backward from old Android TV, and not as good as the Discover UI that is inspired by Google TV. I use a 3rd party launcher on my CCWGTV because it's too busy, and too heavy on the hardware.

Deadpool-fan-466

Both have the same OS (Android TV). Google TV is just a modified user interface on top of it.

I'd say Android TV is still worth it. It gets the job done. Hell, I even miss it sometimes.

But if you enjoy personalized content recommendations, then Google TV is for you.

Google did say back in 2020 that Android TV will be replaced by Google TV "over the next two years". We've already seen some instances of it (the "new" Android TV UI aka the "Discover" UI, Sony updating some of their Android TVs to Google TV via firmware); but how the actual transition would happen is still unknown.