Google TV updated with Android Jelly Bean and latest Chrome

Google TV being updated with latest Android and Chrome versions

posted on May 15th 2013 by Edgar Cervantes

android-jelly-bean-googleI have to say I was infuriated when I saw the Google IO 2013 keynote end without even a mention of Google TV. I calmed myself down and stayed patient, though. Even if Google should give Google TV more exposure, we may still see the announcement we have been waiting for, and we have! Google TV will finally be updated with the latest version of Android and Chrome, putting it side to side with all other Google devices.

Google plans to upgrade its TV platform to version 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. Chrome is also being updated to the latest version, and from now on updates to the TV browser will come every six weeks, just like with other Chrome versions.

Google is also helping out its partners by refactoring Google TV so that updates may be pushed faster. Instead of having us wait months, Google TV manufacturers should now be able to update Google TV devices in a matter of weeks (but we know not all manufacturers will accomplish this). Developers can also work with the latest API’s, so better apps will also be able to be created.

Google also gave us a bit of insight into the future. Of course, we already know LG, Hisense, VIZIO and ASUS have brought the best in Google TVs lately, but what if you want something with a bit of a punch? Google is highlighting that TCL is set to release a 4K2K TV with Google TV later this year. We will be able to check it out during Google IO, so stay tuned for that hands-on video!

Also, don’t expect these updates just yet. OEMs have to take them home and get working on them, so it should take a little while before we get those OTA updates.

About The Author
Edgar Cervantes is a Contributing Editor for GTVsource.com and has posted 172 articles. .

  • Tagon42

    It seems the this years keynote had nothing to do with hardware I was a little shocked that nothing was really mention except that a stock Galaxy S 4 would be availaible in June. I wish I had not have held off getting the cube I could have been enjoying it for a few weeks.

    • Edgar Cervantes

      I am actually loving the CUBE. Will probably stick with it for a while.

      • Tagon42

        I have heard 99% good about the device so I know I will be happy just wish I would have pulled the trigger a little sooner

        • Edgar Cervantes

          I know the feeling. We were all kind of expecting something. :(. There was no hardware at all (other than the Galaxy S4). Kind of underwhelming in that department.

          • Tagon42

            And there was so much pointing to them announcing a few things. I wonder if it just got pushed back for some reason.

          • Edgar Cervantes

            Yeah, some of the rumors are probably still right. They just didn’t focus on that for Google IO this year.

          • Tagon42

            What do you think that chance of them releasing a Nexus GTV box?

          • Edgar Cervantes

            I am not sure…. If it was me, I would probably not wait for it if I was thinking of getting a new one right now. I think the chances are pretty slim. Nothing but rumors and speculation at this point (mostly speculation).

          • Tagon42

            Thank you

  • http://evildevnull.com/thinktank/index.php?action=collapse;c=14;sa=collapse;d227fb2388ec=9e8bb86861f0686e54bcbaae99929bbd#c14 George Leon

    Hmmm… New version of Chrome. That could be bad news indeed. If they are updating to 4.2.2 & using a universal version of Chrome, that will break Amazon VOD & Amazon Prime compatibility, since it relies on an older HC version of the browser, which supports flash. Unless Amazon has written a native app, something I highly doubt, they actually will be losing content services on the device, not adding to them.

    • Edgar Cervantes

      Amazon does have an app. Came with one of the latest updates.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/George-Giannaris/1124447774 George Giannaris

    There is a native amazon app on the Sony player

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