Google Introduces Android TV

Google recently announced its latest foray into home-based entertainment with Android TV, a new specialized version of its OS. Designed to be integrated into smart TVs, set-top boxes and game consoles, those using Android TV will be able to control it using various devices including smartphones, tablets, video game controllers and even smartwatches.

This ability to connect smaller devices to a larger, higher quality video viewing platform isn’t the first time Google has attempted to capture the Internet-connected home entertainment market. In 2010, it released a similar software package called Google TV, which failed to gain traction and also released the Chromecast dongle that relayed streamed content from devices to TVs just last year.

To help with its push into the market, Google has secured some key partners in the form of Sony, Sharp and TP Vision, who will include Android TV in their 2015 lineup of HD and 4K TVs.

Android TV will release in the fall alongside a new host of special apps designed specifically for that version.