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How many people are actually using Android TV devices right now?
Google’s Android TV was a much-needed entrant in the streaming box space, delivering a host of smart features and an intuitive UI in the process. Is the platform gaining traction though? Well, a Google executive reportedly gave the answer.
The smart TV platform is currently used by “tens of millions” of people, Shalini Govil-Pai, senior director of product management for Android TV, told Multichannel News (h/t: Android Police).
Govil-Pai says the platform is primarily used by consumers in Asia and Europe, adding that half of all users come via Google’s operator partners. In fact, the executive notes that the platform has been deployed by over 100 pay TV operators around the world.
The market seems to be heating up in the U.S. as well, as AT&T is already testing a Google-powered box. Meanwhile, TiVo is reportedly expected to launch an Android TV-powered box at CES next month.
It doesn’t hurt that there are quite a few Android TV devices, such as the Xiaomi Mi Box and the NVIDIA Shield TV. The former is currently sold by the likes of Walmart in the U.S., starting at $60. Meanwhile, NVIDIA’s Shield TV has been on the market since 2015, delivering the usual experience alongside a gaming focus.
Most Android TV OEMs have been slow to deliver Oreo though, let alone Android Pie. Oreo brought several new features, such as Google Assistant integration, and a channel-based homescreen layout. Meanwhile, Pie brings better performance on low-end devices, an easier setup process if you’ve got an Android phone, and autofill functionality.
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