Google goes again after the TV, apparently the company is testing a new set-top box called “Android TV” and it said to be a device focus on simplicity and much more easier to use than previous Google devices (Google TV and Chromecast).
According to a new report recently published at The Verge, the documents detailing the plan said “Android TV is an entertainment interface, not a computing platform.” “It’s all about finding and enjoying content with the least amount of friction”, Google says. The company is asking developers to build apps that are simple and requesting that users should be able to get to the content they want to watch in less than 3 clicks or gestures.
The user interface, reminds me a lot to the new Nextfix design, you can move up and down to browse categories, and you can move left and right to browse content on each category. Each movie, TV show, apps, and games have their own cover art that quickly reveals what’s the “card” about.
Android TV will have support voice and users will also be able to receive notifications. Furthermore, Google wants to figure out what you like to watch before you want to watch it by showing you recommended content right from the start. Of course, search will be part of the experience, but apparently Google is putting search as a secondary option.
The Verge report notes that Android TV won’t feature voice chat, camera, or touchscreen support, just to keep things simple and focus on entertainment.
What’s going to happen with Chromecast? Apparently this device won’t go away, it’ll live on, as it’s a popular device.
There are no further details on launch date or how much it’s going to cost.
Source The Verge
