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.

Editor’s Pick

10 best Android TV apps

It’s been a couple of years since Android TV has come out and it’s been slowly maturing as a platform. It has more apps and games available for it than ever before. There could be …

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.

NEXT: Android in 2018 is the opening act for Android in 2019

Source: Android Zone

The post How many people are actually using Android TV devices right now? appeared first on TuneMaster.ml.

Stable Android Pie with One UI is now rolling out to Samsung Galaxy S9/S9 Plus!

Samsung has promised it would begin to roll out Android 9 Pie to the Galaxy S9 by January, but it seems the company has jumped the gun a little, not that we’re complaining.

The stable update to Android Pie is currently available in Germany, and we were able to get it on one of our unlocked units we acquired from the country. The phone was not enrolled in Samsung’s Pie beta, meaning that the update is stable and rolling out to all users.

After the update, the software version will change to G965FXXU2CRLI for the Galaxy S9 Plus. According to SamMobile, the software version for the Galaxy S9 will be G960FXXU2CRLI; the website has also confirmed that the update is available on Samsung’s download servers.

The update package is a hefty 1744.24MB, as you would expect from a major software release. It includes One UI, a rebranding and major revamp of Samsung’s Android skin, as well as numerous other new features. Here’s the full changelog:

If you reside in Germany, it’s worth manually checking for an update on your Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9 Plus by going to Settings > Software updates.

Read: Android Pie update hub – When will you get Pie?

Android Pie/One UI screenshot gallery

We’re installing the Android Pie update for the Galaxy S9 Plus right now, and we’ll get back to you if we spot any differences between the stable and beta versions. At a cursory analysis, the changelogs of the beta and stable updates appear to be identical, but that doesn’t exclude any changes. Check out our great hands-on look at the beta version of One UI right here, it will give you a very good idea of what to expect from the stable update.

As always, Samsung will roll out Android Pie for its flagship phones in a very gradual manner, and unlocked units will get first dibs. So far, we haven’t heard of the update hitting other markets besides Germany, but it’s possible other countries will follow very soon.

Anyone here got the update?

Source: Android Zone

The post Stable Android Pie with One UI is now rolling out to Samsung Galaxy S9/S9 Plus! appeared first on TuneMaster.ml.