Google adds TV device support to Android

At Google I/O, Google announced the addition of TV to the platforms supported by its Android operating system.

To run Android TV, a system requires the following hardware:

• Aggressive CPU + GPU performance specs
• Minimum 1GB RAM and 8G Flash
• WiFi and/or Ethernet for connectivity
• Bluetooth v4 w/Bluetooth low energy (BTLE)
• Widevine Level 1 and PlayReady DRM

Examples include TVs, media streamers, connected set-top boxes and micro consoles.

Google has also standardised the input devices, defining remote controls and game controller button mapping with a common virtual remote control app. Devices are also required to have a microphone input for voice control.

From a software point of view, devices will support Google Cast, and a new TV-optimized user interface and set of APIs has been developed.

Devices from Sony Corp., TP Vision (Philips), Sharp Corp., Asus, Razer and others are expected to appear from this autumn and into 2015.