Watch out Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV: Google’s Android TV is here, and it’s stunning. The interface is nothing new, featuring a series of cards you can swipe through like Netflix. What is new, is the ability to control your TV with any Android device, even your Android Wear smartwatch.
But doesn’t Google already have Chromecast for the TV? Yes, but Android TV is a much more powerful interface. In fact, Android TV supports casting, so you won’t need two devices in your living room.
Image credit: Google
Movies and TV shows work like they do on other platforms, but Android TV offers the power of Google’s search engine. Simply ask Google for something, and you’ll get it. Rich information about actors and YouTube interviews will show up as well, similar to Amazon’s X-Ray feature on the Fire TV.
Android TV will also offering gaming, which worked smoothly in the short demo we saw. You can control games using your Android device or a dedicated controller.
And of course, you’ll be able to download apps and buy movies, games, and shows, all from Google Play.