This is the new Android TV interface for TVs and devices: how to activate it and main changes

Important news for users of televisions and set top boxes with models after 2017 and that have Android TV as the operating system. Like those in North America and some foreign countries, they will be able to get hold of Google's new interface, which offers an experience more similar to that of devices like the Chromecast with Google TV.

The update is arriving gradually and —as detailed in Xataka Home— televisions from brands such as Philips, Sony, TCL or Xiami, among others, will have a free hand to go to version 3.0 of the launcher; also devices like Nvidia Shield and Xiaomi's Mi Box S.

Users will not need to check for updates on their system as this is a new version of the launcher app. In any case, in the event that it still does not appear in the new design, we can try to update the app through the Play Store.

A layout similar to Google TV

What will the new interface offer us for televisions and Android TV devices? To begin with, a design very similar to that of Google TV. Of course, without all its features. The interface becomes more visual, more dynamic —although without additional features— and will show new tabs at the top dedicated to Home and personalized recommendations.

Not all changes have been well received by users. Flatpanels HD says there have already been reports of people appreciating an increase in advertising and content that autoplays in the menu. Autoplay is easily disabled in the device Preferences panel and Home Screen.

News of Google's new interface for Android TV came around the middle of the year, but it took almost six months to be available. We met them at the beginning of December. Its objective, as we already told you, is to achieve a greater similarity between the interfaces of Android TV and Google TV in order to make them more attractive. From the outset, it offers new options on the home screen, with shortcuts to searches, applications and improved recommendations.

With shortcuts to “Search”, “Start”, “Discover” and “Applications” at the top of the home screen, the update makes it easier to use and move between menus. It also offers improvements in "Discover"; the "Add to my list" option, which makes it easy to add the movies and series that we want to see in the future; or even the recommendations themselves.