Google announces Android 14 for picture-in-picture TVs, new power modes

Google is finally bringing Android 14 for TV to supported Android and Google TV devices with a number of new features and improvements. The new operating system for smart TVs will finally add a picture-in-picture mode that will allow users to multitask and watch two different videos at the same time. In addition, the tech giant also offers various energy modes to offer users precise control over energy consumption. It also adds new accessibility features as well as personalized descriptions powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

In a post on its developer-focused blog, Google said, “We’re bringing Android 14 to TV! The next generation of Android delivers improvements in performance, sustainability, accessibility and multitasking to help you build compelling apps for TVs.” The tech giant also announced a new Compose for TV feature for developers that will let them build new apps with Jetpack Compose, the company’s latest development tool for Android.

A major focus of the new operating system is performance and sustainability. Android 14 for TV will get new power modes that let users decide what experience they want on their Android TVs. There is a low power mode that will reduce the power consumption of the smart TV in idle mode. Then there’s a power-saving mode that keeps the network connection active even when the TV is in standby mode. Finally, there’s an optimized power mode that supports Google Cast over Wi-Fi, but not over ethernet.

Multitasking is also a big area of ​​focus for the company as it finally introduces picture-in-picture mode. However, this will not be available on all smart TVs. Google says this feature is reserved for ‘qualifying’ Android 14 TV models. No list of TVs that will offer this feature has been released, but the rule of thumb is that newer and premium smart TVs are likely to get it.

Finally, accessibility features are introduced. This includes color correction, improved text capabilities, better user navigation and more. All these features can be turned on and off using remote shortcuts. Furthermore, Gemini AI has also made its way to Android TV. Google will add personalized descriptions for movies and TV shows to the Android TV home screen, powered by Gemini.