Google announces Android 14 for TVs with Picture-in-Picture mode, new power modes

Google is finally rolling out Android 14 for TVs on supported Android and Google TV with tons of new features and improvements. The new smart TV operating system will finally add a picture-in-picture mode that will allow users to multitask and watch two different videos at the same time. Additionally, the tech giant also offers different power modes to offer users granular control over power consumption. New accessibility features are also being added, as well as artificial intelligence (AI)-based personalized descriptions.

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

A big focus with the new operating system is performance and stability. Android 14 for TVs will get new power modes that let users decide what experience they want from their Android TVs. There is a low power mode that will reduce the power consumption of the smart TV in standby mode. Then there’s a boosted power mode that keeps network connectivity active even when the TV is in standby mode. Finally, there’s a power-optimized 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 a picture-in-picture mode. However, this will not be available on all smart TVs. Google says the feature is reserved for “qualifying” TV models running Android 14. The list of TVs that will offer the feature hasn’t been announced, but the rule of thumb is that newer and premium smart TVs are likely to get it.

Finally, accessibility features are introduced. These include color correction, improved text options, better navigation for users, and more. All these features can be turned on and off via remote shortcuts. Additionally, Gemini AI has made its way to Android TV as well. Google will add personalized descriptions for movies and TV shows to the home screen of Gemini-powered Android TV.