Android TV boxes are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility and ability to turn any TV into a smart TV. With each new version of Android 14 TV box, new features and improvements are introduced for the Android TV platform. Android 14 is the newest version, set to bring some exciting upgrades for Android TV boxes. However, the release date is still unclear.
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Introduction
Android TV boxes run the Android TV operating system, designed specifically for the larger screen experience of TVs. With each new version of Android, updates and features also come to the Android TV platform. Android 14 was officially released on October 4, 2023 for Google Pixel phones. The update brings several new capabilities to Android smartphones. While the release date is still unconfirmed, Android 14 TV is also expected to introduce some useful upgrades for Android TV boxes.
Expected New Features in Android 14 TV
While the final feature set is still to be revealed, early leaks and Google’s patterns with previous Android TV updates give us insight into some of the capabilities coming to Android 14 TV:
Improved Accessibility Options
Android 14 is set to expand accessibility features like system-wide bold text, scaling, color correction, and audio descriptions. Android 14 TV will likely adopt these upgrades, helping users with disabilities access their Android TV better.
Enhanced Lock Screen Customization
The Android 14 update on mobile allows highly customizable lock screens. Android 14 TV may add new lock screen templates, clocks, color palettes, and notification styles to enable personalization of the Android TV lock screen.
Call Notifications
A new feature called Call Notifications could come to Android 14 TV, allowing users to get notifications for incoming calls directly on their Android TV interface. This would make Android TV boxes even more central to smart home connectivity.
Lossless USB Audio Support
Android 14 TV is rumored to add support for lossless audio over USB-wired headphones and peripherals. This audiophile-grade lossless audio could give Android TV boxes superior sound quality options.
Improved Privacy Controls
More granular privacy options to control app permissions, location access, and data sharing may be offered in Android 14 TV. This would empower users to better manage their privacy settings.
Release Date Speculation
With Android 14 already available for mobile devices, attention now turns to the launch timeline for Android 14 TV. Unfortunately, Google has not officially confirmed a release date at this point.
Based on precedent we can make educated guesses:
| Android Version | Mobile Release Date | Android TV Release Date |
| Android 11 | Sept 8, 2020 | June 9, 2021 |
| Android 12 | Oct 4, 2021 | March 22, 2022 |
| Android 13 | Aug 15, 2022 | October 2022 |
As the table shows, Android TV platform updates have historically arrived around 6-12 months after the mobile Android release.
Given that pattern, industry watchers speculate that the Android 14 TV update could emerge sometime between April and October 2023. However, COVID-related supply chain issues or other factors could potentially delay the rollout.
Overall, while the exact Android 14 TV release date remains fluid, the update should materialize within the next 6-12 months.
How to Update Android TV Box to Android 14
Once Android 14 TV becomes available, users will be able to update compatible Android TV boxes to the new OS version. Here are the easiest ways to update:
- Check for Updates in System Settings: As with any Android TV update, you can go to Settings > About > System Update and check if an Android 14 update is available. Follow the prompts to download and install it.
- Wait for Automatic Updates: Many Android TV boxes will automatically download over-the-air updates in the background. Rebooting the device after an automatic update should upgrade the box to Android 14.
- Manually Install OTA Update: In some cases, you may need to manually download the Android 14 TV OTA file from the manufacturer and sideload it using a USB drive. This is an advanced process and should only be done if auto updates fail.
- Upgrade Hardware: For older Android TV boxes that may not get the Android 14 update, buying a newer model with Android 14 pre-installed is an option.
Conclusion
The Android 14 TV update promises helpful enhancements that will improve the experience of using Android TV boxes. While the release date remains unsettled, it should arrive within the next 6-12 months.
Key capabilities like enhanced accessibility, improved lock screen customization, lossless audio, and better privacy controls will enrich Android 14 TV. With Google focusing on the TV platform again, the Android 14 update could make Android TV boxes even more versatile hubs for smart home control and entertainment.