While Android 12 images and related AOSP source code were released in October, it took a bit longer for Android 12 for TV. But the latest version of Android for larger screens has apparently been released yesterday on the developer website with Android 12 for TV now available, albeit only for the ADT-3 Developer Kit based on the Amlogic S905Y2 processor.
Google says they’ve improved the user experience and compatibility on TV devices with media playback improvements, a refined user interface, enhanced privacy and security, as well as better support for HDMI and TV tuners.
Highlights of the Android 12 for TV release include:
- User Interface
- Background blurs using RenderEffect and in WindowManager
- 4K UI support (CNXSoft: up to now most devices were using a 1920×1080 user interface (framebuffer), and play 4K video on another hardware video buffer)
- Accessibility settings for font sizes
- Media improvements
- Automatic refresh rate switching to avoid motion judder during playback (CNXsoft: It’s been available in Kodi for years…)
- Certified API-accuracy for reporting display modes, HDR formats, and surround sound formats
- Privacy & Security
- Microphone and camera indicators
- Microphone and camera toggles
- Device attestation via Android KeyStore API
- HDMI & Tuner
- Support for HDMI CEC 2.0
- Tuner HAL 1.1 with DTMB support and performance improvements
- Better protection model with Tuner Service
The ADT-3 Developer kit should automatically receive an OTA firmware update to Android 12, and you can manually install Android 12 for TV by downloading the “Android TV” or “Google TV” image on the developer website, and flashing it with flashboot. If you don’t own the ADT-3 developer kit, you can still try the user interface in Android Emulator for TV, but obviously, most other improvements cannot be tested with the emulator. It’s unclear when consumer devices will receive the update.
Via 9to5Google
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Android TV: in the Version 10 no Chrome-bowser apk is allowed to sideload
Now if they would just get off their ass and either update CCwGTV or at minimum push some bug fixes, it is ridiculous Google doesn’t support their own device.