Android TV updates homescreen, featuring promoted content in 'Suggested for You' section
In the realm of smart television, Android TV has received a significant boost with the June 2025 Google system update and associated ecosystem enhancements. The updates aim to refine connectivity, device interoperability, system stability, and developer tools, thereby elevating the overall smart TV experience.
One of the standout features of the June update is Adaptive Connectivity Services. This new addition allows users to search the "All apps" list in Settings and open App info directly, with developer support for device connectivity on phone and TV apps. This improvement promises to bridge the gap between devices, making the user experience smoother and more seamless [1].
Another notable feature is Wake-on-LAN for Cast, which enables users to turn on their Linux TV from sleep mode via Cast from their phone. This enhancement extends the capabilities of remote control [1].
System Management Improvements have also been implemented across Auto, PC, Phone, TV, and Wear OS devices. These updates aim to improve device connectivity, system updatability, and overall stability [1].
New developer features support device connectivity processes in third-party apps on phone and TV. These changes may pave the way for richer app experiences and integration on Android TV [1].
The Google Play Store update, primarily phone-focused, adds sports-related content and vertical mini-dramas. This expansion could potentially impact media discovery on Android TV devices sharing accounts [1].
Beyond the system update, Android TV continues to strengthen its synchronization with other Google devices. Enhanced Google Messages and Google Photos, though mainly on phones, reflect Google's push to integrate AI and customization into its ecosystem, potentially extending to TV apps in the future [2].
Smart Home Integration and Google Account Sync are also being emphasized, allowing for seamless media sharing, personalized recommendations, and Google Photos integration for screensavers [3].
It's worth noting that performance variability and stability can differ based on the TV brand/model. For instance, TCL QM7 is highlighted as one of the fastest Google TV devices, while some Hisense models show slight sluggishness [3].
In summary, the latest Android TV updates focus on enhancing connectivity, device interoperability, system stability, and developer tools to provide a superior smart TV experience. Wake-on-LAN casting and improved system management are standout features of the June 2025 update, alongside ongoing ecosystem integration with Google services [1][3].
The new Android TV update is currently being rolled out, with users reporting its presence on Reddit. The extent of the rollout is unclear at this time. The Android TV experience is still active on a lot of older TVs, and users are already familiar with the new categories, as they appear on their homescreens as well. Google TV users, for example, have been enjoying categories such as Top Selling Movies, Popular Movies and Shows, and Trending on Google [1][3].
As always, Android TV is maintained primarily through homescreen tweaks, with previous updates adding several features to better align Android TV with Google TV. The Android TV Home app was last updated in May, suggesting that more updates may be on the horizon.
In the wake of the June 2025 update, Android TV users can anticipate a more seamless transition between their phone and TV apps, thanks to the Adaptive Connectivity Services. This feature allows direct access to App info from the Settings within the "All apps" list, enhancing overall entertainment and technology integration (entertainment, technology).
The Wake-on-LAN for Cast feature, another update enhancement, extends the capabilities of remote control, empowering users to turn on their Linux TV from sleep mode via Cast from their phone (technology, entertainment).
