The new version of the Android TV operating system will support a number of new features, including the ability to set custom shortcut buttons.
First spotted on Google’s 9to5 website, the feature is hidden in the menus of the upcoming Android TV OS 14, which will be available for supported Google TV devices in the near future.
The menu option suggests that the new Android TV device will come with a remote control with a star button or something similar. The button will allow users to create their own shortcuts or presets that can be used to launch specific applications or perform TV-related tasks, such as switching inputs.
There are currently no remotes on the market with a star button for Google TV or Android TV. But some Android TV devices, like the Onn Android TV 4K streaming device sold at Walmart, have a remote control with TV buttons and various other devices, any number of which can use the new shortcut feature.
Google will also likely release a pro version of the voice remote for Chromecast with Google TV and related devices, allowing streamers to change the default remote to one that supports shortcut buttons. Roku devices also have a similar professional remote control with two shortcut buttons.
Matthew Keys is an award-winning journalist covering topics at the intersection of media, news and technology as publisher of The Desk. He lives in Northern California.
TheDesk.net covers radio, television, streaming, technology, news and social media. Publisher: Matthew Keys Email: [email protected]
TheDesk.net covers radio, television, streaming, technology, news and social media. Publisher: Matthew Keys Email: [email protected]
Post time: Sep-13-2023