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Google I/O took place earlier today, and while Android TV didn’t get a lot of attention on stage, at least one new feature was put on display.
Android N, which will stay named as such until later this year, featured a new split-screen feature for both phones and Android TV. For the latter users will see a new picture-in-picture mode, which allows you to watch two things at once. But while software might not feature a ton of new features, there are new hardware partners offering new devices in the future.
First and foremost, Xiaomi is making a big splash in the United States with a brand new 4K Android TV set-top box called the Mi Box. Xiaomi’s Global VP, Hugo Barra, was recently tweeting and teasing the upcoming unveil, and now it’s official, as evidenced by the images in this post. It will feature a dedicated remote, a video game controller, and it will run 4K content as well. Unfortunately, no word on pricing or specific availability just yet.
On top of that, Sony and Sharp have confirmed it will launch new Bravia and Net Player TVs, respectively, with Android TV built in. Vestel, Grundig, and Beko have all confirmed they will support Android TV in future sets as well. RCA is adding to the mix as well with its first Android TV.
On the apps front, Google has confirmed that new Android TV apps are coming from CNN, Spotify, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, ESPN, and others.
There’s quite a bit of good news for Android TV in there.
[via @hbarra; Official Android Blog]
