Google is preparing a major upgrade that should provide a solid performance boost for Google TV and Android TV devices, but it might be a while before we see it in action.
In a blog post, Google TV Product Manager Fahad Durrani said the company is planning to introduce support for 64-bit applications, as it transitions away from the 32-bit apps that populate its platform today.
According to Durrani, 64-bit applications should be significantly better than their older counterparts, with “improved performance, shorter start times and new viewing experiences” promised, for both Google TV and Android TV devices.
The focus of this update is mostly on future devices, as well as existing ones (including Nvidia Shield boxes) that have the ability to support the more advanced applications. But owners of older devices that can only run 32-bit apps don’t need to worry just yet, as Durrani promised that the company will continue to support them for the foreseeable future.
The announcement suggests that Google may be looking to launch a new and improved Google TV Streamer device at some point in future. That would be most welcome, for the existing Google TV Streamer does sometimes come unstuck when users switch between apps, taking a moment to process everything and move on.
Durrani said 64-bit applications can use more of the system’s RAM, which means they’ll be more responsive and deliver improved 4K and 8K performance. Google’s Gemini AI assistant should be noticeably faster too.
The most recent editions of the Apple TV 4K already use 64-bit applications, with the company transitioning from 32-bit apps as long ago as 2019, and that’s one of the reasons why it’s widely regarded as the best streaming device on the market.
As such, it’s good to see Google catching up at last, but beware that it’s still going to take some time for it to do so. According to Durrani, the update won’t be rolling out until around August next year – presumably so that app developers have time to adjust.
Even so, it should be worth the wait, as it means we can expect to see some much snappier Google TVs from brands like Sony, TCL and Hisense launching next year.
