The Android TV platform is already pretty fractured. However, a rumor about Google possibly rebranding some of the platform could make it even worse.
We’ve known for a while now that Google is poised to drop a new streaming dongle that will help it better compete against Roku and Amazon. However, now we have news (via Protocol) that Google might be reformatting and even rebranding Android TV in tandem.
On paper, Android TV is awesome: a fully-featured mobile operating system existing in your TV with access to thousands of applications via the Google Play Store. Unfortunately, a combination of poor adoption by television manufacturers as well as consumers caring more about content than apps has made ATV stagnant.
According to industry insiders speaking with Protocol, Google might be giving ATV a new feel and look for its upcoming self-made streaming device. The reformatting will give users easier access to content and downplay the idea of apps. This could make Android TV (if it even keeps that name, as we’ve heard it might not) even messier than it already is.
One would assume that Android TV would be everywhere since it’s backed by one of the world’s most successful companies.
