Android TV 14 beta hints at a customizable shortcut button on the remote

Image: Android Authority

What if you could launch your most-used app or switch inputs with just one button press? That’s what Google seems to be working on with the latest Android TV 14 beta builds, which hint at the possibility of remappable shortcut buttons on Android TV remotes. According to Mishaal Rahman, the beta builds of Android TV 14 contain strings that suggest users can create custom shortcuts to their preferred apps or input sources, and assign them to a blank button on their remote. This would allow users to quickly open their favorite app or switch to another device without navigating through menus and options. However, this feature is not enabled by default in the beta build.

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Android TV's Discovery page makes browsing content much easier

Source: Google

Canada is one of a few countries getting the initial rollout of the new Android TV look, which brings better discovery features with its three new tabs. Android TV now has a Home, Discovery, and Apps section. 

The highlight is the Discover page that shows you relevant content from the streaming services you have and compiling them in one place. Plus, it showcases more personalized content suggestions from what you watch and what's trending on Google.

The update is rolling out this week here and in Australia, France, Germany, and the US. More countries are getting the update in the coming weeks. 

Source: Gizmodo

New update makes it easier to use YouTube Music on TVs

Source: YouTube

YouTube has released a new update for its YouTube Music app on TVs running on Android TV and the new Chromecast with Google TV. Smart TV users can now access saved playlists and liked songs in their available libraries. This option is visible in the YouTube Music tab located within the YouTube TV app. There are also new visuals to display albums and playlist artwork. YouTube Music Premium users will soon be able to continue playing music in the background after exiting the app.

As for Android TV OS users, music uploads are now directly accessible in your library. YouTube also revamped the playback interface to show relevant information like the artist's name. There's also a progress bar for the song playing. Those with the Android TV home screen can browse content quickly with the new YouTube Music row.

Source: YouTube | Via: The Verge

Leak shows new Google Chromecast remote

Source: WinFuture

Google plans to launch its new Chromecast at the end of the month, and recent leaks give us a better look at the new device and its remote. If the reports are correct, this will be the first time Google includes a remote with the Chromecast, suggesting an improved integration with Google/Android TV.

The remote features a D-Pad on top, with the volume rocker, Assistant, mute and home buttons below. There are also dedicated Netflix and Youtube buttons. This new Chromecast will supposedly signal the rebranding of Android TV to Google TV. We're going to learn more at Google's hardware event on September 30.

Source: Engadget