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Check if your Sony Android TV will get the new Google TV-inspired UI
Get a taste of the new Google TV experience on your Sony Android TV
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Google started rolling out a redesigned, Google TV-inspired facelift for the Android TV homescreen earlier this year, and now, that new interface is finally finding its way to Sony's Android TV sets. According to 9to5Google, the manufacturer is sending out emails to owners, telling them that their "Sony Android TV just got a whole lot better."
Sony Android TV owners are used to delayed updates, but several 2015 Bravia TVs are finally getting updated — to Android 8 Oreo. This update is allegedly for KD- KE- and XBR- models, though so far documentation has only been published for KD models. The update doesn't seem to be rolling out widely yet, but a changelog and firmware download page for Asia Pacific models has been posted by Sony.
With the launch of Apple TV+ looming (it's November 1st, for anyone keeping score), OEMs have been scrambling to get the Apple TV app greenlit for their hardware platforms. Earlier this week, we reported that select Amazon TV Fire Sticks received official supoprt, and for a brief moment today, Apple TV found its way to some Sony Android TVs — just to be renounced hours later.
Hell officially froze over when Google and Amazon decided to bury their squabbles and stop locking each other out of their respective TV ecosystems. Of course, Amazon apps have been available on Android for a long time, and the company would've shot itself in the foot if it didn't distribute its content and store to the biggest mobile OS in the world. However, TVs have always been a sensitive topic for Amazon and Google, as they're both directly competing with their Chromecast and Fire TV. Shortly after their truce, Amazon announced in April that it's bringing Alexa integration to Sony TVs powered by Android. As per a Play Store listing, it appears that this service is imminent, soon making it possible to control them via Echos.
Today Sony has announced that the company's latest 4K HDR televisions, powered by Android TV, will soon be updated to work with Amazon's Echo devices. This new feature will arrive via a firmware update sometime this month. So the next time you yell at your TV, there might be some purpose to it.
Sony is, of course, at CES 2017 in Las Vegas. As you'd expect it has a great many new products, ranging from new TVs to new Blu-Ray players. However, in our opinion, what is most exciting in Sony's announcements are the Chromecast built-in (or is that Google Cast?) products and the newly-unveiled Android TVs, plus some new headphones.
Buying a new TV is not something I typically look at doing. Sure, I like to go to Best Buy and look at the shiny things, dream a bit, and then look dejectedly at my empty wallet. Yet, when it comes down to it, I keep my TV a very long time. Lately, however, I have noticed quite a few tempting deals on Sony TVs. A few days ago, we informed you all that the Sony XBR-43X830C 43” 4K Android TV was listed on eBay for $549.99. This 2015 model gives you a 4K LED display, 4K streaming from Netflix and YouTube, Android TV, and Cast support.
Today brings us a new deal, but this is one is from Dell. The company is selling the television for $698, which may not seem all that great, especially considering that it is higher than Amazon’s price of $676.90. The catch here, though, is that Dell is throwing in a $300 eGift Card. So, even though you might pay extra for the TV, the eGift Card could go a long way toward purchases in the Dell store. For example, you could use that toward an Xbox One S or to buy this Sony soundbar system to complete your TV setup. According to Dell’s discount details, the eGift Card will arrive in your inbox within 10-20 days of purchase. 3-5 day shipping for the TV itself is free with a 30-day return policy.
Buying a house has taught me that everything is expensive and that you have to do your best to save money at every opportunity. Pennies here, dollars there, a few tenners over there, they all add up nicely when you sit down and do your math. So that's why I am a bit envious of you folks in the US and these frequent deals we keep seeing on Sony TVs.