It has long been rumoured that a Chromecast-like device based on Android TV is coming from Google. What we didn't know until now, however, is that changes are coming with it, and it could affect Mi Boxes - and Mi TV Stick too.
Chris Welch / The Verge
Google's new streaming gadget runs Android TV (as do the Mi Boxes and the stick), but it's different because it has a Google TV interface that's more than a menu, it's a prelude to systematic scrolling.
Android Authority
Google TV will rely on the information it collects, artificial intelligence and the capabilities of Google Assistant. It will display the content available on the services we subscribe to (e.g. Netflix, HBO GO) in a single interface with personalised recommendations.
Google TV, Android TV, which stays, which goes? Or how will it be now?
It's a bit misleading, as you might think that this is some revolutionary new Google TV that replaces Android TV. But that's not the case here. Google TV is based on Android TV, so it will be coming to the general public with all the good (and bad) things it has to offer, and with the new features that Google TV brings - in 2021. And here's the next question:
Why?
XDA brought a Xiaomi thread to my attention. If you think about it, we've seen this before at Xiaomi, which is what Google is now doing, the PatchWall interface does just that on Mi TVs. It brings together and categorizes, makes transparent the content of a myriad of streaming providers in a single place.
It's also worth knowing that Android TV is not an Open Source system that can be developed and ported by any manufacturer. However, Google does give it a lens, and freedom in one respect: manufacturers can build their own interface (e.g. PatchWall), but this customisation is not as deep and extensive as it is for phones, for example, where the system is open source free software (at least the basics).
So, on the one hand, we can also see Google's use of this well-established system as a response.
And what about PatchWall? Good question, not much is known about it yet. But rest assured, we're better off with Google's solution here at home, as it's expected to make content from domestic streaming providers available.
What about Android TV and the devices already on the market?
New gadgets with this interface will arrive from 2021, but what about the old ones? Well, it's basically up to the manufacturer whether or not to upgrade. Xiaomi is not sure, but in the case of the Mi Box 3, I don't think we can expect it, as it has had 3 major version updates and has two successors, with a third coming soon (Mi TV Stick 4K). But who knows... The TV Stick and Mi Box S are likely to get this update in 2021-22.
