Buzz
The Android operating system, known for its simple and user-friendly interface, has been a longtime favorite among Smart TV and Android TV users. Android TV 9.0 is the latest upgrade from version 8.0, featuring the standout Google Assistant with Vietnamese language support. Sony's TV lineup integrating this OS includes A9G, X95G, X85G, and Z9G.
1. Unveiling the Features of Android 9 on Sony TVs
The Android operating system, known for its simple and user-friendly interface, has been a longtime favorite among Smart TV and Android TV users. Android TV 9.0 is the latest upgrade from version 8.0, featuring the standout Google Assistant with Vietnamese language support. Sony's TV lineup integrating this OS includes A9G, X95G, X85G, and Z9G.
1. The interface of Android 9.0 retains the highlights of Android 8.0 without many changes.
Setting up on Android 9.0 is simplified and more organized, consolidating options into specific categories. Just click directly on the content you love and enjoy.
The Android 9.0 interface displays all apps on the home screen, similar to Android 8.0 (users just need to open the app and search for the desired content).
Choose the app icon on the screen or press and hold Home on the remote to access the smart TV's app list.
Some changes to the Android 9 menu and interface:
Condensed Settings menu:
- Settings are now grouped into 7 categories
- Watch TV: Settings for broadcast, such as channel setup, subtitles, parental controls, Cable/Satellite Box (only for models compatible with Cable/Satellite Box Remote), etc.
- Display & Sound: Settings for adjusting picture and sound.
- Network & Internet: Settings for home Internet and network connections.
- Accounts & Sign-in: Google account settings.
- Apps: App settings.
- Device Options: Settings for other device aspects such as date & time, language, accessibility, integrated Chromecast, etc.
- Remote Control & Accessories: Settings for remote control and Bluetooth device connections.
- Additional Suggestions to configure overlooked settings in the initial setup step.
Quickly improved Settings menu.
You can now customize the display order of settings. To rearrange, select any item and long-press the Enter button on your remote control.
Brand new Restart menu.
Display the new Restart menu on your TV screen by pressing and holding the power button on your TV remote for a few seconds.
2. Intelligent virtual assistant Google Assistant:
What is Google Assistant?
Google Assistant is a virtual assistant developed by Google, introduced at the company's developer conference in May 2016. With this virtual assistant, you can chat or command to easily control features on your device.
Google Assistant on the TV listens and understands everyday communication in many languages, including Vietnamese.
- Activate Google Assistant in Vietnamese
- Switch the TV language to English.
- Then, press and hold the Google Assistant button to control the TV, turn on/off apps, and ask for various information like weather, football scores, play music, find directions, especially capable of doing calculations, etc. Immediately, Google Assistant will search and execute the commands you give.
- Thanks to AI - the virtual assistant will learn your usage habits and search patterns to become smarter and accurately find what you need over time.
You can command control for smart devices at home through your TV, such as: Robot vacuum, smart lights, air conditioner, smart washing machine, automatic curtains, etc., through Google Assistant.
E.g., If you have an Air Conditioner connected to a TV supporting Google Assistant, you just need to hold the TV remote and command the air conditioner to automatically turn on, off, adjust the temperature, etc.
A limitation of Google Assistant is the slow response time, and to activate it in Vietnamese, you need to switch the TV to English, which can be inconvenient. However, Google will upgrade this feature for improvement later this year.
3. New Features:
Support for Apple AirPlay / HomeKit:
With Apple AirPlay, you can directly stream movies, music, games, and photos to the TV from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Built-in Dolby Atmos support through the TV's built-in speakers:
The TV speakers can now reproduce Dolby Atmos.
Additionally, on compatible models with Sound Mode, through this software update, the Sound Mode will automatically switch to Dolby Audio, allowing you to enjoy content with Dolby Atmos.
4. Performance Improvements.
Switch between apps from any interface with fast and easy speed.
Android TV 9.0 brings improvements in processing speed, quick app launches, and smooth performance.
Samnec Electronics conducted real tests on some Sony Android TVs with Android 9.0. Accessing the Youtube app took only 10s, and playing Asphalt 8 rarely experienced lag.
5. Control your TV with your phone through the Android TV Remote Control app:
Through the Android TV Remote Control app, not only can you control the TV, but you can also use the mouse pad, keyboard, and microphone to activate Google Assistant. (This app is only supported on Android phones).
6. Diverse and Rich App Store:
The Android 9.0 app store on the TV offers a variety of enticing categories with apps for watching movies, online music streaming services such as Youtube, Netflix, Zing TV, HTV, FPT Play, ClipTV, MyTV, Fim+, and more.
Additionally, there are updates for more games such as Asphalt 8, Crossy Road, LEGO DC Mighty Micros... (note: some games may require a game controller connection)
You can also install external apps using APK files from a USB drive.
