Your old TV suddenly looks like new. Google did this quietly and for free!

New home screen on Android TV – a change you'll notice straight away
Google has made subtle yet significant changes to the Android TV system that users around the world have already noticed. Without the need to install any updates, the home screen of Google's older television system has acquired a new layout, more reminiscent of the interface known from Google TV. This refresh appeared suddenly, indicating that the changes were made server-side. In practice – just turn on the TV to see the new look.

Android TV is waking up – recommendations, trends and more content to start

So far, Android TV users have been using a fairly simple and bare home screen that was limited to basic tabs and shortcuts. Now the situation has changed – the home screen has been enhanced with new sections. Alongside the classic "Play Next" module, there are now sections showcasing the most popular movies and series, best-selling titles, and the "Trending on Google" tab, which features content gaining popularity in real-time. In practice, Android TV is starting to function like a modern recommendation platform, rather than just a collection of apps.

Android TV vs Google TV – the line is blurring

Although Android TV and Google TV are based on the same operating system, the differences between them have been quite clear until now. Google TV is a newer, more refined version with an intelligent suggestion system and better integration with VOD platforms. For years, Android TV has been somewhat neglected, but the latest changes show that Google has decided to revamp it. This could signal an attempt to unify both environments or at least a visual and functional rapprochement to what the new interface offers.

Android TV is making sense again – and without spending a dime

What appears to be cosmetic changes may have a real impact on how often users reach for the remote. More recommendations, current trends, and dynamic suggestions mean less clicking and faster access to engaging content. It’s also a sign that Google isn’t ignoring owners of older models and isn’t forcing them to buy new gear to take advantage of the enhancements. In a world where everything changes through paid updates and new devices, this is surprisingly a nice exception.