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0 pointsNavarr5y ago0 comments

Google TV is a launcher for Android TV, so far as I can tell. Android TV is not being rebranded, as it is the OS - but Google TV is the "Google Experience" on Android TV.

To make this more complicated/interesting - Google renamed the Play Movies and TV app to "Google TV." I'm guessing so you can have Google TV on Google TV?

Will the Play Movies app on my existing Android TV open the Google TV launcher like shown off here, or is it still just a browser for the content I already have?

Is the change to Android TV just that this app becomes the launcher?

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9 comments · 9 top-level

crazygringo5y ago

I swear I've read this comment like five times, because you seem to actually know what's going on... but it's left me only more confused.

What is a launcher?

If Android TV is an OS, then what is a launcher for an OS?

And I guess you're as confused as I am as to also what this has to do with the previous Play Movies and TV app.

9 more replies

AnssiH5y ago

> To make this more complicated/interesting - Google renamed the Play Movies and TV app to "Google TV." I'm guessing so you can have Google TV on Google TV?

The e-mail I got from Google specifically mentioned that Google Play Movies and TV on Android mobile devices was being renamed (and in US only), so maybe it is still Google Play Movies on Android TV? It would still be weird, though, so who knows...

partiallypro5y ago

Google is somehow worse than Microsoft at naming

3 more replies

lekevicius5y ago

Not much better than watching Apple TV+ in Apple TV app on an Apple TV.

tootie5y ago

Can I run Google TV on any capable android device? Like an old phone plugged into a USB dock with an HDMI out?

1 more reply

kiallmacinnes5y ago

But, is that it actually it? The linked page shows a "Get it now" (for your phone) link which points to the Google Play Movies & TV app for me..

(And, the sites screenshots vs the play store screenshots differ - suggesting it hasn't rolled out to the region I'm in yet...)

jdmichal5y ago

There must be something deeper changing, because at the bottom of the page they say, emphasis mine, "Coming soon to FUTURE smart TVs."

markstos5y ago

Thank you. Can I put on the phone with my parents so you can you explain this to them? Also, make sure to mention "Chromecast" as well.

Tijdreiziger5y ago

Ah, I see Google is copying the Apple TV naming strategy.

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