Chromecast with Google TV is finally set to get the Android 12 update, and the new Chromecast (HD) gives us an early look at what the platform will bring to Google’s big screen experience. Here’s what’s new in Android 12 for Google TV on Chromecast.
What’s new in Android 12 for Chromecast with Google TV?
Like we said before, system updates are not pioneer The source of new features or changes in Google TV and Android TV. Instead, the most significant changes come from updates to the launcher or through apps. Still, there are quite a few New features that come with Android 12 for Chromecast with Google TV, first broadcast on Chromecast with Google TV (HD)which comes with the update installed.
Block microphone and camera access
One of the key changes in Android 12 comes in the form of better privacy with the microphone and camera. Android 12 now always shows an indicator when microphone or camera permissions are being used by displaying an easily noticeable green dot in the corner. While this Android 12 feature probably won’t go unnoticed due to its camera half on Chromecast with Google TV, it’s certainly a welcome change to show mic access. Google TV already has a UI indicator, but this version is more straightforward and works more consistently across the operating system.
In addition to just an indicator, there is now a way to block access to the microphone and/or camera in Android 12. On Google TV, you’ll find this in Settings > Privacy under the Microphone or Camera sections. On both pages, you will also see a list of apps that have tried to access these permissions.
Matching content frame rate
Another new feature that you will find in all Android TV OS 12 devices is the system support to match the frame rate of the displayed content. This is available in three options on Google TV – smooth, unsmooth, and completely off. On Chromecast (HD), the first option is enabled by default.
What do these options do? Google explains as follows.
seamless:
If the app requests it, your device will match its output to the original frame rate of the content you’re watching, only if your TV can make a smooth transition.
crank:
If the app requests it, your device will match its output to the original frame rate of the content you’re watching. This may cause your screen to go blank for a second when you exit or enter the video playback.
Start:
Even if the app requests it, your device will never attempt to match its output to the original frame rate of the content you’re watching.
Text scaling
Another option that you will find on Google TV 12 on Chromecast is text scaling. While it has long been available in Android on phones and tablets, the option is now also available on TVs. You’ll find Text Scaling under Settings > Display > Text Scaling, with four options from 85% to 115%. You can see a comparison of the smallest text with the largest text options below.
You can now block surround sound
Google TV 12 also offers more control over audio formats. In the previous update, you could choose between “Auto,” which might use any audio formats your device reported as supported, or “Manual,” which would force audio formats as a user-accessible option. Now, there is also a “None” option that can turn off the ambient sound completely.
Wi-Fi “Quick Connect”
You will also find a new network setup in Google TV 12 on Chromecast called “Quick Connect”. As Google assured us last year, this is designed to make it easier to connect your Android TV (in this case, Chromecast) to Wi-Fi from your smartphone.
From what we can tell, this requires your smartphone to also run Android 13 – at least, it doesn’t work on Samsung devices running Android 12/L, but we were able to select the option on Pixel devices running Android 13.
TikTok is installed during setup
This change very likely Exclusively for Chromecast with Google TV (HD), but we found that TikTok was one of the Google apps included on the device. It installs as part of setup, although you can turn it off during setup.
When will Chromecast (4K) get Google TV 12?
That’s all new in Android 12 for Chromecast with Google TV, but when will the update to the 4K model come?
Right now, there’s no confirmed timeline for when the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) will get the Android 12 update, but it should arrive in the not-too-distant future via a traditional OTA upgrade.
What about Android 13?
This is Android 12, and smartphones are now getting Android 13. When will this update come to Google TV? what’s new? Much of that remains to be seen. Early hands-on time with Android TV 13 Revealed that there is not much new, Google Not released yet The latest version of the update is as of late September 2022.
More on Google TV:
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