At Google’s big I/O developer conference this week, the company announced new Android TV hardware. The ADT-2 is a streaming device that is being given away to developers to replace the discontinued Nexus Player. There are no plans to offer the new device to consumers. This is the same device that leaked last month through the FCC and it shares many similarities with the current 3rd-generation Amazon Fire TV.
According to AndroidPolice, who spoke with members of Google’s Android TV team, the ADT-2 is capable of 4K at 60fps playback and HDR. It is powered by an Amlogic 905X chip, which is a slightly older version of the processor in the new Fire TV. Just like the Fire TV, it comes with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage.
Even though it resembles a Chromecast, it does run Android TV version P and comes with a remote. Developers can apply to receive the ADT-2, which will begin shipping out this summer.
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Weird how they’d release a device for developers when there’s no real devices of that spec on the market.
There are multiple Cable OTT Box running Android TV with that spec. Currently 30+ OTT Providers are using Android TV as their OS of choice with partnership with Google.
They needed something small and cheap to entice developers to move on to Android P. Tough enough getting developers to move to O.
Yup. Google had to make this device because 3rd party manufacturers aren’t supporting the latest version of Android TV. There’s still no way for a developer to currently buy a new Android TV streaming device running Android O, so the Android P version of Android TV would be dead in the water without this device.
I’d be surprised if they had zero consideration of ever releasing this to the public.
If they intended on this as a dev kit, they could have done more eg. Make it the same shape as the nexus but add ethernet, more storage, etc.
You didn’t mention about the new JBL Soundbar with Android TV.
Hard to imagine developing such a device and not moving it to public consumption, but of course Google has deep pockets.
This isn’t the first time Google has released an Android TV device only for developers. They did it in 2014 with the ADT-1 when they first announced Android TV. It’s pretty safe to say this ADT-2 will never be available to consumers.
Just wish the Android TV streaming box market more players. Right now if you want a full featured, fully supported, and stable Android tv box it’s Shield or nothing.
How do you plan to use the device? is one of the questions. How should I answer it to get a device? What answers are they looking for?
Just a hunch here, but I’m pretty sure what they’re looking for is the truth. Give that a shot. ;-)
I don’t suppose there is a way to sort of fudge your developer status and get one?