Google TV devices will get a major upgrade this year with Android 16, bringing some great new features alongside one unwelcome change. While the update promises better audio, smarter streaming, and a fresh look, users might soon face annoying pop-up rating requests on their TVs.
The highlight of the update is Eclipsa Audio support, a new immersive sound technology backed by Google and Samsung, seen as a strong rival to Dolby Atmos. It will launch on YouTube first, aiming to enhance how we experience sound at home.
Another useful feature is MediaQualityManager, which allows streaming apps to automatically adjust your TV’s picture settings — like brightness and color — depending on what you’re watching. This system-wide support should make picture calibration more common across different streaming services and TVs.
Google is also introducing Gemini AI assistant to Google TVs this fall. With this, you can ask your TV for movie recommendations or general info, making it easier to find content without extra searching.
The update will bring a visual refresh with Material 3 Expressive, offering a cleaner, more modern interface — not a full redesign but a noticeable polish.
Additionally, Android 16 will improve media playback speed and consistency, enhance HDMI-CEC reliability (which controls connected devices through your TV remote), and bring Google TV apps to Android XR, Google’s virtual and augmented reality platform.
However, there is a downside: Google will allow apps to show pop-up requests asking you to rate them on your TV — just like the annoying “Rate this app” popups on phones. This new feature may disrupt your TV experience with unexpected prompts.
There is no exact release date for Android TV 16 yet. Different TV makers will roll out the update at varying times.
