I think it's because there's just not a lot of demand out there for it. Anybody can make a box, but it will just cost them more money than its worth. That's why only big companies like Sony, HiSense and Philips have taken advantage of Android TV, because it sells them TVs and it saves them money over making their own software from scratch.

Another reason is that most big companies want to have more control over their software as much as possible, which is why Samsung is using Tizen instead of Android.

You'd think Google would want to get rid of those cheapo "Android TV boxes" that are basically the tablet version on a TV screen.

Those confuse the consumers who aren't that tech savvy to know the difference, and those boxes suck for anything except for Kodi.

Because people have come to love 'casting' and using their phone/tablet as a remote. My dad likes his chromecast more than any other set top box because he understands it. Using the phone or tablet actually has its benefits for searching YouTube for example instead of an onscreen keyboard.

Then you say 'well you can still cast' well then the cost of like 100 bucks vrs 30 dollar chromecast.

People are tired of 35 remotes in the living room as well. And of course 'but you could still use your phone as a remote with a androidTV box... Again, why would you if you can just Cast.

Well thats how I see and hear it from 'normies'

Now that said, I wouldnt give up my shield to go to just casting...I hate having to use my phone or ipad as a remote...I like my harmony remote and feeling like its 2001 with buttons and all

There's actually many, but not where you think. It's doing well built into tv sets and from cable providers. There's just few you can buy independently as there's not much upsell from the OEM compared to including it in your cable subscription.

There are only a couple of Google Certified Android TV boxes.

The others are junk Chinese crap without support or upgrades because they use some phone / tablet version of Android flashed by someone selling cheap.

I'm a little surprised at some of the comments like ROKU owning the market... they do have an idiot proof device but you are limited to their thousands of junk channels that people never use except YouTube and Netflix on mainly.

Google TV is already on major brands of TV's and soon your cable box will run on Android TV as well. Take into account the TV's and Cable boxes and they will dominate the market as far as numbers go.

This is a guess but I think companies who manufacture TVs would like to if possible keep as much of a grip as they can on the up-in-the-air TV market. Google already owns alot of the digital market place, if a company (like Samsung, tizen) can make their own front end there is no need to outsource that to Google, especially since Android TV is free so if their own OSs don't work out they can just jump ship later on.

I mean why android TV when people can just buy a smart TV. Or chromecast, or apple TV, or roku, or raspberry pi or a computer. Most people just want a TV with access to YouTube, Netflix, hulu etc. They dont need/want the full capability of Android or the play store or apps on their TV.

Some will say there is "a couple available".

That is a VERY narrow minded view - USA only centric perspective:

When in fact here is a list of a whole bunch of legit Google Certified Android TV OS devices:

https://sites.google.com/view/droid-tv/streaming-gaming

At the cheap end of the market the new Android TV OS 9.0 Pie Mecool KM3/KM9 devices are faster vs the old chipsets in the Mi Boxes and Jetstream 4K Ultra HD.

Downside is No Netflix approval, so forget them if you need that specific App.

In the Android space - Amazon are flooding the market yearly, especially for the USA with dirt cheap, powerful 4K Fire TV Sticks that get great App and after sales support.

The sort of support mainstream buyers want.