Android TV update

by RiceResident308

Hi Everyone, i have a Sony Bravia 4K TV that i bought back in 2020. I noticed that for a while i didn't recevived any updates, so when i went to check for updates it said that it was upToDate and the current version is Android 9. So my question is: " is it not anymore supported or do TV's not recive any new firmware besided the one they came with. I don't know a lot about smart TV's thats why i am asking :).

venkatx5

They provide updates for a year or so, Then they'll focus on new models. It's for 2 reason.

  1. The hardware may not support new features. If they release update then customer start complaining the hardware/feature not working.
  2. Hassle of managing multiple model updates: It's challenging to manage updates for multiple models as developers has to enable to feature for each device and tester has to ensure the feature working on all models. More time/effort -> More cost.

So it's easy for the manufacturers to drop out updates for models which 2+ years old.

If you are happy with the display/sound, no lag then you can go for good streamer device. Otherwise new model is your (costly) route.

CrustyBatchOfNature

What model? That would help a lot.

Hurdygerdyman

Depends on the TV.

My 2020 A8H is still running Android 9 and still works great, but I do wish they’d release a FW update if for nothing else than security reasons and maybe throw us a bone and add tone mapping controls. Last update was April of 2021.

I think the TV could easily handle Android 11, but it runs so well I’m not pinning for it.

I still use an external streamer though.

My crappy X750H auto updated to Android 11 and is now practically useless for streaming. A streaming box is now mandatory for that TV, not optional. Even the volume control is pitifully slow.

So in some cases you may be better off not receiving any updates.

hgreenblatt

If you want updated streaming , then you will need to buy a streaming device. In the US they are cheap enough.... Roku Express 4k+ now $30. I do not even allow my Sony on the network since I am afraid it will get an update and become a black box.