The Google TV homescreen has a handy new feature that shows app update progress. Google TV now displays a progress ring around an app's icon when it's being updated. This small but useful change lets users know when an app is updating and how far along the process is.
Previously, app updates on Google TV were done silently in the background. Users wouldn't know an app was being updated unless they tried to open it while the update was in progress. With this new feature, it's much easier to keep track of app updates.
This feature is similar to what's already available on Android devices. It's unclear exactly when this feature was added to Google TV, but it seems to be linked to the recent homescreen redesign that introduced circular app icons. The feature has been tested and confirmed to work on various devices, including the Google TV Streamer and a Hisense U7N.
Google TV also recently introduced a significant update with new features, including a smart home panel, improved ambient screensaver, and enhanced content recommendations. The update also expands the Google TV ecosystem to include new devices and countries.
Google TV homepage showing app updates in progress | Image credit — 9to5Google
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In addition, last year, Google introduced free built-in channels on Google TV. This expanded their channel offering to a selection of live TV without the need for additional downloads or subscriptions. This service, known as Google TV Freeplay, is known for its user-friendly interface and recently expanded its channel guide to include over 150 channels.
Now, with this new update — which is a welcome addition to Google TV — the Google TV experience has gotten a small (but big) difference in the user experience. By making app update progress more visible, Google TV helps users stay informed and in control of their apps.
I personally think this is a great addition to Google TV. I like being able to see when my apps are being updated and their download progress. It's a small thing, but it makes the experience feel more polished and user-friendly. I hope Google continues to make these kinds of improvements to Google TV in the future as I am heavily invested in the Google smart home ecosystem.
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Johanna Romero is a Senior News Writer at PhoneArena, covering mobile technology news across Android, iOS, wearables, and the Google ecosystem she knows best. Drawing on 15 years in IT and tech support from 2007 to 2022, she brings a user-friendly eye for the practical features and lesser-known tricks readers care about. Google named her an official #TeamPixel member in 2022, and she also reviews the latest devices on her YouTube channel, JoJo the Techie.
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