Philips Android TV: almost everyone gets an Oreo cookie

Those complaining about the disappointing state of Android updates for smartphones actually have it easier compared to, say, Android TV. While Google has not abandoned it the way it has tablets, at least not yet, updates are not only slow but also rare even. You don't hear much about it because there's not much to talk about. Philips, however, might be changing the game just a bit by bringing the latest Android Oreo update to almost all of its Android TVs dating all the way back to 2014.

Android TV has had a rather long and uncertain history, starting from the very first "Google TV". The arrival of the Chromecast almost felt like a death sentence but, just like Android and Chrome OS themselves, Google has chosen to let the two exist side-by-side on their own. And while it has made Android O available for Android TV, only a few like the Xiaomi Mi Box and the NVIDIA SHIELD TV have rolled it out.

According to Toengels Philips Blog, however, the company more known for its lighting solutions is pulling out all the stops when it comes to that update. Almost all the Android TVs it launched since 2014 will be getting updated. That does leave out a small number of 2013 models but the blog says that they may still receive an update, even if the chances are slim.

• TPM181E (possibly also TPM171E)

• 2018

• 65OLED983

• 9603

• 55OLED903 and 65OLED903

• 9103

• 55OLED803 and 65OLED803

• TPM171E

• 2018

• 8503 Ultra HD with Nano ELED and Soundbar

• 8303 Ultra HD with Nano ELED

• 7803 Ultra HD

• 7503 Ultra HD with soundbar

• 7303, 7363, 7373, 7383, 7393 Ultra HD

• 2017

• 65OLED973 OLED

• 65OLED873 OLED

• 9002 OLED

• 8602 quantum dot

• 8102 Local Dimming

• 7502

• 6412, 6482

• QM161E

• 2016

• 55POS901F OLED

• QM163E

• 2017

• 6432, 6452

• 7202, 7272

• 2016

• 6401 – not 32PFS6401

• 6501, 6521, 6551, 6561, 6581

• 7101, 7181

• 7601

• 2015

• xxPUS7100 / R2 (not / 12 or / 60)

• xxPUS7150 / R2

• xxPUS7170 / R2

• xxPUS7180 / R2

• xxPUS7600 / R3

• 2014

• xxPUS7909 / R2 (not / 12 or / 60)

• 55PUS8809 / R3

• 55PUS8909C / R3

• xxPUS9101 / R3

• QM151E

• 2015/16

• 8601

• AmbiLux 8901

Android TV, admittedly, feels almost like the metaphorical red-headed stepchild, receiving even less attention and fanfare than Android Auto. While the latest update introduces a new Home Screen and adds support for Google Assistant, the platform still has trouble standing out from the rest of the market, especially against simpler and cheaper alternatives like Chromecast.