Android TV

In a previous post, I talked about how the current TV developers don't write interfaces that work very well at 10ft away.  There are a growing number of mobile phone developers that can help a lot in this respect.  Those developers are accustomed to writing interfaces that are 4 inches small.  While sitting on my couch, I can hold up my phone so that it covers the TV.  At that distance, they are about the same size!  It is like a solar eclipse!

There are a few options to get Android running on a TV.  You can use an old cell phone (since you probably upgrade to a new Android every year or two).  If you have a spare computer, you can install Android x86.  A third option is to buy an Android mini-pc like the MK802, the Cotton Candy or the Raspberry Pi.

There are some disadvantages of Android on the TV.  Since no Android release has been created specifically for TV's, there are some missing features.  The biggest missing feature is input.  Android expects a touchscreen.  Most TV's are not touchscreens.  Since Android is built off of Linux, it is possible to use a mouse instead of a touchscreen.  This will work with most applications, but some gestures (like pinch to zoom) will not work.  Also, nobody wants to use a mouse for the TV.  HTPC's use remote controls.  I found a remote control with a touchpad (SMK Link VP4750), but I have not purchased it yet.  Even with a touchpad, Android apps are not easily controlled via a remote.  How would you pause a video in the YouTube app?

The Android platform already has a bunch of apps that I want for my TV.  I have paid subscriptions to Pandora and Netflix.  I can setup the Android devices in my living room and my bedroom.  I can access all my media as well as other popular apps like Skype, WeatherBug and Facebook.  With a mini-pc, all the components will fit in my pocket.  I can literally take my media center with me when I travel.

At some point, I am sure Google will create a new release specific for TV's.  Think of what Honeycomb did for tablets.  Soon, there will be an explosion of Android devices for the TV.

I have purchased an MK802.  I will let everyone know how it works out.