Chromecast models with Google TV are no longer manufactured since the arrival of the Google TV Streamer device. But the company assured that some would continue to receive updates. Now, it seems that the HD version is not on the compatible list, since its 1.5 GB RAM is not enough.
Media outlet Android Authority has discovered that Google has sent a new change to AOSP (the Android open source project). This modification consists of a new requirement for Google TV devices that requires them to have at least 2 GB of RAM. This will prevent the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) from stopping working, since its RAM memory does not meet the new requirements.
Google TV has never had very high system requirements. This allowed devices with less powerful processors and minimal storage capacities to enjoy its advantages. But this had its drawbacks, as it affected performance and user experience. Google wants to put an end to it, even if it means sacrificing its cheaper Chromecast.
Luckily, Chromecast (4K) devices will continue to enjoy Google TV thanks to their RAM memory of just 2 GB. In addition, the developers will not leave Google TV without updating mid-range Smart TVs with 2 GB with their operating system, as is the case with the Hisense models. But, without a doubt, the new Google TV Streamer is the one that is farthest free from being affected by this requirement. This brand’s streaming playback device has 4 GB of RAM.
Android TV does not need as much RAM
Google TV is an operating system based on Android TV, but the former has more demands than the latter. The minimum amount of memory an Android TV device will need to run is just 1 GB. Not for nothing is it the television software that low-cost televisions usually use.
The latest optimized version of Android TV is 14 and you will not need more than 1 GB of RAMdepending on changes in requirements. Since only one app can run at a time on TVs, the amount of RAM required is minimal for an acceptable experience. Currently, there are no devices with only 1GB of RAM, so some might think it doesn’t make sense for them to change the requirement. However, they could also be giving us clues that low-powered devices with Android TV could soon hit the market.
Before the Android TV 14 update, the company demanded something more. The previous minimum was 1.5 GB for televisions with 1080p resolution and 2 GB for 4K televisions. While this operating system has lowered its requirements, the developers have decided to do just the opposite with Google TV. In this way, Google makes more of a difference between the software for cheaper Smart TV models and the more capable and, therefore, more expensive ones.
At the moment, neither the hardware requirements for Android TV nor Google TV are publicly documented. The information has come from Android Authority, which has seen it in a code change on the AOSP website. The modification allows us to know that the technology company wants its Google TV version to have stricter hardware requirements, for a more consistent user experience. They have implemented this tactic a few months after they launched Google TV Streamer, so it could be a strategy to provide more value to their newly incorporated device in their catalog.
