While most new features get reserved for Google TV devices, Google continues to update legacy Android TV devices that are now getting a limited form of user profiles.
Android TV has received a Google TV-like user interface (in supported regions) but the two are not quite the same. Features such as personal watchlists, user profiles and kids profiles have been exclusive to Google TV.
Android TV devices such as Nvidia Shield and older Sony TVs are now getting a form of user profiles as spotted by reddit users. Switching between profiles give you your personal watchlist, purchases, and recommendations on the 'Discover' tab. Android TV devices on the older non-'Discover' user interface are not getting user profiles – at least not yet.
Photo: GenesisDH, reddit
However, the user profiles on Android TV are more limited than those on Google TV that also change the profile in supported apps such as YouTube, YouTube TV, and Google Play. It is unclear if that functionality is coming to Android TV later.
Also read: Android TV vs. Google TV: Differences and TV models
The new functionality is rolling out via a server-side push update so users do not need to do anything – no system update is required. This is becoming Google's preferred way of tweaking the user interface as it can then bypass Nvidia, Sony and other companies' software update schedules.
- Source: Reddit via 9to5Google
