Sony has confirmed that its 2021 TVs will come pre-loaded with Google TV, which is Google's new TV user interface and branding that will replace Android TV. At launch, only 2021 Sony models will get it.

Google TV in your TV
Google TV was introduced in September 2020 together with the new Chromecast. It builds on the foundation of Android TV but has a new homescreen user interface that puts content first.

Sony is the first TV manufacturer to announce plans to make the switch from Android TV to Google TV, which will be available in the 2021 A90J and A80J OLED TVs as well as the 2021 Z9J, X95J, X90J, X85J, and X80J LCD TVs.

- "This line-up also introduces Google TV, a brand-new entertainment experience that brings together movies, shows, live TV and more from apps and subscriptions and organizes them just for you. Easily find something to watch with personalised recommendations and bookmark shows and movies to a single Watchlist to keep track of what to watch. Users can even add to their Watchlist from their phone or laptop with Google Search," said Sony.



When asked by FlatpanelsHD, Sony declined to comment on its plans for updating previous Android TVs from 2020 and earlier. It did not rule out the possibility but said that Google TV will be exclusive to its 2021 models at launch. Sony also confirmed to FlatpanelsHD that its 2021 Google TVs run Android 10.

Current apps available for Android TV will continue to work on Google TV. Google recently said that there are now "more than 6,500 apps built for Android TV OS so you can access your favorites across gaming, fitness, education, music and more".

There is still no official information about Google Stadia for Android TV / Google TV.

Sony's first Google TVs will launch in the first half of 2021. You can learn more about the new TVs be clicking on the model names below.

Sony's first Google TVs
 FlatpanelsHD