Google has released updated metrics on the Android TV ecosystem which is gradually transitioning to a Google TV ecosystem. There are now over 10,000 TV apps available.

The milestone of 10,000 apps designed specifically for the big screen – not including Android mobile apps – represents moderate growth from 7,000 apps in 2020. These TV apps are compatible with both Android TV and Google TV devices, meaning screens, media players and set-top boxes.

The updated metrics were confirmed at the Google I/O 2022 developer conference.

Is 10,000 a lot? Roku offers approximately 30,000 TV apps, Apple's tvOS 18,000 and Amazon's FireTV 15,500, according to app intelligence company 42matters's website. However, the same website has Google's TV platform at 6,041 apps so the numbers look conservative. The companies themselves rarely provide updates.

The various TV app stores are still not as vibrant as the Android and iOS mobile app stores. You can find lots of international and local streaming video apps, a number of fitness and health apps, music and audio apps, a few smart home apps, and a handful of games – although not AAA games. TV platforms have the potential to compete with game consoles in the future but more capable hardware is required and/or more robust support for cloud gaming.


 Android TV is transitioning to Google TV

Google TV transition
Google reiterated that Android TV, including Google TV, has over 110 million active devices, up from 80 million in mid-2021. The platform has over 300 partners worldwide including 170 pay TV partners.

 Also read: Google: First TVs with Android 12 will appear 'later this year'

Google (Chromecast), Hisense, Sony and TCL have already started the transition from Android TV to the new Google TV user interface and branding. Philips is expected to do so next year and many other partners are expected to follow in the near future as Google is encouraging its partners to make the transition.

- Source: Google via 9to5Google