Latest news with #EclipsaAudio
Tom's Guide
23-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
Google is looking to release low-cost Google TVs with less RAM — here's what we know
Google has announced a new wave of cheaper Google TVs coming soon, but there's a pretty major downside for anyone who likes seamless performance. Shobana Radhakrishnan, Google's senior director of engineering for TVs, announced in a recent YouTube video that Google will be launching "affordable and reliable low RAM panel TVs." Now, it is worth noting that while many of the best smart TVs have become more affordable, they still far exceed most non-smart TVs. As such, the idea of releasing a television with less RAM could help to bridge that pricing gap. However, Google didn't reveal how much RAM will be included in the TVs, although we can make an educated guess. Usually, Android TVs require around 1GB of RAM after companies dropped the number from 1.5GB to cut the cost of the devices. That said, Google TVs usually have a little more to them, requiring a minimum of 2GB of RAM. With that in mind, I'd speculate that Google TVs releasing with around 1GB would make the most sense. Proceeding with this choice does have some noticeable benefits, primarily because it will allow Google to sell the TVs at a much lower cost. This will, in turn, help more people to experience Smart TVs, which will lead to more exposure to Google's features. Overall, it isn't a bad move, but there is one major hurdle that could put a spanner in the works. The problem is that cheaper Android TV devices with less RAM and Storage tend to offer much worse performance. Now, this is an issue when you buy a TV that is designed to allow you to do things like stream from some of the best streaming sites. As such, it can lead many to question why they'd bother buying one when you could just pick up an Amazon Fire TV Stick for cheaper? Hopefully, Google has worked out something with Amazon and Netflix to help the cheaper TVs get the most out of their RAM, but we'll have to wait until we can test one ourselves. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. However, Google I/O has made the prospect of owning one of its TVs pretty tempting with a slew of new announcements. For instance, bringing Android 16 to Smart TVs with some pretty major improvements, such as enhanced HDMI-CEC, Eclipsa Audio, a modernized interface, and much more. On top of Android 16, it was also recently revealed that Google TVs are looking at some pretty impressive Gemini-backed features too. These include improved search results, as well as being able to answer your questions and bring up relevant YouTube videos to help answer your questions. There have been more announcements about Google's future plans over the last few days. For a full breakdown, why not check out our full recap of Google I/O for all the news and releases made during the event.
Tom's Guide
22-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
Google TV is about to get a whole lot better — here are four changes making a big impact
Google TV can be found on some of the best TVs and it's getting some exciting changes that could make these displays even better. Announced at this week's Google I/O event, a new update for Android TV, specifically Android 16, is bound for Google TV devices later this year. It will offer major improvements, like enhanced HDMI-CEC, Eclipsa Audio, a modernized interface, and much more. Google hasn't given any definitive release date just yet, nor specifics on which devices might receive these updates first. But these could be a major win for the displays that use Google TV, like the Sony Bravia 8 II, TCL QM7K and Hisense U8QG. So what's in store for the best Google TVs? First and foremost, Eclipsa Audio, Google and Samsung's jointly-made open source Dolby Atmos competitor. You'll first see Eclipsa supported via YouTube on select Google TV devices, but it will expand to a larger net of streaming platforms as the industry grows to accept it. When that will happen, however, is hard to say. But Eclipsa isn't the only big change coming to Google TV devices. You'll also get improved performance out of some of the best streaming services via MediaQualityManager, a feature that will allow apps to tweak various picture performance settings where possible. Think of it kind of like Prime Video's Calibrated Mode, except it's built into the operating system, allowing individual apps to perform similar tasks, like enhancing motion smoothing, brightness, and color temperature. It will still require platforms to provide a calibration mode akin to Prime Video's, so it's not an automatic fix, just a preemptive measure to give apps this ability across Google TV devices. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Google TV is also going to look a lot different thanks to Material 3 Expressive, an enhanced interface that will give the OS a bolder look. It was starting to look its age, so a refresh to the interface is definitely a welcome addition. As you'd expect, Gemini is slated to arrive on Google TV by fall this year. Beyond simple recommendations and voice-assisted queries, there's little else we know what Gemini might be capable of on Google TV devices. Google's gearing up for even broader changes and updates to the TV interface beyond these initial offerings: A major change coming down the pipeline is wider HDMI-CEC improvements, as well as Google TV support on Android XR devices. It's unclear when to expect Android TV 16, but it's a huge step forward for some of the best OLED TVs out of Sony and budget models from Hisense and TCL. Plus, the Google TV Streamer will soon be looking like an even bolder device against major competitors like Amazon and Roku. Once we know more about its release date, you'll be the first to hear about it.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Google and Samsung's Dolby Atmos rival should be coming to Android TVs, too
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Google and Samsung's Dolby Atmos rival Eclipsa Audio is set to debut in Samsung's 2025 TVs and soundbars, and it could be coming to more devices soon. The highly anticipated open-source alternative to Dolby's immersive audio format was rumoured in 2020 and revealed to a greater extent in 2023. At CES 2025, FlatpanelsHD heard from the two companies about their plans, and it has certainly piqued our interest on the long-awaited release. But what actually is it? Essentially, it is the audio equivalent of HDR10+ video, so is free to use in products and content. Google told FlatpanelsHD that Eclipsa Audio does not need to be bundled with HDR10+ or anything else. It also said that, unlike Dolby Atmos, Eclipsa Audio is not object-based but rather channel-based, with support for first- and third-order ambisonics to create a 3D audio perspective. It can contain up to 28 input channels, which are then rendered to a set of output speakers or headphones. This is all well and good, but the two brands have only said so far that it's available on Samsung TVs and soundbars. That rules out a lot of customers. However, FlatpanelsHD reports that a Google spokesperson told them the format will be officially supported on Google TV devices from brands such as Hisense, Sony, Philips and TCL starting with Android 16, where it will get OS-level support. Google also said that TV devices will bring support to mobile devices and the web, including web browsers. We have not had the chance to hear the 3D audio format, but will keep you updated when we do. Time will only tell if it is able to truly rival Atmos. MORE: Here is all you need to know about Dolby Atmos These are the best soundbars right now And these are the best Samsung TVs we recommend
