conax2409_conax 25/09/2015 17:32 Page 1
While the current
Linux-based hybrid
STBs have been
able to provide
satisfactory services
in most cases, the
emergence of
Android as an
operating system
for hybrid STBs
and as a platform
for Smart TVs is
changing the
broadcast-OTT
service game,
according to Conax.
Android:
a game-changer
for hybrid
pay-TV operations
riven by growing
consumer
popularity, the
ability to provide additional
rich and user friendly
features and access to a wide
range of apps, Android is
rapidly becoming a very
desirable operating system
for hybrid STBs. Thus,
hybrid STBs based on
Android OS and Android TV
are becoming increasingly
attractive for pay-TV
operators looking to enhance
a combined broadcast-OTT
service offering consumers a
wider range of entertainment
services.
D
Android OS
As of 2015, Android has the
largest installed base of all
operating systems. According to
an estimate by Statistica, Android
smartphones had an installed
base of 1.6 billion devices in 2014,
75% of the estimated total number
of smartphones worldwide.
Android’s popularity is based on
its ready-made, low-cost, and
highly customisable design. Its
open environment enables
developers to use the source code
to design new and advanced
features and functions, or to bring
Android to devices that have
20 ContentSecurity
traditionally used other operating
systems, such as hybrid STBs.
Android TV
Android TV, a platform for smart
TVs based on Android 5.0
(‘Lollipop’) mobile operating
system, is specifically developed
to provide a full Android
experience on TV devices. In
other words, Android TV is
Android OS enhanced with basic
middleware and a full user
interface for smart TVs, game
consoles, and hybrid STBs.
Developed to meet the growing
demand for easy ‘one stop shop’
access to entertainment and
gaming with excellent user
interface on TV devices, Android
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