Driven 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 . 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
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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 brings a streamlined user interface to TV devices , putting the focus on content and usability . Users can view content from a variety of providers such as Google Play , Netflix , and YouTube , as well as play a variety of Android games .
The benefits of Android in hybrid STBs Some key examples of growing pay-TV operator interest in
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Android-based STBs :
Popularity : One of the greatest motivating factors for using Android-based STBs is consumer popularity . Savvy consumers are already familiar with Android mobile touchscreen devices , making it easy to adapt to , use and operate Android STBs . It could be said that the Android name alone is enough to attract consumers . Thus , offering Android-based OTT services can provide operators with a competitive edge .
Apps : Today ’ s consumers are hungry for a wide range of apps - the key benefit for deploying Android . Android offers the Google Play Store , the largest app distribution system available . Google Play Store officially reached over 1 million apps in July 2013 , surpassing Apple App Store ’ s 900,000 and app downloads grew to over 50 billion . Operators can develop their own ‘ operator apps ’ to offer enhanced services to both existing subscribers as well as reach out to consumers outside of their
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existing service region , potentially tapping new revenues and competitive awareness .
High operational benefits : Android provides operators with a stable , consistent middleware architecture , high system integrity , unification of features across devices , and quick and iterative deployment of new features . In addition , Android OS is non-proprietary , reducing costs .
Android OS essentially create a ‘ smart STB ’ – an STB that enables TV devices to be ‘ smart ’ without actually being a Smart TV . Android OS can provide linear channels , standard broadcast services such as on demand services and features and exclusive live events ; enabling operators to offer consumers the best of both worlds .
Open , flexible support for rich TV features and functionalities : Android is open and flexible , and highly adaptable to changes , allowing operators to customise user interfaces and design customised features and functionalities specific to their operations . The openness of Android also enables adaptability to most hybrid STBs .
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