Upcoming Android TV 14 Update for Select Sony TV Models: Prepare for Enhanced Functionality if Your Set is Included
Android TV 14, the latest version of Google's smart TV operating system, is now rolling out to a number of Sony TV models, bringing performance boosts, energy management options, and improved media support to eligible devices.
The update is primarily being offered to entry-level to mid-range LED TVs from Sony, including the Sony X77L, Sony Bravia 2, Sony X75L, X74L, X75K, X74K, X70L, X64L, and more. Notably, these TVs feature Realtek chipsets, which have been optimised for Android TV 14.
One of the key features of Android TV 14 is the introduction of Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, enhancing multitasking on TVs. Additionally, the update includes new energy management modes: Low Energy Mode, Optimized Energy Mode, and Increased Energy Mode, giving users more control over power consumption.
Performance-wise, Android TV 14 offers a significant upgrade for TVs with limited RAM, resulting in smoother and more responsive navigation. The update also incorporates key Google TV features such as a revamped home screen with curated content discovery tabs and personalized content recommendations, improving the overall user interface and content access.
Enhanced security patches and bug fixes are also part of the update, improving system stability and integration with smart home ecosystems, reflecting broader IoT support. Furthermore, Android TV 14 supports advanced media standards including AV1 video codec, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos, ensuring premium streaming quality on compatible devices.
The rollout of Android TV 14 has been gradual, with Google's own streaming devices and some Onn 4K boxes receiving it initially in mid-2024. The update is now expanding to many Sony Bravia models ranging from entry-level HD to 4K sets. This update also marks a potential shift toward longer support lifecycles for Android TV devices, particularly Sony Bravias from 2020 onward.
However, it's not clear when the full rollout will take place, or if Android TV 14 will soon be able to make its way out across a wider range of devices. It's also worth noting that the Sony A95L and Sony X90L, two of the best TVs in recent years, do not have Realtek chipsets and are not part of the Android TV 14 rollout.
Android TV 16 has been announced, but there are no clear plans for a rollout or even a release date, and it may not be until 2026. It seems that Android has moved to a bi-annual update cycle, with new versions being released every six months.
In conclusion, Android TV 14 represents the most current and advanced Android version for smart TVs and TV boxes as of 2025, positioning itself as a stable platform with improved UI responsiveness, energy management, media support, and smart home integration.
Home-and-garden enthusiasts may find the advanced media support in Android TV 14 particularly appealing, as it now supports AV1 video codec, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos, making it suitable for enjoying premium streaming content on compatible TVs.
Technology aficionados who prefer a smart TV with optimized energy management options can consider the entry-level to mid-range LED TVs from Sony, like the Sony X77L, Sony Bravia 2, and others, which will receive the Android TV 14 update, offering the Low Energy Mode, Optimized Energy Mode, and Increased Energy Mode.
