Google TV and Android TV in South Africa

Google TV and Android TV are two popular platforms for streaming content on smart TVs. But what are the differences between them and how do they work in South Africa?

Google TV is a new interface that replaces the old normal Android TV interface and Google Play Movies and TV app on Android mobile devices. It allows users to browse and watch movies, shows, live TV and YouTube videos from various streaming services such as Netflix, Showmax, DSTV Now and more. It also integrates with Google Assistant and Chromecast.

Android TV is an operating system that runs on smart TVs and streaming devices such as Chromecast with Google TV. It offers similar features as Google TV, but also has a dedicated app store where users can download games, music, news and other apps for their TVs.

In South Africa, both platforms are available on select smart TVs from brands such as TCL, Skyworth, Hisense and Sony. Users can also buy a Chromecast with Google TV device that plugs into any HDMI port on their TVs.

Both platforms offer a wide range of content options for South African viewers. Users can watch local channels through live TV apps such as DSTV Now. They can also stream international movies and shows from Netflix, Showmax, Amazon Prime Video etc… Additionally, they can enjoy YouTube videos, music from Spotify or Deezer etc…

However, there are some limitations to consider when using Google TV or Android TV in South Africa. For example:

Some streaming services may not be available or have limited content due to geo-restrictions or licensing issues. For instance:

Hulu is not available in South Africa at all

Disney+ launched in South Africa on 18 May 2022 , but it is not the American version it's more of a version done by Disney+ Hotstar , an Indian subsidiary of Disney.

HBO Max content is only available through Showmax and doesn't have every show or movie they have. 

Some features may not work properly or require additional steps to set up. For instance:

Live TV may require an antenna or a decoder box depending on the service provider

Voice search may not recognize some accents or languages

Google TV doesn't have the Live TV tab due to Geo restrictions or maybe streaming services in South Africa don't enable it to work.   

Therefore, users should do some research before buying a smart TV or a streaming device with Google TV or Android TV in South Africa.

Personally Apple TV+ is only available on my Chromecast with Google TV and not available for my Smarty Android TV device. 

Another factor that may influence your choice of streaming platform is the recent partnership between MultiChoice Group, NBCUniversal (NBCU) and Sky that will relaunch Showmax as a new group in sub-Saharan Africa. The new Showmax group will use Peacock technology to offer customers exclusive NBCU/Sky content such as The Office US, Parks & Recreation etc., as well as live matches of the English Premier League. It might already has some of these things but for me it's will be a matter of it gaining exclusive rights which would mean some content providers might end up losing some of the shows mentioned above. 

Google TV and Android TV are both great ways to enjoy online entertainment on your big screen. They have similar functionalities but some differences in terms of interface design/app availability/content selection etc.

In South Africa, they both have advantages and disadvantages depending on your preferences/budget/internet speed etc.

I hope this blog post has helped you understand more about Google TV and AndroidTV in the South African context.

What do you think of this blog post? Do you have any feedback or suggestions