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In May, Walmart launched the Onn 4K Pro as its latest Google TV set-top box. The device offers some impressive specs for its price, making several Chromecast dongle users consider switching. However, they might be worried about the software support section on a non-Google product. That said, Walmart’s track record regarding updates to Android TV/Google TV products is better than you might think.
It’s noteworthy that the Android TV/Google TV segment doesn’t have as good software support as high-end smartphones. In fact, not even Google is able to keep its devices updated to the latest software available. Currently, the Chromecast with Google TV series (“HD” and “4K”) is still running Android TV 12. If you weren’t aware, Android TV 14 has been available for a while now. Still, they do get security updates and some new features via the Google TV custom skin.
First Walmart’s Onn Android TV device (2021) just got a new update
So, if even Google can’t offer exemplary software support on TV streaming devices, it is logical to think that other brands are doing it even worse. However, Walmart is among those that have stood out the most by sending updates to all of its Android TV and Google TV products. As reported by 9to5Google, the first Onn Android TV series launched in 2021 is receiving a new update right now.
Not only that, but the Onn 4K Google TV box (2023) also received an update a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, the latest Onn 4K Pro has already been blessed with at least a couple of updates since its launch. For reference, 2021 Onn Android TV devices started at just $15, but that hasn’t stopped the company from committing to updating them.
That said, many of the updates are security patches. There are also bug-fixing updates that do not raise the security patch level. Still, it’s impressive that even the cheapest models get updates for so long.
The Google TV Streamer is expected to arrive in August as the next-gen “Chromecast” product. It will likely come with Android TV 14, though it’s not sure how many big OS updates it will get, given what we’ve seen. Meanwhile, NVIDIA remains the brand that showed the most impressive software support in the segment. It’s a shame the company didn’t continue with the NVIDIA Shield TV series.