Since last year Philips’ smart TVs have been stuck on Android Marshmallow, but that seems to be changing because the Dutch company headquartered in Amsterdam has started deploying a major software update for its 2016 and 2017 Smart 4K televisions with Android 7.0.
The Android 7.0 (Nougat) version comes with many new and handy features, including an improved browser, Chromecast 4K support (as if it were the Chromecast Ultra), multiple Google accounts, picture-in-picture, multitasking menu, app recording, better HDR support, Vulkan 3D engine, bug fixes, enhanced security and an overall improved system performance
Usually when a company updates its models it also introduces improvements of its own, in this case Philips has added a few tweaks as well, including Amazon HDR/Dolby Digital+ support, and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) functionality. Alongside TP Vision, Philips is also incorporating new features for the Google Assistant and the AmbiSmart mobile app to add virtual remote control for easy TV functions navigation and allow users to interact with Ambilight, the ambient lighting system for televisions developed by Philips.
So what models are being upgraded to Android 7.0? Basically, all of Philip’s Smart TVs from 2016 and 2017 that come with Android TV. Philips stated that 2016 TVs (model numbers that end with 01) will receive the update first, followed by the 2017 TVs (model numbers that end with 02).
Some of the models that will be updated are as follows: Philips 6521, 7181, 6501, 6551, 6561, 6581, 7101, 7601, 7202, 7272.
The updates will be pushed to owners’ TVs automatically over the coming weeks or months once the server is ready. If you own a Philips 4K TV among the above models and are interested in seeing if your TV is ready to upgrade and get the benefits of Android 7, you can check by going to Settings> About, and check for updates. Your Smart TV must be connected to the Internet.
Story by 4k.com