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Chromecast With Google TV Is Rolling Out a New Update

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Chromecast With Google TV Is Rolling Out a New Update


Chromecast with Google TV is getting a new update that comes with July 2024 security patch. This is the sixth Chromecast update to arrive in the last nine months. It is not a major update, so the operating system (OS) still remains at Android 12. However, the update addresses several bugs in the previous version of the OS. The update has been rolled out, but it may take a few days before all users get it. Notably, the tech giant launched the Google TV Streamer last month, ditching the older form factor.

Chromecast with Google TV Update Rolling Out

In a support document, Google announced the firmware update for Chromecast. It updates the existing STTL.240508.005 version to STTE.240615.007. With this, the Android security patch has been updated to July 2024 from June 2024. Notably, the July update has a size of 143MB, which is considerably larger than the previous update’s 71.94MB size.

However, since it is not a major update, Chromecast with Google TV is still kept at Android 12. A major update later this year is expected to bring this up to Android 14. Interestingly, this is the sixth Chromecast update to be released this year, matching last year’s count.

To update the Chromecast with Google TV, users need to go to Settings, scroll to System and tap on *About. There, users can find the option for System update.

Last month, Google decided to ditch manufacturing the new Chromecast with Google TV dongles as it upgraded the device form factor and rebranded it to Google TV Streamer branding, which comes in a set-top-box-like form factor. The latest smart home entertainment device by the tech giant supports media streaming in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision and HDR 10+.

It runs on Android TV OS and is paired with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of inbuilt storage. The device can run apps such as YouTube, Netflix, Apple TV+, and more. Further, Google has also added several Gemini-powered artificial intelligence (AI) features for content recommendation and more.



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Samsung Expands Passkeys to TVs and These Other Devices

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Samsung Expands Passkeys to TVs and These Other Devices


Samsung announced the rollout of Passkey support for its range of TVs and other devices in its ecosystem at the Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) 2024 held in San Jose on Thursday. This means users will be able to sign in on their devices with more convenience while enhancing their security too. It joins other announcements made by the South Korean technology conglomerate in artificial intelligence (AI), smartphones and other key areas.

Passkeys Support for Home Ecosystem

According to Samsung, it will expand Passkey to TVs powered by its proprietary Tizen operating system (OS) beginning with 2025 models. Its refrigerator equipped with AI Family Hub and other home appliances supporting AI Home will also support sign-in using more secure Passkeys.

Furthermore, its home ecosystem devices will feature support for web browser-based login by scanning QR codes.

In addition to the expansion of Passkeys, Samsung also announced that Knox Matrix — a blockchain-based, multi-device security solution — will now be available on more devices including TVs and home appliances.

Other Announcements

Samsung introduced new updates to SmartThings at its developer conference. One of the newly announced features is Home Insight which is claimed to analyse user data, usage patterns, device history and other statistics collected in real time. This will offer a better home experience to users, according to the company.

Additionally, all Samsung products with screens will now feature SmartThings Hub for improved connectivity with partner devices. It also includes Edge AI which adds AI capabilities to the existing connected home devices. The company also announced partnerships with Schlage and Aqara smart key developers for adding the SmartThings Door Lock function to the Digital Home Key inside the Samsung Wallet app. This change will take place next year.

Tizen OS is also getting AI functionality. Samsung devices powered by a neural processing unit (NPU) will provide personalised experiences. It will be able to control aspects such as echo and noise levels while watching TV or improve notetaking by analysing the user’s writing styles. Its Multi-Control feature is also being expanded to smart monitors and TVs powered by Tizen.

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Apple Might Introduce a New Smart Display Device Next Year

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Apple Might Introduce a New Smart Display Device Next Year


Apple has been rumoured to be working on its smart home category for quite some time now. Now, a new report claims that the Cupertino-based tech giant might launch a new tabletop smart display device with smart home functionality next year. The device is said to be part of a series, where the higher-end variant will come with a robotic limb. The launch date for the more expensive device is currently not known. Both devices will reportedly be integrated with Apple Intelligence features.

Apple Smart Home Display

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claimed in his Power On newsletter that Apple is looking to enter the smart home segment with new devices. The company already has its HomePod in the segment, however, it has not seen much popularity. To reinvent the space, the tech giant is reportedly taking the help of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and a new operating system.

According to the report, Apple is working on two tabletop devices, and each would feature a smart display. The high-end variant is said to come with a robotic limb whose purpose is currently unknown. It is also said to feature a giant iPad-like display.

The report mentioned more information about the lower-end device. The device is said to feature a smart display that can be used for FaceTime and controlling home appliances. The device reportedly has an internal code name of J595. It is not clear whether the device will also feature a robotic appendage.

As per Gurman, the device could be launched next year. However, it is not clear whether it will be introduced in early 2025 or later in the year. The price is said to be $1,000 (roughly Rs. 83,740) or more. The most interesting development is that Apple is reportedly working on a new operating system dubbed homeOS to run these devices and its existing smart home lineup including HomePod and HomePod mini. The basis for the OS is said to be tvOS, which powers the Apple TV.

Further, it is said that the new smart home devices with integrated displays will also feature Apple Intelligence. It is unclear how the tech giant wants to incorporate AI features into the device. However, the lower-end device is said to be able to run apps such as Calendar, Notes, and Home. The device will also be able to run smart home appliances and act as the central hub for it.



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LG Smart TVs Will Show You Screensaver Ads Now

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LG Smart TVs Will Show You Screensaver Ads Now


LG smart TVs have reportedly begun showing advertisements to users on the screensaver screen. LG Ad Solutions, the company’s subsidiary focused on branded activities, announced this move earlier this month, and it appears that these ads have made it to the company’s smart TVs. Notably, the company highlighted that showing screensaver ads will make better use of the idle screen and engage users. The consumer tech company also said that showing these ads can increase clients’ brand awareness and perception.

LG Smart TVs Showing Screensaver Ads

Earlier this month, LG Ad Solutions announced the launch of Native Screensaver Ads, a full-screen advertising experience which activates on the home screen of LG smart TVs. The company added that this “ad format capitalises on idle screen time, turning what may be perceived as a period of downtime into a valuable engagement opportunity.”

According to a Flatpanelshd report, users are now seeing these ads on their smart TVs, including the high-end G4 OLED TVs. These ads are said to be displayed in either carousel format or full-screen. The content of the ads is said to be unrelated to the TV experience, and are largely brand-focused. These screensaver ads reportedly appear before the regular screensaver appears, and are localised in the language of the region the smart TV is set in.

LG Ad Solutions highlighted in its press release that similar ads will also be hosted on LG Channels (the company’s free and ad-supported streaming service) and Content Store. Highlighting the decision to introduce these ads, Dave Rudnick, Chief Technology Officer at LG Ad Solutions, said, “Now, 93% of viewers multitask while watching TV, engaging in activities like messaging, shopping, browsing social media, or playing games on their phones. Through testing, we validated that Screensaver ads present a valuable opportunity for brands to be front and centre on the largest screen in the room.”

Notably, many streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar either have ad-supported tiers or show ads in between the shows. Technically, users do not own the content on those platforms and pay for a service, which is how these companies justify ad-based revenue. However, LG’s decision to show ads on the screensaver screen is unique in the consumer tech space as users have to watch ads despite paying for the smart TV upfront.



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