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Right now, there is a lot of information coming out about Android 13. However, Android TV is also getting a shiny new update. With Android TV 13, Google will introduce a new low power standby mode that will restrict apps in the background while not in use.
Much like background processes on phones, there are a lot of unnecessary tasks going on in the background with Android TV that don’t make sense. These are processes that you can live without, and that’s where this low power standby mode comes in.
How does this low power standby mode help?
When your TV is turned off, the Chromecast or other streaming device would continue to operate. This is different when it comes to apps on the phone, as phone apps often serve legitimate functions in the background. However, with Android TV, most of the apps you get are meant for streaming content, so their usefulness ends when you press the Off button. There’s no reason for them to continue operating when you go away.
Not only is this gratuitous, but it can be wasteful. While these apps are operating in the background, they’re often connected to the internet. The low-power standby mode will restrict these apps’ internet access. This means that these apps won’t use as much data on your internet plan.
Also, your streaming device won’t be processing as much stuff in the background. This means that it won’t be using as much energy. In the long run, this will, ostensibly, lead to energy savings. We don’t know exactly when Android TV 13 will launch, but it could be soon after Android 13 launches for phones this fall.
You can get the Android 13 developer preview #2 now
The second Android 13 developer preview has been out for some time, but people are still discovering new stuff. If you want to see some of the new stuff for yourself, you can install the latest developer preview on your phone. This isn’t for everybody, however.
You’ll be able to get the developer preview if you have a Pixel 4 or newer. Also, this is something you’ll need to manually flash, as it’s not an OTA. If you want an OTA, you’ll need to wait for the first beta to land. That’s either expected to launch sometime this month or during Google I/O next month.
If you plan on flashing the software, you’ll need to know what you’re doing, as doing so incorrectly could brick your device. We don’t recommend installing the developer preview on your main device, as it’s going to be extremely unstable and buggy.