The new Android Marshmallow update for Sony Bravia 2015 and spring 2016 TVs is on the horizon for release launch in the UK (Sony TVs sold after this date are pre-installed with Android version 6.0) . At the time of writing the earlier UK Sony Bravia TVs with Android TV embedded are running on Android 5.1.1. Lollipop.
Sony’ release date is expected in the very near future and the best way to ensure that your Sony TV is updated is to ensure that automatic updates are switched on in the settings on your Sony Bravia TV.
The automatic software update is automatically switched on by default (assuming you accepted the Terms and Conditions during setup) however you can check to make sure that this is enabled by following the instructions below.
- Access the Home page.
- Scroll to the bottom of the home page and select Help in the setting options
- Scroll to and select System software update and ensure that Automatic download is set to On.
If in any doubt you can check the Android version number by:
- Access the Home page,
- Scroll to the bottom of the home page and select Settings,
- Scroll across to and select About to view the Version number.
Sony have previously advised that the Android Marshmallow update would be available during 2016 for the Bravia Android TV range, however although the update is a little behind the stated schedule here in the UK, the update has already been released in the US.
With Android TV currently on Android Nougat 7.0 future operating system updates for Sony Android TV Owners appear to be a little behind. However with Sony currently producing and selling a range of TVs with Android built in, I hope this partnership will continue to provide updates and ongoing connectivity for a long time to come.
Google advises that The Android TV update will be mostly bug , performance and security fixes. However there will be some cosmetic changes to the home page layout on Sony Bravia TVs.
Why would I want an Android TV?
Well with the Android TV platform you are not tied to a specific set of apps and can access or add (for instance) Google play movies, Amazon Prime, Netflix and Now TV on the same TV as well as access all the UK catch up players and with access to apps such as Twitch and YouTube there is plenty of free content available. Whereas if you go for an Amazon FireStick or a Now TV box you may be a bit more limited in what you can see. The Content is easy to access and explore and there is more content available than you’ll ever need.