Sony has traditionally used Android TV as its smart operating system, and as of 2021, they've started to use Google TV instead. It's pretty much the same as Android, with a redesigned look and a few extra features. Those who already have Google or Android-based devices will already know how to navigate the interface, while there might be a small learning curve for others. The great thing about Sony TVs is that they have Google Chromecast built-in, so you don't have to buy an external device to cast compatible content from your phone or tablet. If you already have other Google devices, like Google Nest speakers, they'll easily connect with the TV, and you can ask your speaker to play content directly on the TV.
Interface
The interface is clean and pretty simple to navigate. It's divided into multiple rows, and each row presents content from different apps. These rows can be customized to your liking or even disabled completely. The interface isn't very fancy, which makes it much easier to navigate.
Ad-free
While Android TV occasionally didn't have any ads and there was a way to disable them, Google TV pushes ads, and there's no way to disable them. You'll see suggested content directly on the home page, and often it'll be the first thing you'll see with a large banner in front. You can opt out of suggested content, but that just means you'll see untargeted ads instead.
Apps & Features
As expected, Google TV offers access to the Google Play Store, which has a massive selection of apps to download, even more so than competing brands. You shouldn't have any issues finding your favorite streaming apps.
Voice Controls
One area where Google TV excels is voice search, which gives you access to Google Assistant. Press the Google Assistant button on the remote and say what you’re looking for, and Google TV will deliver suggestions from the Play Store, YouTube, and relevant results from downloaded apps. It’s a convenient way to navigate content quickly, and it's often much faster than using the remote. You can also use it to change certain settings, like asking it to switch inputs or increase the brightness.
Remote
Sony released a redesigned remote in 2022. Unlike their past models, it doesn't have a Numpad anymore and instead has a '123' button that brings up a virtual Numpad on the screen. However, it still has the same quick-access buttons to popular streaming services and has a button to quickly bring up Google Assistant. While most models ship with this remote, there are some models available from some retailers that have a higher-end version with backlighting.
Wondering how to update Sony TV software? Yes, in the era of smart TVs, you’ll need to keep your set’s software up to date if you want to have the latest apps, features and privacy settings.
Though you don’t have to run updates as soon as they become available, it’s important to update Sony TV software — or any of the best TVs, for that matter — regularly so that security patches can protect your home network.
- The best TVs we’ve tested this year
- Everything you need to know about the Sony 2021 TV lineup
Sometimes updates will install automatically, but you can also search for and run an update on your Sony TV at your convenience. You can also designate your Sony TV to send you push notifications when a new update becomes available.
If you received a message about a software update on your Sony TV, follow the steps below to complete the update. You can also use these steps to check that your software is up to date if you’re unsure.
How to update Sony TV software [and update Sony Bravia TV software]
To update Sony TV software, you’ll first need to have your set connected to Wi-Fi and powered on. Check our guide on how to set up your Sony Android TV if you’re in need of assistance.
1. Select Settings, or the gear icon, to open the settings menu.
[Image credit: Tom's Guide]2. Select Device Preferences from the settings menu.
[Image credit: Tom's Guide]3. Select About from the Device Preferences menu.
[Image credit: Tom's Guide]4. Select System software update.
[Image credit: Tom's Guide]5. Select Software update again to check for an available software update.
[Image credit: Tom's Guide]6. Confirm the software update if it’s available. If it is not, your TV will tell you your software is up to date.
[Image credit: Tom's Guide]7. Toggle on Automatically check for update so your TV will send you a push notification whenever a Sony TV software update is available.