Android TV devices will get limited form of user profiles

Google has released an update for Android TV devices such as the Nvidia Shield, older Sony TVs and Philips TVs that introduces a limited form of user profiles. These profiles are not as extensive as the options of Google TV.

These are devices that run on Android TV and have access to the Discover page at the top of the interface. A profile switching page is now available in the top right where users can choose the primary Google account for their television. This account is then used for the personal watch list, purchases and recommendations in the Discover page.

A higher degree of personalization does not appear to be part of the update implemented at server level. Google TV offers more options in that area. For example, a profile switch on Google TV also changes the home screen, makes it possible to adjust the account used for Google apps and allows users to set limited profiles for children, for example. The update for Android TV does not include these types of capabilities.

Google TV was given the option to use multiple profiles last year. This option was already announced in 2021, but its introduction was gradually postponed. Google announced the arrival of the use of multiple profiles officially on in May last year.