We’ve been monitoring the progress of Google Stadia on Android TV for months at this level, and thus far, there was fairly a little bit of progress. Nonetheless, on the eve of the debut of Google’s widely leaked Chromecast, the most recent replace simply doesn’t ship the efficiency Stadia must launch on Android TV.
Stadia v2.36 began rolling out through the Google Play Store today and with it, there are some thrilling adjustments behind the scenes. Messaging, a brand new referral program, and a few updates to captures are all on this replace as we’ve damaged down, however none of that’s seen within the app.
As traditional with a brand new replace, we sideloaded it on Android TV to see if something had modified, and sadly, this one didn’t actually appear change something. You’ll be able to nonetheless turn on experimental support and get some fairly good recreation play on most Android TV gadgets, and 4K still works like a charm on supported {hardware}. Issues have even gotten higher in terms of signing in. However these adjustments aren’t new, they had been current in earlier variations of the app, some way back to June.
What has modified on this replace? Efficiency.
The menus of Stadia on Android TV had been horribly laggy in most earlier updates, however Stadia v2.36 does make a notable enchancment to the efficiency. As an alternative of a dumpster fireplace, it’s extra like one thing folks might really use. On high-end gadgets like an Nvidia Defend, it’s respectable. Thumbnails load up in an inexpensive period of time and the menus navigate pretty easily. On a JBL Hyperlink Bar, nonetheless not so nice, however that’s to be anticipated given the already not-so-great performance of Android TV typically on that system.
The efficiency enhancements are minor, although. The GIF under recorded back in August remains to be consultant of what you’ll discover immediately, simply with a bit extra pep in its step and a few particular enhancements on sure gadgets. One user also told me that the app isn’t crashing as typically on his system, however personally, I’ve not had points with that within the first place.
At this level, efficiency is the primary motive we will safely say that Stadia is nowhere close to prepared for launch on Android TV, which is a disgrace given the brand new Chromecast is being announced tomorrow. Might Google pull a last-minute trick out of its hat? Certain, however there’s no proof but.
Within the meantime, efficiency woes aren’t the one factor Google wants to repair on the Android TV app. One other huge factor Stadia lacks on Android TV proper now’s huge help for the Stadia Controller. Months later, the app remains to be restricted to only a Bluetooth controller for most individuals, though there are some limited reports of Stadia Controller help. The sign-in display additionally must help distant enter. In fact, the app additionally must be put within the Play Retailer, however that’s a methods off.
Proper now, sideloading Stadia on Android TV is a helpful option to get the service up and working with out a Chromecast Extremely, however it’s not an expertise Google or anybody else ought to endorse.
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