A Contrast With Smartphones
For years, Apple has maintained an advantage in mobile software updates, ensuring that even older devices get new iOS versions. While Android lagged behind for much of its history, companies like Google and Samsung have changed that narrative. Today, buyers of Pixel and Galaxy phones expect years of major Android releases and consistent security patches.
Unfortunately, this reliability hasn’t extended to smart TVs. Android TV, and its newer Google TV interface, remains plagued by irregular updates, limited transparency, and slow adoption. The recent Android TV 14 rollout for Sony televisions underscores just how messy things remain.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Models | Realtek-based Bravia series: X77L, X75L/K, X74L/K, X70L, X64L, W880K, etc. |
| Ineligible Models | MediaTek-based Bravia models (e.g., A95L, X90L) |
| Key Features in Android TV 14 | Energy saving modes, Picture-in-Picture, smoother performance |
| Rollout Method | OTA through Settings or manual USB update |
| Future Versions | Android TV 16 released July 2025, expected on TVs in 2026 |
| Main Issues | Inconsistent updates, unclear timelines, uneven communication |
| Official Support Link | Sony Support Page |
Android TV 14: Released in 2024, Still Missing in Action
Google introduced Android TV 14 in mid-2024, with the update first appearing on Chromecast with Google TV and a few budget streaming boxes. But for most users particularly those with TVs the new version was nowhere to be found. Many households are still stuck running Android TV 10, 11, or 12.
By comparison, a phone buyer can check official pages and know exactly how many years of updates to expect. With TVs, the lack of communication leaves customers guessing.
Sony’s Long-Awaited Update
Sony has recently begun pushing Android TV 14 to several of its Bravia series. But there’s a major catch: only models using Realtek processors are receiving the upgrade. Sets powered by MediaTek hardware remain on older versions.
Eligible Realtek-based series include Bravia 2, X77L, X75L/K, X74L/K, X70L, X64L, W880K, W835, W830, W825, and W820K, among others. Users report that some TVs have even skipped multiple versions jumping directly from Android TV 10 or 11 to 14.
New Features in Android TV 14
The latest software isn’t just about catching up on version numbers. Android TV 14 includes several meaningful upgrades:
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Energy Saving Modes: Users can choose between Low, Optimized, and Increased Energy settings to better control power consumption.
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Picture-in-Picture Support: Viewers can keep one program running in a small window while browsing or using other apps.
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Performance Enhancements: Navigation feels smoother, especially on TVs with limited memory, addressing one of the most common complaints.
These changes may not transform the platform, but they do make a tangible difference in day-to-day usability.
Ongoing Frustrations for Owners
Despite the welcome improvements, the rollout is far from perfect. Sony has not provided a clear roadmap for which models are eligible, when they will be updated, or how long support will continue. Even official support pages don’t always list the latest firmware, forcing users to rely on community forums for information.
Reports have also surfaced of some TVs experiencing glitches or even temporary malfunctions after installing the update, adding to the uncertainty.
Skipping Android TV 15: Straight to 16
Adding to the confusion, Google has chosen to bypass Android TV 15 entirely. Instead, the company announced that the next version would be Android TV 16, which officially launched in July 2025. However, because of Google’s new two-year update cycle, most TVs will not see Android TV 16 until sometime in 2026.
This leaves owners of newly updated Bravia sets in an odd position: they are just now receiving Android TV 14, while Android TV 16 is already official.
How to Check for Updates on Sony TVs
Sony provides two main methods to update supported TVs:
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Over-the-Air (OTA) Update
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Press the Quick Settings button on the remote
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Go to Settings → System → About → System Software Update
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Follow on-screen prompts if an update is available
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USB Installation
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Download the update package from Sony Support
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Transfer it to a USB drive
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Insert the drive into the TV and follow installation instructions
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If the update fails to appear, Sony recommends restarting the TV and checking your internet connection.
FAQs
Q: My Sony TV hasn’t received Android TV 14 yet. What should I do?
A: Updates are rolling out in phases. Check in Settings → System → About → System Software Update or try manual installation via USB.
Q: Which Sony TVs are excluded from this update?
A: Bravia models with MediaTek processors, including some higher-end sets like the A95L and X90L, have not been updated to Android TV 14.
Q: Will Android TV 15 arrive on my TV?
A: No. Google officially skipped version 15. The next major update will be Android TV 16, expected to roll out to TVs in 2026.
Q: Are there risks to updating?
A: Some users report issues such as instability or, in rare cases, system crashes. If problems occur, Sony recommends reinstalling via USB or contacting support.
Final Thoughts
Sony’s Android TV 14 rollout highlights a larger issue across the smart TV industry: lack of consistency. While phones enjoy predictable and well-documented support cycles, TVs remain a guessing game. Owners of eligible Bravia models will welcome the update, but the selective rollout and absence of long-term commitments underline the need for greater transparency.
Until manufacturers and Google establish clearer policies, Android TV users should continue to expect unpredictability in updates an ironic reality for a platform designed to bring stability to home entertainment.
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