My budget Google TV lags constantly, and Google’s new plan will only make matters worse

Studying that Google is decreasing the RAM necessities for Google TV despatched shivers down my backbone. I can already see the 1-star opinions flooding in for TVs that haven’t even launched but: “horrendous efficiency,” “laggy interface,” “don’t purchase.”

Google hasn’t specified the new minimal, however with Android TV dropping its requirement to only 1GB, that’s probably the goal for upcoming budget Google TVs as effectively. And that’s not good.

If there’s one factor sensible TVs completely don’t want, it’s worse specs — particularly much less RAM. Many budget TVs and streaming sticks already wrestle with efficiency, and RAM might be the distinction between a easy UI and a lag-fest. This isn’t a theoretical argument; I’ve lived it.

My first run-in with Google’s platform was 2020’s Chromecast with Google TV, seemingly a discount at simply $50. It shipped with simply 8GB of storage (only 4.4GB usable), 2GB of RAM, and a modest Amlogic S905X3 chip. The UI was simply easy sufficient, however heavier apps like Kodi felt sluggish, and attempting to breeze by means of a number of streaming providers was a wrestle. The expertise was OK, however hardly sensible, and the dearth of storage had me itching to ditch it.

My second try was a budget-conscious improve to a TCL 4K QLED. No OLED splurge right here — simply one thing low-cost and supposedly adequate for the odd consolation present. With a extra spacious 12GB of storage, 2GB RAM, and a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU like my outdated dongle, I figured it could no less than match my Chromecast. Even higher, it got here with the outdated stripped-back Android TV interface, which I hoped would run extra easily.

However then got here the dreaded replace. Seemingly in a single day, my TV was reworked right into a sluggish mess, rebranded with Google TV’s bloated UI, full with uneven animations and intrusive adverts — every little thing I’d hoped to keep away from with the extra fundamental interface. Worse, as soon as easy UI scrolling turned to stutters, apps held on launch, and casting grew to become a glitchy, delayed mess.

The shift was stunning — easy(ish) someday, verging on unusable the subsequent. And there’s no rollback. Positive, I paid little, however I nonetheless really feel ripped off as I battle the now barely purposeful UI. Primarily based on my expertise, 2GB is the naked minimal for Google TV, however Google is decreasing the necessities. No, thanks.

So no, I’ve zero religion that “low RAM” TVs will profit anybody long-term. Particularly as Google is intent on stuffing the platform with extra adverts and bloat that’ll only lavatory it down additional. Whereas placing sensible TV capabilities within the palms of extra shoppers sounds good on paper, a subpar expertise will have them reaching for different platforms when it’s time to improve.

RAM is simply a part of the image, after all. UI lag and sluggish loading instances are simply as a lot a fault of a budget CPUs that infest the budget TV sphere. However plentiful RAM ensures apps can reside in reminiscence between makes use of, making it quicker to hop again and forth with out horrendous load instances and UI stalls. Simply have a look at the beloved NVIDIA Defend TV: 2GB or 3GB of RAM (relying on the mannequin) and a handy guide a rough Tegra X1 nonetheless make it the most effective performers within the house — that’s the extent each Google TV ought to aspire to.

Not each TV must be a powerhouse, however there’s a minimal spec line that shouldn’t be crossed — and decreasing RAM necessities pushes us effectively beneath it. Google’s transfer invitations producers to chop much more corners, and the result’s predictable: sluggish, irritating gadgets that depart a bitter style for the whole platform.

If Google desires to compete in the lounge, it must implement greater minimal requirements, not decrease them. Till then, be cautious of sensible TVs with bargain-bin specs. Or higher but, overlook the built-in OS and spend money on a stable Android TV field.