The Google Assistant has been incorporated into Android TV for several years now, with most newer remotes offering a dedicated Assistant button and some apps providing "Hey Google" support in many more speakers. Now, the latest update shows that Android TV is picking up Voice Match integration with the Google Assistant.
The 9to5Google team has discovered a code indicating that Voice Match is in the works for Android TV. While it is not sure when this will show up or if there will be any changes compared to other platforms, the likely advantages are easy to see. For example, this could make sure that Android TV launches directly into your Netflix profile, rather than making you choose on-screen.
It's not sure whether anything prompts the addition beyond Google's platform-wide desire for completeness. Google is rumored to be preparing an Android TV dongle that would clearly benefit from Voice Match. However, and this might be important for tight Stadia integration whenever it's available on Android-powered sets. It is almost surprising, whatever the reason that the feature wasn't available sooner. TV viewing is often one of the top-of-the-line multi-user support cases. Multi-voice support might make your living room experience much more comfortable.
APK Insight
A report from 9to5Mac decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store in an 'APK Insight' post. Developers would be able to see different lines of code within that hint of possible future features.
A relatively big update rolled out last night for the Google Search app on Android TV, moving from version 3.14.2 to version 4.2.0. Google initially rolled out a 4.1.0 update last month, but it seems that the update was subsequently pulled due to problems. In both versions 4.1 and 4.2, we find that Google is working on a deeper integration for Android TV with Google Assistant and Google Home.
Activate Voice Match on this TV
Voice Match allows your Assistant to identify you and tell you apart from others. The Assistant takes clips of your voice to form a unique voice model, which is only stored on your device(s). Your voice model may be sent temporarily to Google to better identify your voice.
If you decide later that Voice Match isn't for you, simply remove it from Assistant Settings. To view or delete the audio clips you record during Voice Match setup, go to activity.google.com."
The APK file showed that Google is working on improving the integration of Google Assistant and Google Home for Android TV. There is no voice match on Android TV at the moment, and with Android TV Assistant, it uses only the Google account of whoever is logged in to the TV.
Voice Match
Google uses Voice Match on shared Assistant devices such as smart displays and speakers to distinguish you from others in your home. In fact, Google Account and its related personal details will only be taken into account if the Assistant is confident your voice can be heard. Meanwhile, the Assistant uses the Google Account of whoever is currently logged in on Android TV simply to handle the request.
Developers are still not sure if the update is in anticipation of the incoming Android TV first-party dongle, which we know as "Sabrina," or if it's intended more for devices that act as both a smart speaker and an Android TV. Whatever the case may be, Android fans might be excited to see Google finally putting more effort into making Android TV better.
