Today’s Shortcomings of Android TV MDM for Telecos + OEMs

The milestones of android TV were improved very well in 2020, which very few systems can reach. It was launched only in 2014, and only took four years to claim the lion’s share of the market. By 2018, android TV became the leading smart TV worldwide, capturing a dominant share of 40%. Given the rapid rise of android TV in the smart TV market, android MDM (Mobile Device Management) needs to figure out more prominently.

The race is in running for set top boxes, but it is not so clear cut. The top four systems Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku―all command significant market share. Android TV devices are starting to gain attention. Google’s middleware allows worldwide users to access apps on Google Play, like Disney Plus or Peacock in addition to the top streaming services like Netflix, Amazon prime and Hulu etc., but these apps are not available yet in most of the smart TVs and similar devices. Android TV looks to capture the dominant global pay-TV setup platform, by its function and ubiquity.

Over the next five years 160 million units, will be passed by android TV based devices. This is just a prediction by Rethink research. Deploying thousands or even millions of set-top boxes is simple. But, ensuring that each device is working smoothly and delivering its promised benefits is another thing. Because of the ongoing pandemic, telco operators will quickly realize the complexity and inefficiency of managing fleet devices. There are archaic ad-hoc remote connections that work with Android TV devices. Unfortunately, these legacy connections remain short-sighted and lacking in much-needed features.

Android TV has no present answer except pull out units and inspect them individually, when addressing specific device issues. Some Android TV devices do not follow standards completely, even with a well-defined list of the parameters and their attributes. Over the next few years, the android TV is poised to occupy a bigger share in the market. So, there is a great need to improve device management solutions. In particular, an Android TV MDM should be available to provide always-on support, even for millions of devices in the field.

MDM should have some other features such as, reduced agent visits, fast time to market via instant deployment, low level device management, easily added new features, modules and capabilities, secure individual devices etc., Utilizing default systems won’t get the job done, given the expansiveness of Android TV’s coverage. In addition, various devices and configurations will make a one-size-fits-all ad hoc solution impractical and severely lacking in function. In order to prevent the fall of android TV, it requires MDM solutions as flexible, mobile, and efficient way to support the device.