Google releases four new features for Android TV

Following Motorola's Android TV rollout in India, Google announced four new features that will be available for those using smart TVs powered by its operating system. Since not everyone has Wi-Fi at home in India, it makes it difficult to connect these TVs to the internet.

The other alternative would be to connect these TVs to the internet by using a mobile hotspot, and that's exactly what many owners are doing, even though watching HD TV on a mobile data connection will quickly drain their data plans.

However, Google introduced four new features that are meant to help users get the most out of their smart TV with limited mobile data. The first new feature is Data Saver, which should reduce data usage on mobile connections, increasing watch time by up to 3x.

Furthermore, Data Alerts helps users monitor their data usage while watching TV. With Hotspot Guide, users will be able to set up their TV with their mobile hotspot, while Cast in Files lets users view downloaded media from their phone on their TV without using data.

According to Google, all the improvements announced this week will be rolled out to Android TV devices in India over the coming weeks, starting with Xiaomi, TCL and MarQ by Flipkart, with a global rollout following after. Also, Cast in Google's Files app is already available for download via the Beta program and will roll out to all users in the coming weeks.