Android Tv: Google recommends ways to identify malware-infected Android TV devices – Times of India

Users tend to confuse Google’s Android TV devices with the Android TV OS. Several reports have also mentioned a problem with “Android TV” boxes sold online being infested with malware for the past few months. The tech giant has shared a community post to clear the confusion and address the malware ‘issue’. Google has also shown and recommended ways for users to ensure that their Android TV device is authentic and safe from malware.
In a community post, Google acknowledges that TV boxes that are being sold as “Android TV” uses the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The company notes that these devices can technically include first-party apps and even the Play Store without being licensed by Google.
What Google has to say about malware-affected Android TV products
“We have recently received questions regarding TV boxes that are built with Android Open Source Project and are being marketed to appear as Android TV OS devices. Some of them may also come with Google apps and the Play Store that are not licensed by Google, which means that these devices are not Play Protect certified. To help you confirm whether or not a device is built with Android TV OS and Play Protect certified, our Android TV website provides the most up-to-date list of partners.”
Ensuring the safety of Android TV products
To help customers make sure that they’re buying is safe, Google recommends visiting the official Android TV website. On this site, users can see Android TV products from official Android TV and Google TV partners.

Play Protect is a certification within the Play Store which makes it easy to check if a device is officially licensed by the company. Google has also advised users to check the Play Protect certification before buying products. Moreover, the company has also listed out steps on how to check on a support page.
Apart from this, there are other signs to look out for fake Android TV products. This includes the home screen design, the presence of Google Assistant and more. According to a report by 9to5Google, “a reasonably simple remote” can also be another way to ensure licensed and safe Android TV OS boxes. Some of the genuine Android TV products include — Chromecast with Google TV (both 4K and HD), Xiaomi Mi Box S and more.