KT Set-Top Box Abandons Proprietary OS for 'Android TV'

Low Android Set-Top Box Share Leads to Disney+ Partnership Setback
KT Accelerates Genie TV, Expands to Media Portal

Genie TV screen. Photo by KT

[Asia Economy Reporter Osuyeon] KT is upgrading its existing internet TV (IPTV) main set-top box device, Genie TV Set-top Box 3 (formerly Gigagenie 3), to the Android TV operating system (OS). Following the revamp of IPTV into the Genie TV media portal last month, this move aims to enhance service quality and strengthen IPTV competitiveness.

According to industry sources on the 29th, KT recently began upgrading users of the Genie TV Set-top Box 3 to the Android TV OS and expanding the Genie TV media portal service. Users of the Genie TV Set-top Box 3 can easily switch to Android TV OS by voice command saying, "Genie, switch to Android TV," or by manually changing the settings without needing to replace or reinstall the device. The OS is changed through a firmware update without the need for device replacement. Upgraded devices will also be able to use the Genie TV media portal service starting in December.

Until now, among KT IPTV set-top boxes, the only device equipped with Android TV OS was the latest model, Genie TV Set-top Box A (formerly Gigagenie A). The KT set-top boxes, including the Genie TV Set-top Box 3 targeted for this upgrade, have been running on proprietary OS. While it is possible to provide media portal functions with the proprietary OS, the reason for the large-scale upgrade to Android TV OS is to improve the viewing experience.

Android TV OS offers high scalability and openness, allowing users to download and use over 7,000 apps just like downloading apps on a smartphone, even for services not provided by the TV hardware or IPTV. It enables seamless use of apps enjoyed on smartphones on the TV’s large screen, crossing device boundaries. Users can also download and watch OTT (over-the-top) apps that are not partnered with KT.

A KT official explained, "Android TV OS is advantageous in terms of openness. The benefit is that you can download apps from the Google Play Store. It also supports integration with devices like Google Chromecast."

This also positively impacts service competitiveness. According to the industry, when the global OTT Disney+ entered Korea last year, it required paid broadcasting providers to have a certain proportion of Android set-top boxes to ensure customer convenience when partnering with domestic operators. Unlike LG Uplus, which partnered on both mobile and IPTV, KT, the number one paid broadcasting operator, only partnered on mobile partly due to the fact that only about 30% of its set-top boxes were Android-based at that time. Subsequently, KT belatedly released the Genie TV Set-top Box A supporting Android TV OS.

As KT revamped its existing Olleh TV into Genie TV aiming to be a media portal, upgrading the set-top box appears to be a strategy to create synergy with the media portal. Since it aims to be a portal, an OS with high openness is essential.

Telecom companies are differentiating IPTV services and enhancing viewing experiences to strengthen competitiveness. Unlike OTTs that can differentiate with original content, paid broadcasting providers find it difficult to offer exclusive content. On the 20th, LG Uplus also revamped its IPTV into an OTT TV.

Meanwhile, older models such as Genie TV Set-top Box 1 and 2 are planned to be updated next year to continue using the media portal service while maintaining their proprietary OS. However, since they will not use Android TV OS, some functions may be limited.