Arattai comes to Android TV with New Year update: Features, setup process and what users can expect next

Arattai

• Arattai launches Android TV app for richer video calls and meetings at home
• Users can join, schedule, and view meetings directly from their smart TV
• External USB cameras and mics supported for full video and audio functionality

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Homegrown personal messaging platform Arattai has taken a notable step forward with its expansion to Android TV. The update was announced by Sridhar Vembu, Chief Scientist at Zoho, who confirmed that the Android TV version is now rolling out as part of a New Year update. According to Vembu, the TV-focused app is aimed at delivering a much richer video call experience, with further refinements and features expected to arrive as the platform moves deeper into 2026.

The Android TV release positions Arattai as more than just a mobile-first messaging app. By bringing its core communication features to the living room, the platform is clearly targeting use cases that benefit from a large screen, such as group video calls, work meetings and family catch-ups during festive occasions. The app allows users to create, schedule and join meetings directly from their television, reducing reliance on phones or laptops when a shared viewing experience is preferred.

At present, the focus of the Android TV app is video calling. The interface is designed to be navigated using a standard TV remote, making it accessible even for users who are not particularly tech-savvy. Once signed in, users can view a list of ongoing meetings as well as upcoming scheduled sessions, allowing the TV to function almost like a dedicated conferencing screen at home.

One practical challenge with video calling on smart TVs is hardware support. Most Android TVs do not ship with built-in cameras or microphones. To address this, Arattai allows users to connect external accessories via the USB port on their television. A compatible USB camera or microphone can be plugged in to enable full video and audio functionality, making the experience closer to that of a traditional video conferencing setup.

The app requires Android 7 or later, which means it should work on a wide range of existing smart TVs. Installation is straightforward through the Google Play Store on Android TV. Users can search for Arattai directly on their television and install the app, or initiate the download remotely if they are signed into the same Google account on their smartphone.

Once installed, the sign-in process is designed to avoid typing on a TV screen. Instead of entering a phone number, users are shown a QR code on the TV. Scanning this code using the Arattai app on a smartphone links the TV to the existing account. Alternatively, users can visit the Arattai TV login page in a mobile browser, enter the code displayed on the television and verify the session. Before finalising the login, a consent screen is shown so users can review and confirm the connection.

After signing in, the Android TV app displays ongoing and upcoming meetings, along with access to recorded meetings stored on the account. This makes it useful not only for live participation but also for reviewing past discussions or shared content on a larger screen.

Vembu also hinted at continued development, suggesting that the Android TV experience will improve further with upcoming updates. While the current release is focused on meetings and video calls, future versions could expand functionality as Arattai matures as a broader communication platform.

The announcement was shared on X, signalling Zoho’s intent to steadily grow Arattai beyond smartphones. With Android TV support now live, Arattai is positioning itself as a flexible, home-friendly alternative for video communication, especially for users who value larger displays and shared experiences.