Google has gone coy about Android TV despite some significant gains being made, content to let the operating system do the talking. Meanwhile, battle lines with rival set top software platforms, especially RDK, have become more clearly defined, while the distinction between operator-owned and retail boxes has started to fray. We are now seeing some operators at last rein back from directly controlled set tops and instead encourage users to cut the cord with them and purchase retail devices. In France, Canal+, admittedly more of a broadcaster than operator these days, started in 2018 offering subscriptions via an Apple TV 4K box with its myCanal app preloaded. Google has been pursuing both options with Android TV, but it is the…