AV1 is a video codec rated to enhance file compression compared to its current alternatives. Google has become its a major proponent, to the extent that it is now reportedly insisting that manufacturers need to have it enabled in devices with compatible SoCs if they want to use the Android 10 for TV interface.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Google-is-pushing-Android-TV-hardware-makers-to-adopt-the-AV1-codec-in-2021.515476.0.html
AV1 is pretty awesome but... until HW support comes along, it's basically useless.
The amount of CPU it uses is absolutely HUGE.
Reminds me when I was trying to play DivX videos on a Pentium 2: low resolution videos where OK, but larger ones... big nope.
Weird.
Google is requiring manufacturers to enable AV1 support on SoCs that support it. This means some manufacturers release devices where the SoC has the HW capability but it is not enabled in SW. This is either due to the manufacturer not wanting to invest resources in implementing the feature in SW. Or it is due to potential lawsuits from MPEG patent holders. Just because the AV1 itself is royalty free does not mean that others will not find a patent that it might infringe. And the powers that be might push manufacturers to use the h265 instead.
Overall this move by Google is a good thing for consumers.