Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

AOMedia’s AV2 video-coding specification is now published: version 1.0.0 is dated May 28, 2026, and AOMedia announced its release on June 9, 2026. AV2 is designed to improve compression efficiency and flexibility beyond AV1, but the announcement provides no quantified performance gain and does not establish support in particular TVs, phones, browsers, or streaming services.

What is AV2?

AV2 is a video-coding specification developed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia), along with reference software and an implementation effort. Its version 1.0.0 document defines bitstream syntax and semantics, as well as parsing and decoding processes. AOMedia’s official AV2 specification portal identifies the specification’s intended audience as decoder and encoder implementers, container and transport-format authors, and conformance-test authors.

The reference software is AVM. A specification defines how compliant bitstreams are represented and decoded; it is not itself a codec built into a consumer device or a promise that a particular service will deliver AV2 video.

When was AV2 released?

The current specification portal lists AV2 version 1.0.0, dated May 28, 2026. AOMedia announced the publication on June 9, 2026. That is the current release status, replacing the earlier forecast in AOMedia’s September 15, 2025 announcement, which had said AV2 was set for a year-end release.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

AOMedia describes publication as an initial step toward broad adoption. Its June 9, 2026 release announcement says protocol integration and implementation work are underway, rather than describing a finished, widely deployed ecosystem.

How is AV2 different from AV1?

AOMedia positions AV2 as building on AV1, with the aim of improving compression efficiency and flexibility. In practical terms, that means targeting better visual quality at the same bitrate, or comparable quality at a lower bitrate. The announcement does not provide a percentage improvement, test set, encoder configuration, or independently measured benchmark, so a specific claim such as “AV2 is 30% more efficient than AV1” is not established by the cited material.

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

A fair AV2-versus-AV1 comparison will depend on actual implementations and matched test conditions. Relevant measures include quality at a given bitrate, encoding and decoding complexity, hardware implementation cost, conformance and protocol support, and availability in devices and services. The announcement does not report comparative results on those measures.

What is AV2 designed to do?

AOMedia names conventional streaming and video conferencing among AV2’s targets. It also describes scalable bitstreams and multi-stream or multi-view use, including stereoscopic video, multiple camera angles, and composite video experiences carried in one bitstream. The specification portal additionally highlights broadcasting, AR/VR, split-screen delivery of multiple programs, screen-content handling, and a wider visual-quality range.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

These are stated design use cases, not confirmation that each is already deployed in consumer services. Their significance is flexibility: the codec is intended to serve more than one kind of video-delivery workflow, including scenarios that combine views or content types.

Will my TV or phone support AV2?

The specification’s publication does not establish which current consumer devices decode AV2, which services deliver AV2 streams, or whether hardware acceleration is available in a particular product. Check the manufacturer’s specifications and the service’s supported-format information for the exact model, region, and software version before relying on AV2 playback.

Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft

AOMedia reports that the AVM reference software is available, the dav2d decoder project is progressing, and integration with popular streaming protocols is underway. It also says an AV2 binding specification for ISO BMFF is planned. Those development-status descriptions should not be read as confirmation of broad product or service support.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What implementation work has AOMedia described?

In its June 2026 announcement, AOMedia reported that commercial conformance-stream packages were available from Allegro and HDR Nova and that it planned example test streams for real-world scenarios. A working-group project had also begun for a 12-bit profile aimed at professional cinema and HDR. These details describe implementation and testing work around the published specification; the profile and example streams should not be treated as completed deliverables where AOMedia describes them as planned or underway.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.

AOMedia says AV2 was developed under its royalty-free patent policy. That is AOMedia’s description of its policy, not legal advice or a guarantee about every third-party implementation or possible patent dispute.

What does the AV2 release mean now?

  • For viewers: AV2 is not a reason by itself to assume that a current TV, phone, browser, or subscription service supports the codec.
  • For developers: version 1.0.0 provides the published technical specification, with AVM as reference software and further decoder, conformance, and protocol work described by AOMedia as progressing, planned, or underway.
  • For performance claims: AOMedia describes the intended efficiency improvements qualitatively; the cited release does not substantiate a numerical advantage over AV1.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.