Google TV gets major upgrade: smart home controls, AI art, sports hub, more
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Google is rolling out a significant update to its Google TV platform, bringing a host of new features to enhance your viewing and smart home experience. These updates will be available on all Google TV devices, including the upcoming Google TV Streamer set to launch on September 24th.
One of the most notable additions is the new home panel on Google TV. This feature transforms your TV into a central hub for controlling all of your compatible smart home devices. From adjusting your thermostat to checking your security cameras, you can manage your entire smart home without ever leaving the couch. The new doorbell notifications also bring added convenience, allowing you to see who’s at the door without interrupting your viewing experience. If you can’t find the remote, Google Assistant voice commands have you covered, providing hands-free control over your smart home devices.
When you’re not actively watching TV, Google TV now offers an improved Ambient screensaver that turns your idle screen into a personalized canvas. You can either create AI-generated designs based on your own descriptions or prompts, or relive your cherished memories by showcasing your favorite Google Photos. This feature leverages generative AI to craft unique images for your display, adding a touch of artistic flair to your living space.
For sports fans, the new sports page within the For You tab consolidates all your sports content in one convenient location. You can quickly find live and upcoming games, catch sports commentary, browse YouTube highlights, and receive personalized recommendations to stay up-to-date on your favorite teams and leagues.
“This service, known as Google TV Freeplay, now boasts an expanded channel guide with over 150 channels, making it easier to browse by genre and topic.”
Choosing what to watch can be overwhelming with the vast array of channels and subscription services available. To help you make informed decisions, Google is introducing enhanced overviews of top movies and shows powered by Gemini technology. These overviews provide comprehensive summaries, audience reviews, and season-by-season breakdowns, giving you valuable insights to guide your viewing choices.
Last year, Google introduced free built-in channels on Google TV, offering a selection of live TV without the need for additional downloads or subscriptions. This service, known as Google TV Freeplay, now boasts an expanded channel guide with over 150 channels, making it easier to browse by genre and topic. New additions to the lineup include Heartland, The FBI Files, and ION Plus.
The update also extends to Google TV’s hardware ecosystem. In addition to the upcoming Google TV Streamer, you can now find Google TV on a wider range of devices, including new art TVs from Hisense and TCL, as well as smart projectors from Vankyo, Epson, and XGIMI. Google is also expanding its reach by bringing Google TV to more countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
I’m excited about these updates to Google TV. The integration of smart home controls directly into the TV interface is a game-changer, and I can see it definitely changing the way I interact with my connected TV. The AI-generated art for Ambient screensaver and the enhanced overviews for movies and shows are also great additions that personalize my viewing experience. Finally, as a baseball fan, I appreciate the dedicated sports page, which will make it easier to find and follow my favorite team.
Questions & Answers
Q.When will the new Google TV features become available to users?
When will the new Google TV features become available to users?
The updates will be available on all Google TV devices, coinciding with the launch of the Google TV Streamer. This new Streamer is set to launch on September 24th, indicating the features will roll out around that date.
Q.Which new content has been added to Google TV's free channel lineup?
Which new content has been added to Google TV's free channel lineup?
The expanded channel guide for Google TV Freeplay now includes over 150 channels, with new additions. These new channels feature Heartland, The FBI Files, and ION Plus, enhancing the free viewing options available to users.
Q.Beyond Google's own streamer, what other devices will now feature Google TV?
Beyond Google's own streamer, what other devices will now feature Google TV?
Google TV is expanding its hardware ecosystem to include new art TVs from Hisense and TCL. Also, it will be found on smart projectors manufactured by Vankyo, Epson, and XGIMI, broadening its availability across various display types.
Q.How do the new movie and show overviews assist users in choosing what to watch?
How do the new movie and show overviews assist users in choosing what to watch?
Powered by Gemini technology, the enhanced overviews provide comprehensive summaries, audience reviews, and season-by-season breakdowns. This information offers valuable insights to guide viewing choices, helping users decide amidst many options.
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