Google has confirmed that most of the software updates introduced with the Google TV Streamer will also roll out to other Google TV devices, including the new Google Home panel.
There are five major new features:
The Google Home panel for controlling smart home devices
Gemini "AI" for summaries and reviews of movies and series
AI-generated screensavers
Freeplay with free, ad-supported TV channels
A new sports section
Only the first feature is rolling out worldwide at this time. The four other features will roll out first in the US, starting this month, according to Google.
Not exclusive to Google TV Streamer
Google had already confirmed that the Chromecast with Google TV will get updated to Android 14 – just like the Google TV Streamer.
However, new features are not only added to Google TV via Android and system updates. Google has begun pushing out more updates – and ad initiatives – via server-side updates. This raised questions regarding the new features found in the Google TV Streamer.
Other Google TV devices include TV models from brands such as Hisense, Philips, Sony and TCL, as well as Chromecast dongles. With the announcement, Google is reassuring owners that they have not been forgotten.
- "New updates are coming to Google TV devices starting today – including the new Google TV Streamer, available on September 24. From new ways to find what to watch to new ways to control your smart home, here's a look at everything we’re launching in the coming weeks," said Rob Caruso, Head of Product Management & UX, Google TV.
No plans were announced to make the new features available for Android TV devices such as Nvidia Shield.
The new Google TV features
In Google's own words:
Control your smart home with Google TV
With the new home panel on Google TV, you can control all of your compatible smart home devices — including lights, thermostats and cameras — without leaving the couch. The new doorbell notifications also allow you to see who's at the front door without pausing what you're watching. And, if you can’t find the remote, you can control your devices using your voice and the Google Assistant.
Turn your TV into a personal masterpiece
When you’re not watching your TV, you can turn your idle screen into a personalized work of art. An improved Ambient screensaver lets you create AI-generated designs or relive your favorite moments with Google Photos. To create a screensaver, simply describe your vision or go through a series of suggested prompts, then generative AI will create a one-of-a-kind image for your display. Or if you're looking for something more sentimental, you can ask Google Assistant to display your favorite memories in Google Photos on your TV.
Watch more of what you love
Looking for somewhere to catch tonight’s game? The new sports page in the For You tab brings all of your sports content into one place. Quickly find live and upcoming games, catch sports commentary, browse YouTube highlights and get personalized recommendations to stay in the loop.
Gemini in Google TV
And with all of the channels and subscription services out there, who couldn't use some help deciding what to watch? Starting today, we're bringing enhanced overviews of top movies and shows using Gemini technology. These overviews include full summaries, audience reviews and season-by-season breakdowns so you can make the perfect choice about what to watch.
Google TV Freeplay
Last year, we made it even easier for you to watch live TV without breaking the bank with free built-in channels from Google TV — no downloads or subscriptions needed. Now with 150 channels to choose from, Google TV Freeplay is getting an updated channel guide so you can browse by genre and topic and quickly access free channels, including new additions like Heartland, The FBI Files and ION Plus.
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