TCL will roll out Google TV in 2021, starting in the US and later in Europe and other parts of the world. It "will take our partnership with Google to the next level", the company said at CES 2021.
TCL Google TV
Like Sony, TCL will introduce its first Google TVs this year. Google TV is the new user interface and branding for Android TV, first introduced in the new Chromecast device.
Google TV has a revamped homescreen that brings content front and center for supported apps. It also offers personalized recommendations and Google voice control. Apps and games developed for Android TV will continue to work on Google TV.
- "TCL Electronics, one of the dominant players in the global TV industry and a leading consumer electronics company, has announced at CES 2021, that it will roll out a TCL Google TV series in 2021 to TCL customers, starting in the United States and later in other parts of the world," announced TCL.
TCL's Google TV will launch first in the US and later in Europe and other parts of the world. The company did not say whether it is planning to update current TCL Android TVs to Google TV.
The Google TV user interface. Photo: Google
TCL has not said either which specific models in the US that will be getting Google TV, other than saying that they will include "Mini-LED, 8K and QLED" technology meaning high-end TVs as opposed to TCL's low-end 3-series Android TVs that were launched for the first time in the US in 2020.
For Europe, TCL has confirmed to FlatpanelsHD that at least two of its upcoming 2021 TV ranges will be compatible with Google TV (based on Android 11). At CES 2021, TCL North America is announcing its plans for 2021 today while TCL Europe will announce its plans on Wednesday.
- "We are excited to partner with TCL to bring Google TV to customers around the world. Google TV is a more helpful and delightful TV experience that helps users find the content they love," said Shobana Radhakrishnan, Senior Engineering Director, Google TV.
You can learn more about TCL's plans for 2021 TVs here.
