Google will roll out Gemini AI to Google TVs from TCL, Hisense, and Sony in mid-2025. FlatpanelsHD got a preview of how Gemini improves voice search and adds new features.
Unveiled at CES 2025, Gemini will bring new AI capabilities to Google TVs to compete with Amazon's Alexa on FireTV and Microsoft's Copilot on LG and Samsung Smart TVs later this year.
Last year, Google introduced Gemini-based features like movie resumés on Chromecast and Google TV Streamer. In 2025, these and new Gemini features will be available on Google TV screens. Google calls them "Gemini models" because different AI models will be used depending on the task.
- "You and your family will be able to gather together and have a natural conversation with your TV. This will make searching through your media easier than ever, and you will be able to ask questions about travel, health, space, history and more, with videos in the results for added context. The Gemini model on Google TV also enables you to do other things like create customized artwork with the family, control your smart home devices while your TV is in ambient mode and even get an overview of the day’s news," announced Shalini GovilPai, VP and GM of TV Platforms, Google.
How Gemini on Google TV works
We were unable to film or take photos during our demo at TCL (the photos here are from ZDNET who had more luck), but Google showcased Gemini through natural language voice commands and a new Gemini section accessible from the top right corner of the Google TV homescreen.
Gemini on Google TV: Photo: ZDNET
Gemini simplifies content discovery by allowing more natural, conversational queries to movies by genres, type etc. For example, you can ask for family movies or movies similar to one you like.
You will also be able to ask the TVs to suggest vacation spots, "show me my news brief" or "explain the solar system to a third grader". Here, Gemini will present information in text form on the screen and talk back to you, while also surfacing relevant YouTube results. For the news briefs, Google said that it will only show YouTube results from trusted news media's YouTube channels such as NBC, CNN etc. Gemini was perhaps pushing YouTube a bit too hard here but some people may find it useful.
The new Google TV ambient hub
In addition, Google TV is getting a new ambient experience hub, showing widgets for your personal photos and calendars when the TV is not in use.
The new ambient hub on Google TV: Photo: ZDNET
New 2025 TV models can integrate a motion sensor that automatically activates the ambient hub when you approach. On older TV models the user can manually open the hub. TV makers can also integrate a microphone for hands-free "Hey Google" Gemini, or users can use it via Google devices or TV remote's microphone
Google's Gemini AI and hub features will start rolling out in mid-2025 with launch partners such as TCL, Hisense and Sony.
- Picture credit: ZDNET
