The name implies that it is a TV, but that is not always the case. Google TV, which builds on the Android TV operating system, is Google's modern TV user experience.
Google TV was the name of Google's first operating system for TVs, launched in 2010 and discontinued after less than four years in 2014.
In 2014, Google instead launched Android TV with a dedicated TV user interface and framework for streaming apps rather than relying on webpages. Android TV was a success, and in September 2020, Google introduced a modified user interface on top of Android TV called Google TV. So, we are back to the original name but in a completely new form.
What is Google TV?
Google TV is the user experience on top of the Android TV operating system. In practical terms, it means that all apps available for Android TV also work with Google TV devices.
These apps have been TV-optimized by the developer and are separate from mobile apps for Android. In other words, you cannot expect an app for an Android smartphone to work on a Google TV (it is possible to sideload it and control it with a mouse or another device, but it is rarely a good experience).
The Google TV user interface. Photo: Sharp / Google
Google TV powers TVs from brands such as Hisense, Philips, Sharp, Sony and TCL, as well as media players such as Chromecast (with Google TV), which differs from the classic Chromecast dongles by having the Google TV user interface and a dedicated remote control. The Chromecast lets you upgrade any TV screen with HDMI to Google TV.
The Google TV user interface differs from Android TV in the sense that it pushes "personalized recommendations", which is often just sponsored content from partners. Google TV also has some additional features. Android TV devices have not been updated to Google TV, but they have received a facelift that looks very similar to Google TV, although with missing features.
It competes with other TV platforms such as Apple's tvOS (in Apple TV), LG's webOS, Samsung's Tizen, Amazon's Fire TV and Roku OS.
Built-in features in Google TV
A Google TV device always has built-in Google Cast (Chromecast) to let you send media and streaming content from an Android or iOS device wirelessly to the TV screen.
In addition, Google TV comes with built-in Google Assistant voice search and the Google Play Store with access to TV-optimized apps.
The underlying version of Android TV determines which features your Google TV device offers. The Android version is typically, but not always, upgraded after the time of purchase. This is the hardware maker's responsibility. You can find the latest news in our Google TV section here.
Which TVs are Google TVs?
Google TV is one of the major TV platforms, but there are others too. Only a handful of brands have chosen to partner with Google TV.
The list below pulls data from FlatpanelsHD's TV Database to show you all the Google TV models from major brands. The list will automatically expand as the TV Database gets updated.
