Rumors of Android TV’s demise have been greatly exaggerated
Google TV’s arrival back in 2020 stirred up speculation that Android TV might be done for.
In the leaky period before the 4th-gen Chromecast was made official by Google, it was widely expected that the Google TV moniker that was doing the rumor mill rounds would be a replacement for Android TV.
In fact, Google TV is a smart TV platform in its own right; effectively a fork of Android TV, with apps like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max all on board.
Google TV debuted with the Chromecast with Google TV, yet it has expanded far beyond to smart TVs from Sony, TCL, Hisense, and more.
Today, it powers a wide range of devices, from streaming sticks to built-in TV operating systems, and remains Android TV at its core.
Google TV UI and guide
Google TV is actually a version of Android TV that, like Amazon’s Fire TV user interface, brings together shows and movies from a range of different sources for your perusal, depending on what you subscribe to.
Google TV’s UI focuses on putting personalized recommendations front and center. Its For You tab organizes shows and movies from your subscriptions – like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video – into a single, customizable screen, organized and based on what Google thinks you’d want to watch.
It’s the closest Google has come to an integrated platform that simplifies streaming across services.
The Watchlist feature is especially handy, letting you save shows and movies directly from Google Search on your phone or computer. Your Watchlist lets you bookmark films and TV shows you want to save for later. You can add stuff to your Watchlist from the Chromecast, your TV, or from your phone, tablet or computer – wherever you’re signed into Google, basically.
And, let’s face it, that’s probably everywhere.
In the US, Google TV’s Live tab integrates YouTube TV, Sling TV, and other services, bringing live programming alongside on-demand options for a fuller TV experience. And with over 800 free, ad-supported channels added in 2023, Google TV now offers a broader content range than ever.
Expanding features: Profiles, free channels, and Ambient Mode
Google TV has grown in usability and personalization in the past couple of years, with features like individual profiles, which allow each viewer to have tailored recommendations.
This addition, along with Ambient Mode, adds a layer of personalization by displaying Google Photos, weather, and calendar updates when the screen is idle, turning your TV into a smart display when not in use.
Google TV now includes a lineup of free, ad-supported live channels, enhancing its appeal with a robust offering of local news, sports, and popular series without the need for additional subscriptions.
Google TV now supports 4K resolution and HDR formats (HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+) on a growing number of devices, and there are robust parental controls to manage content access for children.
Google Assistant is along for the ride
The Google Assistant is on board, often built into the remote control of a Google TV device – and is on hand for not only smart home commands but to help you find the content you want to watch with the new Google TV.
Just say, “Ok Google, what should I watch” to get a list of popular films and TV shows.
You can also ask Google’s voice assistant for sepcific recommendations based on genres, actors and the like, for example “Ok Google, Find comedies with Tom Hanks.”
And, if you’ve had enough TV, you can say, “Hey Google, show me my photos from last weekend” to kick start a slideshow on your TV.
The Google TV app
Previously known as Google Play Movies & TV, the Google TV app acts as a streaming command center on Android and iOS, allowing you to browse, purchase, and add to your Watchlist from any device.
The app syncs seamlessly with your Google TV device, and it can even act as a remote, which is handy if you lose the proper one.
Casting to Google TV
Casting allows you to stream content from your phone or computer to your TV. Many apps support casting, including popular streaming services, web browsers, and photo apps.
To cast, simply look for the cast icon in the app you’re using and select your Google TV device from the list that pops up.
That name rings a bell
If the Google TV branding sounds familiar that’s because it is.
Back in 2010 Google TV first went live but it was killed in favour of Android TV, five years later.
Another five years on and Google took us back to where we started… naming-wise at least; but the all-new Google TV has proved to be a hugely superior offering to the dumpster fire that was canned back in 2015.
Google TV’s resurgence isn’t just a return to an old name. It reflects a new, more user-centered approach that combines personalized content with advanced device integration.
With its expanding range of features, free channels, and compatibility across devices, Google TV has solidified itself as one of the most intuitive, versatile streaming platforms in the market.
Google TV FAQs
Google TV is available on a wide range of devices, including the Chromecast with Google TV, smart TVs from brands like Sony, TCL, Xiaomi, Hisense, and Vizio, as well as streaming sticks and boxes. It’s also available on Android and iOS devices through the Google TV app.
Yes. While Google TV first launched with the Chromecast, you don’t need a Chromecast to use the platform. Many smart TVs from brands like Sony and TCL now come with Google TV built-in, offering the same experience without an additional device.
Yes, Google Assistant is built into Google TV. You can use voice commands to search for content, control playback, adjust settings, or even manage your smart home devices, all without needing a separate smart speaker.
Google TV now offers access to over 800 free, ad-supported live TV channels, including local news, sports, and popular shows. This makes it a compelling choice for those looking for free content alongside their subscriptions.
Google TV is essentially a more user-friendly and personalized version of Android TV. It offers a streamlined interface with a focus on content discovery, personalized recommendations, and a unified search experience. While Android TV provides a more traditional app-based approach, Google TV prioritizes content and makes it easier to find what you want to watch.
It’s built on the Android TV platform, so you can access a wide range of apps from the Google Play Store. These include popular streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and many more. You can also find gaming apps, music apps, and other utility apps.
