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Google has unveiled a series of new features for its Google TV ecosystem, beginning with the launch of the Home Panel. This new feature, accessible via a Tile in Quick Settings, will allow users to manage their smart home devices, like lights, cameras, and thermostats, directly from their TV. Home Panel mirrors the Favorites tab found in the Google Home app, offering a comprehensive feed on the right side of the screen. Users can access live feeds from smart cameras, adjust lighting and climate settings, and manage routines for multiple devices.
Additionally, Google TV is rolling out a host of AI-powered tools to enhance the viewing experience. The Gemini-powered Overviews feature, which was first introduced for the Chromecast Streamer, is now being expanded across all devices. This AI-based tool provides detailed summaries of movies and TV shows, along with season-by-season breakdowns, reviews from both critics and viewers, and important content advisories. This feature is aimed at improving content discovery by giving users more context before they watch.
Another major update comes in the form of a customizable AI screensaver. By inputting a prompt, users can generate personalized artwork for their TV’s idle screen, making their device even more tailored to their tastes.
Google TV has launched a dedicated Sports page within the “For You” tab, tailored for sports enthusiasts. This page features live and upcoming games, as well as YouTube highlights and commentary from users’ favorite teams. The new update makes it easier than ever to keep track of live sporting events and get personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits.
The new Freeplay experience is also receiving an update for U.S. users. Google has expanded its offering to 150 free channels, all of which can be browsed through a revamped guide organized by genre and topic, giving users even more free content options.
With over 270 million monthly active devices worldwide, Google TV and Android TV continue to dominate as the leading streaming platforms globally. Google is continuing to push its technology into more form factors, with Google TV set to appear in projectors, smart monitors, and art TVs from manufacturers like Epson, Asus, and Hisense.
Finally, Google is planning to bring Google TV to new markets, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, further solidifying its global reach.