Google TV devices just received some interesting updates, including the newly released Google TV Streamer, which is available to all users now. With a refreshed home panel, you can now control all your smart home devices, including lights, cameras, and thermostats, right from your TV.
Doorbell notifications allow you to see who’s at the door without hitting pause. Plus, if you lose the remote (it happens), you can ask Google Assistant to take over.
Refresh your smart TV with the Google TV Streamer and AI Art
Google has officially launched its Google TV Streamer for $99.99 with Gemini technology. It’s a 4K media streaming device that replaces Chromecasts and allows you to watch movies and TV shows while also controlling compatible smart home devices.
Image: Google
Alongside its release, the Google TV operating system powering it and other devices is getting extra features. For one, you can now personalize your TV’s idle screen. Instead of leaving it blank, you can use an upgraded Ambient screensaver to create AI-generated art or display photos from Google Photos.
Describe what you want, and you’ll get a custom design, or, if you prefer something more nostalgic, you can ask Google Assistant to show your favorite photos on the screen. Instead of a static screen, your TV should display a beautiful version of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” or a slideshow of your family vacation photos.
Image: Google
Image: Google
There are now more art TVs from brands like Hisense and TCL, as well as smart projectors from Vankyo, Epson, and XGIMI. Art TVs are basically televisions that blend seamlessly into your home decor. They display artwork, photos, or other visuals when they’re not in use instead of just showing a blank screen, as aforementioned.
Also, the long-awaited Find My Remote feature is here. If you frequently misplace your TV remote, you’ll press a button on the back of the streamer for less than five seconds, causing the remote to beep. If you have a Google Assistant-supported device, you can simply ask it to find the remote, and it will chime. If you’re too comfortable to get up, you can also use the Google Home app to make the remote sound off, helping you find it without getting up.
Binge-watching just got better
With the Google TV updates, watching sports and shows has become easier. The updated sports page in the “For You” tab puts live games, commentary, and personalized recommendations all in one place.
Plus, Gemini provides a detailed breakdown of movies and shows. It helps you choose what to watch with full summaries and reviews. Then there’s Google TV Freeplay, which provides 150 free channels, including new ones like Heartland and The FBI Files, and an updated guide to browse by genre.
Google TV is also expanding to support users in more countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, reaching 270 million active devices worldwide. Now, many more people should get access to shows and movies that they love.
Image: Amazon
