Google has announced new features for Google TV and Chromecast-enabled televisions. The good news is that you don’t have to buy a new Google TV Streamer to take advantage of these features. The updates are rolling out to existing Google TV devices.
While our review of the Google TV Streamer is still worth reading if you’re on the fence about buying Google’s latest set-top box, we can tell you right now that it’s not necessary to use the new features. That’s good news for owners of older devices, such as a TV with Google TV on it, a Chromecast with Google TV or other hardware that already runs Google’s streaming platform. Below, we’ll list the new features for you.
Handy smart home panel
First, it will soon be easier to control your smart home devices via a new panel visible in the Quick Settings menu. This will allow you to, for example, turn your lights on or off, dim them or make them brighter. You can also activate automations, such as a morning or evening routine. This will, for example, automatically adjust your smart thermostat, so you can leave your home comfortable without having to do anything.
And if you’re interrupted by the doorbell during a Netflix session, you can see who’s at your door in real time — that is, if you have a Google Nest doorbell. Smart doorbells from other brands should also be able to receive notifications, according to Google.
New sports page
In addition to new options to operate your smart home from the couch, there is also (ironically) more attention for sports. Within the tab “For you” you will soon find a new sports page. Google promises to collect as much content from different services as possible, although it is not yet clear which ones exactly or how much supply there will be. It is clear that Google also wants to increase its presence in the field of sports.
New AI features
Of course, AI features are a must. You might wonder: do these features run on the device itself? No, these days it all happens in the cloud. Although the AI-based features are advanced, they are supported in this way by hardware that can be five years old. For example, your TV will combine summaries, reviews and other information to help you choose something fun to watch.
Additionally, you can set a unique screensaver using generative AI. For example, describe ‘azure waves with a white beach’ and you’ll have a beautiful color theme in your home. Want something different? Then of course you can also generate other art.
Future of TV viewing
During the announcement, Google said its streaming platform is used by about 270 million devices per month worldwide, and the company plans to expand the platform to more countries and devices, such as smart monitors, projectors and “art TVs.”
It is clear that Google has tapped into a market with great potential. This development is reminiscent of the automotive industry, where manufacturers often opt for third-party software rather than investing in software development themselves. With ongoing lawsuits in the United States over alleged abuse of power, Google will likely have to be on its toes to avoid being convicted of a monopoly again, this time in the field of television viewing.
Release date
The new updates will be rolling out to all Google TV devices via a software update over the next few weeks. This should happen automatically, so you won’t need to free up space or anything like you would with iOS 18 updates. You may also want to wait a few weeks for the update to roll out so Google can iron out any kinks.
Also check out our review of the Google TV Streamer.
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Source: www.bright.nl
