Google is bringing a version of its Live TV tab on Google TV-powered devices to streamers outside the United States for the first time.
This week, the “Live” tab popped up on some devices operating the Google TV variant of Android TV in Germany, with dozens of streaming channels aggregated from Joyn and Zattoo.
While the Live tab was initially limited to YouTube TV in the United States (it has since expanded to incorporate other services, including free ones), Germans won’t have to pay anything to watch many of the channels offered through the Live tab on devices there. Many of the channels are streaming versions of free-to-air networks in Germany, including Das Erste, ZDF, ProSieben and RTL, among others.
Robert Andrä, the partnership manager for Google TV, Media and Entertainment in Europe, the Middle East and Africa said channels offered through the Live tab will also be searchable across other parts of the Google TV experience.
“Through search, recommendations and fast and intuitive navigation, the range of programs are accessible in their entirety,” Andrä said, according to a translation of his statement provided to The Desk. “There is something for everyone in the dozens of channels that users can now access free of charge, from news to blockbuster films and reality shows.”
As viewers stream more content, Google TV learns from their habits, and offers up more-personalized recommendations of other shows, movies, documentaries and channels they might like.
The “Live” tab is rolling out on supported Google TV-powered devices in Germany this week, including TV sets made by Sony, Philips, Hisense and TCL as well as the streaming dongle Chromecast with Google TV.
