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Google rebrands FAST service to Freeplay on Google TV devices

Google TV streamers will also see content recommendations from The Roku Channel if they have that app installed.

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Matthew Keys
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The new user interface of devices running Google TV includes a "Free TV Channels" shortcut and rounded app buttons. (Screen capture by The Desk)
The “Free TV Channels” icon will change to “Freeplay” on Google TV devices over the next few weeks; some have already received an update that sports the new name of the FAST service. (Screen capture by The Desk)

Google is rebranding its free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platform on its Android TV-powered devices with the Google TV interface.

Starting this week, Google TV users will see the “Free TV Channels” icon on their home screen rebranded to “Freeplay,” which offers around 150 content streams powered by Xumo Enterprise.

Some Google TV devices like the Chromecast with Google TV have already received an update that includes the new name for the FAST service, while others will see the change over the next few weeks.

In addition to the Freeplay change, Google TV is also debuting content recommendations from The Roku Channel when users download and install the app from the Google Play Store. The Roku Channel offers thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows for free, as well as hundreds of linear content streams, matching those found on Roku’s own hardware.

Google is in the process of winding down sales of its Chromecast with Google TV streaming dongles in favor of a new device called the Google TV Streamer, a $100 set-top box that will hit store shelves later this month.

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Android TVGoogleGoogle FreeplayGoogle TVRokuThe Roku Channel
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About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is the award-winning founder and editor of TheDesk.net, an authoritative voice on broadcast and streaming TV, media and tech. With over ten years of experience, he's a recognized expert in broadcast, streaming, and digital media, with work featured in publications such as StreamTV Insider and Digital Content Next, and past roles at Thomson Reuters and Disney-ABC Television Group.
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