The Desk appreciates the support of readers who purchase products or services through links on our website. Learn more...

Google TV

Google TV is a streaming interface powered by Google-backed Android TV for smart televisions. Google TV is offered on Internet-connected TV sets made by Hisense, Philips, Sceptre, Sony, TCL and other companies.

The Google TV streamer brings Android TV to ordinary television sets, coupled with a smart home hub. (Courtesy image)

Google starts integrating smart assistant Gemini into Google TV Streamer box

Google is bringing its Gemini smart assistant to the Google TV Streamer this week.

FIRST TO REPORT
DIRECTV Hospitality stock image

DIRECTV, Google partner on next-generation hospitality solutions

The platform will allow hotel guests to watch live TV from DIRECTV and access an expanded assortment of streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, Disney Plus and Apple TV Plus.

The Chromecast with Google TV HD looks the same as the flagship Chromecast with Google TV, but has fewer internal bells and whistles. (Courtesy image, Graphic by The Desk)

Google believes smart TVs are ready for deeper AI integration

Gemini is coming to some Google TV-powered devices this year before rolling out more broadly in 2026.

EXCLUSIVE
TCL MiniLED TV with Google Gemini

TCL brings Google Gemini to new models of smart TVs

TCL and Google are hoping the integration of Gemini will convince streamers to leave their smart TVs on throughout the day.

The Google logo appears on the side of a building in Mountain View, California. (Photo by Lee-Sean Huang)

Google cuts team working on Android TV

Google is eliminating some positions within its product management teams focused on Android TV and Google TV, according to a report.

Various models of Google's Chromecast devices. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Google working on issue affecting Chromecast devices

Officials at Google say they are aware of a problem that is preventing some customers with older-model Chromecast devices from using them.

The Chromecast with Google TV HD looks the same as the flagship Chromecast with Google TV, but has fewer internal bells and whistles.

Google stops selling Chromecast TV dongle

Google has made good on its promise to move on from its line-up of Chromecast with Google TV dongles.

Xumo to monetize Google TV Freeplay content streams

Xumo will sell ad inventory within Google TV Freeplay, allowing marketers to run campaigns alongside that platform and its own Xumo-branded products.

The streaming service Max featured on a VIDAA-powered smart TV. (Courtesy image)

Study: Most prefer single streaming ecosystem

Around one-third of consumers are planning to buy a new smart TV within the next six months — and they're revealing which features will influence their purchases.

DATA
The new user interface of devices running Google TV includes a "Free TV Channels" shortcut and rounded app buttons. (Screen capture by The Desk)

Android TV on 270 million active devices worldwide, Google says

The number represents an 80 percent increase in active Android TV devices on the market since last year.

(Stock image via Pixabay, Graphic by The Desk)

Google TV to aggregate sports streams through “Live” tab

Professional and college sports airing through apps like ESPN Plus, YouTube TV and Sling TV will be recommended through the content menu.

(Image courtesy Google, Graphic by The Desk)

Google rebrands FAST service to Freeplay on Google TV devices

In addition to the FAST rebrand, Google TV users will soon get content recommendations from The Roku Channel if the app is installed on their device.

123…5Next
TheDesk.net is free to read — please help keep it that way.We rely on advertising revenue to support our original journalism and analysis. Please disable your ad-blocking technology to continue enjoying our content. Read more...