Google TV update brings AI-powered sports pages and content overviews
Google TV — the company’s TV interface that runs on the Android TV operating system — has been updated with several new features on supported devices, including the recently launched Google TV Streamer. The update comes just days after the Mountain View-based tech giant rolled out the security update for Chromecast with Google TV, which sees Google TV users see a new home panel that acts as a central hub for all compatible smart home devices. Additionally, the tech giant says it is using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the sports page and content feeds.
Google TV gets a new update
In a blog postThe tech giant on Monday gave a detailed look at the new features coming with the latest Google TV update. These features are currently rolling out and are expected to be available to all users within a few days.
Users will get a new home panel on their Google TV interface, with the latest update. This will act as the central hub for compatible smart home devices like lights, thermostats, cameras and more. Users will be able to control all devices via the remote control or via voice using Google Assistant. Additionally, users will also be able to see doorbell notifications on the smart TV, so users can see who’s visiting without having to get up from the couch.
Ambient screensaver, the backgrounds that appear when the TV screen is idle, is also getting an upgrade. Users can now create AI-generated designs and set them as a screensaver. Users can cycle through a series of suggested prompts or type a prompt to have the AI create a unique work of art. Users can also ask Google Assistant to pick their favorite memories from Google Photos and display them instead.
The new update also integrates AI capabilities in several ways. The For You tab now shows all sports content in one space, called Sports Page. With AI, Google TV makes it easier to find live and upcoming games, find sports commentary, or browse YouTube highlights. Users can also get personalized recommendations based on their viewing history.
In addition, the tech giant is using Gemini to provide improved listings of popular movies and shows. These new listings include full summaries, audience ratings, and season-by-season recaps to help users decide whether or not they like the content.
Last year, Google TV rolled out free built-in channels, allowing users to watch regionally available channels without having to download or subscribe to anything. The feature was called Google TV Freeplay, and is now being upgraded with a channel guide. It allows users to browse the daily schedule by genre and topic and find their favorite shows.
