Gemini Arrives on Google TV: Here’s How to Get It
▼ Summary
– Gemini AI assistant is now being added to Google TV, starting with TCL’s new QM9K series and expanding to other devices later this year.
– It allows for free-flowing conversations to find shows based on specific details or vague descriptions, and can provide episode recaps.
– The assistant can also answer general knowledge questions and provide recipe ideas, with text responses read aloud and related YouTube video suggestions.
– Gemini on Google TV is activated by saying “Hey Google” or using the microphone button on the TV remote.
– Samsung and LG are also bringing Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant to their new smart TVs, marking increased competition in the TV AI assistant market.
The arrival of Gemini on Google TV marks a significant step in integrating advanced AI directly into our living rooms. This expansion follows Google’s recent decision to make Gemini free within the Chrome browser, and it begins its rollout on TCL’s newly launched QM9K series televisions. The plan is to extend this capability to other Google TV devices and streaming boxes throughout the rest of the year. While it handles familiar commands like playing a specific show, Gemini’s real potential lies in its ability to engage in free-flowing conversations. Imagine describing a show you can’t quite remember, “that crime drama with the female detective and the rainy city”, and having Gemini find it for you, or asking for a quick recap of the last few episodes you missed.
According to Google, you can use this conversational ability to get highly personalized TV recommendations. Simply tell Gemini the genre preferences for everyone in the room or ask what’s currently popular. Its functionality, however, stretches far beyond the television guide. By saying “Hey Google” or using the remote’s microphone button, you can pose a wide array of questions, from “why do volcanoes erupt?” to “what’s a dessert I can make in less than an hour?” The assistant will provide a spoken text response and may even suggest relevant YouTube videos to accompany the answer, creating a more interactive experience.
Beyond the initial launch on TCL’s latest models, Google has confirmed that Gemini will arrive on the Google TV Streamer 4K and the Walmart Onn 4K Pro later this year. Support is also scheduled for several 2025 television models from Hisense and TCL. This move positions Google in direct competition with other tech giants enhancing their TV platforms. Notably, both Samsung and LG announced at CES 2025 that they will be integrating Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant into their new smart TV models, setting the stage for a fascinating battle of AI assistants vying for control of our home entertainment systems.
(Source: The Verge)
