Gemini Arrives Early on Google TV with New Voice Selection [Gallery]
▼ Summary
– Gemini is appearing on Google TV devices ahead of its official wider rollout, replacing Google Assistant with new features.
– The AI assistant is currently officially available only on the TCL QM9K series but has been spotted on a Sony Bravia TV, suggesting a broader debut may be near.
– Gemini’s setup process includes a disclaimer about AI unreliability, a data usage toggle, and a voice selection interface with 10 distinct options.
– The 10 Gemini voices on Google TV differ from those on mobile devices and instead match the voice list used on Google Nest speakers.
– This appears to be an early or unfinished release, as evidenced by outdated Gemini logos in the interface matching those in recent Google promotional videos.
Ahead of its anticipated broader release, Gemini has made an unexpected early appearance on certain Google TV devices, giving users a sneak peek at its setup process and voice selection options. This advanced AI assistant is poised to replace Google Assistant on the platform, bringing a suite of new capabilities. While officially slated for a wider rollout later this year on Android 14 devices, it has so far been confirmed only on the high-end TCL QM9K series. However, a recent sighting on a Sony Bravia model suggests the expansion may be accelerating sooner than expected.
The user who encountered Gemini on their Sony television shared screenshots detailing the initial setup. This includes an explanation of how Gemini differs from the previous Assistant, a notice about the potential for inaccurate responses from generative AI, an option to permit the use of personal data, and a prominent interface for selecting a voice. Google TV users can choose from ten distinct Gemini voices, a number that aligns with the mobile version, though the specific names and descriptions differ.
The available voice options on Google TV currently include:
Bloom: Calm, mid-range
For comparison, the voice roster on Android mobile devices lists Nova, which shares similar tonal qualities.
Interestingly, Google TV doesn’t use the same voice set as Android phones. Instead, it aligns with the voices available on Google Nest smart speakers. Google refreshed the mobile voice lineup in September 2024, following an update to the speaker voices a month earlier. This creates a more unified sound experience across televisions and smart speakers, an intentional step as more Google TV models now support built-in “Hey Google” functionality.
As of now, the Sony Bravia report remains the only confirmed case of Gemini appearing on a non-TCL Google TV. The user who uncovered it has a history of spotting early features on Samsung devices, though no special modifications were made to this TV.
Some signs suggest this might be an unfinished rollout: the Gemini logos on the voice selection screen still display an older design that hasn’t been updated to match Google’s current branding. A recent promotional video from Google also featured this outdated logo, reinforcing the idea that the feature is still in testing.
If Gemini has appeared on your Google TV, sharing your model details could help map how quickly the new AI assistant is making its way across devices.
(Source: 9to5 Google)
