Katarzyna Petru
Google Assistant is being phased out, making way for Gemini – a new era of AI on the big screen. Google has officially started rolling out Gemini – its AI-powered smart assistant – on televisions with Google TV. The first manufacturer to offer this feature is TCL, and in the coming weeks, the update will also reach other brands and devices, including Google TV Streamer.
For now, Gemini supports only English (USA, Canada) and French (Canada). To check if the update is available, simply go to:
Settings → Accounts and profiles → Voice Assistant.
New battleground for AI assistants
The competition is heating up. Gemini on Google TVs will now compete with Amazon Alexa+, the new Bixby from Samsung and the refreshed Siri from Apple.
As Shalini GovilPai, vice president of Google TV, says:
“Everything you could do with Google Assistant still works. But Gemini takes it a step further – it allows for casual conversations with your TV. You can ask for movie recommendations, plan a family trip, and even solve difficult homework. Just say Hey Google or press the microphone button on the remote.”
What can Gemini do on Google TV?
The new assistant is meant to be more natural and contextual. Here are examples of commands:
Situation | Sample command | What Gemini will do |
|---|---|---|
For a couple | “Find me something to watch with my wife. I like dramas, but she likes lighthearted comedies.” | It will suggest movies and series that both people will enjoy. |
For forgetful individuals | “What happened in the last season of Outlander?” | It will quickly remind the key events from the previous season. |
For those who only remember snippets | “What’s the new hospital drama everyone’s talking about?” | It will respond with the title and suggestions, e.g., “The Pitt”. |
Additionally, it can answer general questions, provide weather forecasts, or offer cooking advice. You can also ask follow-up questions, e.g., about movie reviews or ratings on services.
Which devices does Gemini operate on?
The first updates have reached TCL QM9K, the latest flagship series from 2025. By the end of the year, Gemini will also be available on:
Google TV Streamer
Walmart onn. 4K Pro
Hisense U7, U8, UX (2025)
TCL QM7K, QM8K, X11K (2025)
Google announces that soon Gemini features will reach even more devices – and this is just the beginning of changes for over 300 million active users of Google TV and Android TV worldwide.
Google is taking another step towards integrating artificial intelligence with everyday use of televisions. Gemini is not just a new voice assistant – it's a full-fledged conversation partner in the living room. Will it really replace the classic Google Assistant? Time will tell – but it seems that the smart TV has just become truly smart.
