Katarzyna Petru
During CES 2026, Google showcased new features that will be coming to devices with Google TV in the coming months. A key element of the update will be deeper integration with Gemini, which is Google's AI model.
Google TV is currently used in televisions from brands such as Hisense, TCL, Sony, Philips, and Sharp, as well as in media players, including Chromecast, ChooseTV Streamer, and Xiaomi boxes.
Gemini at the centre of the Google TV experience
In 2026 – on more efficient hardware – Google TV will receive a range of new features. Google describes them as follows:
A new, visual way to explore content
Users will be able to discover their favourite topics in a new, visually rich interface, where Gemini responses will be complemented by images, videos, and up-to-date sports information. For more complex issues, there will be so-called Deep dives – narrative, interactive overviews of the topic, simplified to be understandable for the whole family.
Integration with Google Photos
Gemini will allow users to search their Google Photos library by specific people or moments. Photos can be quickly styled using Photos Remix or transformed into cinematic, immersive slideshow showcases.
Creating and processing content on TV
With the Nano Banana and Veo tools, users will be able to edit their own photos or create entirely new content directly on the television screen.
Controlling settings with natural language
Instead of navigating through the settings menu, you can simply say things like “the screen is too dark” or “the dialogue is hard to hear.” Gemini will automatically adjust the picture and sound without interrupting your movie or TV show.
Limitations and Requirements
Google notes that the new features will first arrive on selected TCL televisions. Other compatible devices with Google TV will receive updates in the "coming months," but only in selected countries and languages. As of now, Gemini for TV is officially supported only in the USA and Canada. It is still unclear whether Google will expand availability to other markets along with the new features.
Another significant requirement is Android 14 or newer. This means that most current devices will require a software update – this applies even to many models from 2025 that debuted with Android 12. Google has announced that more Google TV devices, including TCL televisions from the 2026 model year, will be sold with Android 14 pre-installed.
Xbox Game Pass on Google TV
Finally, good news for gamers – the Xbox Game Pass app will also be available on Google TV later this year. Like other new features, the launch will begin with selected TCL models, and then the service is expected to be rolled out more widely. It looks like 2026 will be a significant year for Google TV, marking a big step towards a more intelligent, contextual, and "conversational" television, where AI will become an integral part of everyday screen usage.
