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 now 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 Center 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 favorite topics in a new, visually rich interface, where Gemini responses will be supplemented with 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 so that they are understandable for the whole family.
Integration with Google Photos
Gemini will allow searching the Google Photos library by specific people or moments. Photos can be instantly styled using Photos Remix or turned into cinematic, immersive slide shows.
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 materials directly on the TV screen.
Controlling settings with natural language
Instead of wading through the settings menu, you can simply say, for example, “the screen is too dark” or “the dialogues are hard to hear.” Gemini will automatically adjust the picture and sound without interrupting the viewing of a movie or series.
Limitations and Requirements
Google notes that new features will first be available on selected TCL TVs. Other compatible devices with Google TV are expected to 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 not yet clear whether Google will expand availability to other markets along with the new features.
Another crucial requirement is Android 14 or newer. This means that most current devices will require a software update – this even applies to many models from 2025 that debuted with Android 12. Google has announced that more Google TV devices, including TCL TVs from the 2026 model year, will be sold with Android 14 pre-installed.
Xbox Game Pass on Google TV
In the end, good news for gamers – the Xbox Game Pass app will also come to Google TV later this year. Similar to other novelties, the launch will start with selected TCL models, and later the service is expected to be made more widely available. It appears that 2026 will be a significant step for Google TV towards a smarter, more contextual, and "conversational" television, where AI will become an integral part of daily screen usage.
