Google TV Evolves: New Features and Ad Opportunities on the Horizon
Google TV, the tech giant's smart TV platform, is set for significant updates that will enhance user experience and expand advertising capabilities. Here's what's coming:
Find My Remote: No More Lost Controllers
One of the most anticipated features is the Find My Remote function, which will help users locate misplaced TV remotes. Initially spotted on Walmart's Onn Google TV 4K Pro streaming box, this feature is now confirmed to be part of the broader Google TV platform update.
Key points:
- Triggers a beep and LED flash on compatible remotes
- Works within a 30-foot range
- Will be available on select Google TV devices running Android 14
While this feature promises to solve a common household frustration, it's worth noting that not all existing remotes may be compatible without a firmware update.
Picture-in-Picture: Limited but Promising
Google TV is finally introducing picture-in-picture (PiP) mode, a feature long available on Android smartphones. However, there are significant limitations:
- Only available on select TV models with powerful enough hardware
- Restricted to specific app categories: communication, smart home, health, and ticker
- Popular streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube are currently excluded
This selective implementation may disappoint some users hoping for a more comprehensive PiP experience across all apps.
Expanded Advertising Opportunities
Google is also enhancing its advertising offerings on the platform:
- Access to 20 million active Google TV and Android TV viewers
- New ad formats including non-skippable and six-second bumper ads
- Integration with Google Ads and Google Display & Video 360 for easier campaign management
For advertisers, this presents new opportunities to reach audiences, especially given that viewers spend an average of 75 minutes per day watching ad-supported content on these platforms.
Looking Ahead
As Google TV continues to evolve, these updates signal a focus on both user experience and monetization. While features like Find My Remote address common pain points, the limited rollout of PiP and increased ad presence may receive mixed reactions from users.
It remains to be seen how Google will balance these new features and advertising opportunities with user preferences in future updates. As always, the success of these changes will ultimately depend on user adoption and satisfaction.
Update: Friday June 28
Google TV has significantly expanded its free, ad-supported television (FAST) channel lineup, now offering over 130 built-in options. The latest update in June 2024 added 10 new channels, covering diverse interests from westerns to finance news. These channels are seamlessly integrated into the platform's Live tab, requiring no additional apps or accounts. This expansion aligns with Google's new advertising network for Google TV, potentially strengthening its position as a comprehensive entertainment hub and expanding revenue streams through the growing FAST channel market.
Update: Tuesday July 23 19:20
Google TV has significantly expanded its free, ad-supported television (FAST) channel lineup, now offering over 130 built-in options. The latest update in June 2024 added 10 new channels, covering diverse interests from westerns to finance news. These channels are seamlessly integrated into the platform's Live tab, requiring no additional apps or accounts. This expansion aligns with Google's new advertising network for Google TV, potentially strengthening its position as a comprehensive entertainment hub and expanding revenue streams through the growing FAST channel market. Additionally, Google is removing the ability to directly purchase or rent movies and TV shows through Google TV devices, Android TV devices, or the Google TV mobile app. All video purchases and rentals will now be handled exclusively through the YouTube app or website, while previously purchased content will remain accessible on Google TV platforms.