Google's television platform is receiving significant enhancements that focus on smart home integration and streamlined setup processes. These updates represent Google's continued commitment to improving the user experience across its ecosystem of devices, even for older hardware.
Home Panel Feature Now Available for Older Devices
Google has quietly rolled out its Home Panel feature to older Google TV and Chromecast devices. This functionality, which was initially exclusive to the Google TV Streamer launched last year, is now reaching a wider audience after completing a public preview program. The update allows users to control their smart home devices directly from their television, bringing convenient management capabilities to existing hardware. Reports confirm that even discontinued Chromecast models and Google TV sets from manufacturers like Hisense are receiving the update.
Smart Home Control from Your TV Screen
The Home Panel provides a dedicated interface on the right side of your TV screen for controlling Google Home-compatible devices. This includes smart thermostats, video doorbells, security cameras, speakers, smart lights, and various other connected devices. Similar to competing platforms from Apple and Amazon, Google's implementation also supports smart home notifications, such as alerts when someone rings your Nest Doorbell, creating a more integrated smart home experience.
Google TV Home Panel Features:
- Control smart thermostats, video doorbells, security cameras, speakers, smart lights
- View smart home notifications (e.g., Nest Doorbell alerts)
- Available on older Google TV and Chromecast devices
- Requires same Google account for TV device and Google Home
- Not available on children's profiles
Activation Process
Users will see a setup prompt when powering on their device after receiving the latest software update. It's worth noting that the Home Panel will only appear if you have smart home devices already connected to your Google account. Additionally, the feature requires that the user account on the Google streaming device matches the account linked to Google Home. The functionality is not available on children's profiles, maintaining parental control over smart home access.
Faster Setup Experience Coming to New Devices
In a separate but related improvement, Google is streamlining the setup process for new Google TV devices. Android phones will soon automatically display a notification when initiating TV setup, eliminating the need to download a dedicated app. iPhone users will benefit from a QR code displayed on screen for quick scanning and connection.
New Setup Experience Requirements:
- Android devices: OS version 9.0 or higher
- iPhones: iOS 14 or higher
- Initial availability: Hisense 2025 U7 and U8 series TVs
- Wider rollout: All newer Google TV devices later in 2025
Improved App Installation
Google has enhanced the app installation process, though specific technical details are limited. The company indicates that these improvements allow users to start using your device sooner and worry less about running out of storage, suggesting optimizations in download size and installation speed. This addresses common frustrations with streaming device setup and management.
Smart Home Connection Enhancements
The updated setup process also promises faster connections to smart home devices. Google specifically mentions using Google Home speakers to pause the TV, search for movies or shows and control smart home devices, highlighting the improved integration between Google TV and the broader Google Home ecosystem.
Availability Timeline
The new setup experience will debut on Hisense's 2025 U7 and U8 series TVs before expanding to all newer Google TV devices later this year, including Walmart's Onn streamer. To take advantage of these features, Android devices must run OS version 9.0 or higher, while iPhones require iOS 14 or higher.
These updates demonstrate Google's commitment to enhancing the Google TV platform through software improvements, even for older hardware. By focusing on smart home integration and setup simplicity, Google is addressing key areas of user friction while keeping pace with competitors in the connected home space.