Last month it was Google TV Streamer announced As a replacement for the Chromecast line and it It hits stores today for $100. As part of this, Google is bringing TV Streamer features like a smart home panel and AI from Hisense and others to Google TVs.
The main feature is the previously announced home panel, which is now coming to Google TVs. You can see and control all compatible smart home devices (lights, thermostats, cameras, etc.) directly on your TV with your voice or Google Assistant. New doorbell notifications also show you who’s at the front door without stopping the app.
Google also announced a few new features that we haven’t seen yet. If you want to use your TV as a picture frame, the Ambient screensaver displays Google photos and even lets you create AI-generated designs through a series of prompts. The latter is a pretty new feature if you don’t mind looking spiritless machine generated art.
Speaking of AI, Google is adding “enhanced” AI reviews (above) created by Gemini for popular movies and series on streaming services like HBO. “These reviews include full summaries, audience reviews, and season-by-season breakdowns” to help you pick a show, Google said.
Other new features include a new sports page that brings together games, YouTube highlights, commentary and more under the “For You” tab. Google has also added a guide to its live TV Freeplay service (previously soft-launched) so you can better watch its 150 or so free channels. The new features will be available today on Google TV Streamer and smart Google TVs from Hisense and TCL, or Epson and XGIMI projectors.
