Google has announced an update for all Google TV device users in the US, a report claims. The tech giant has reportedly made it mandatory for OEMs to include a new remote feature: a dedicated "Free TV" (or "Live TV") button for all Google TV devices in the US. This button will offer users instant access to over 150 free live channels directly from the home screen. Starting in April 2025, this button will be standard on the remotes of all new Google TV devices, the report adds. This change is expected to make it easier for users to access popular free ad-supported TV channels and enhance the overall viewing experience.
What Google said about adding Live TV button to all Google TV devices
In a statement to Android Authority, a Google spokesperson confirmed the change and stated that the company has “received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users” since launching Google TV Freeplay. He also noted that this new button “will provide a consistent experience with quick access for users.”
The Google spokesperson said: “Google TV gives users access to a wide range of free TV options, including local news, popular shows and movies. Since we launched free live TV options on Google TV, we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users, and this change will help provide a consistent experience with quick access at users’ fingertips.” – Google spokesperson.”
Google has also informed that in regions where its Freeplay experience isn’t available, the button can be reassigned to live guides. This flexibility is crucial, as Freeplay is exclusive to US Google TV users, and a universal mapping to Freeplay would make the button unnecessary elsewhere.
However, the company did not provide specifics on the required dimensions, colour, or placement for the “Free TV” or “Live TV” button. However, OEMs will still have the freedom to customize the remainder of the remote to suit their market needs. This means that while there may be variations in design among manufacturers, all Google TV remotes will now include at least one standardised button.
As per the report, Google claimed to have informed OEMs of this requirement early last year, giving them ample time to prepare. In 2023, Google started rolling out a "Live" tab on the remotes of some Google TV devices, providing users with access to a range of free ad-supported TV channels—including BBC Earth, Court TV, Hallmark Movies, Hell’s Kitchen, and others.
Last year, some devices introduced new remotes featuring a prominent "Free TV" button, as seen with Walmart’s Onn 4K Pro. However, this upgrade was absent from the company’s proprietary Google TV streaming device.
What Google said about adding Live TV button to all Google TV devices
In a statement to Android Authority, a Google spokesperson confirmed the change and stated that the company has “received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users” since launching Google TV Freeplay. He also noted that this new button “will provide a consistent experience with quick access for users.”
The Google spokesperson said: “Google TV gives users access to a wide range of free TV options, including local news, popular shows and movies. Since we launched free live TV options on Google TV, we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users, and this change will help provide a consistent experience with quick access at users’ fingertips.” – Google spokesperson.”
Google has also informed that in regions where its Freeplay experience isn’t available, the button can be reassigned to live guides. This flexibility is crucial, as Freeplay is exclusive to US Google TV users, and a universal mapping to Freeplay would make the button unnecessary elsewhere.
However, the company did not provide specifics on the required dimensions, colour, or placement for the “Free TV” or “Live TV” button. However, OEMs will still have the freedom to customize the remainder of the remote to suit their market needs. This means that while there may be variations in design among manufacturers, all Google TV remotes will now include at least one standardised button.
As per the report, Google claimed to have informed OEMs of this requirement early last year, giving them ample time to prepare. In 2023, Google started rolling out a "Live" tab on the remotes of some Google TV devices, providing users with access to a range of free ad-supported TV channels—including BBC Earth, Court TV, Hallmark Movies, Hell’s Kitchen, and others.
Last year, some devices introduced new remotes featuring a prominent "Free TV" button, as seen with Walmart’s Onn 4K Pro. However, this upgrade was absent from the company’s proprietary Google TV streaming device.
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