Google has announced a series of new features for its Google TV platform, incorporating Gemini AI capabilities and integrating YouTube Shorts. The updates, revealed over several announcements including at CES 2026, are being rolled out in phases, beginning with select TCL television models in the United States.
AI-Powered Query and Information Features
Google TV is introducing three new types of AI-assisted responses to user queries:
- Richer Visual Help: When users ask questions, Gemini can now provide visual responses. For example, queries about sports scores will display live scorecards and viewing options, while recipe searches can include relevant video tutorials.
- Visual Deep Dives: This feature allows users to explore complex topics—such as economic trends or scientific phenomena—through narrated, interactive walkthroughs. Users can activate this by selecting a "Dive deeper" option after a search or through the "Learn" option in the Gemini tab, and can ask follow-up questions.
- Gemini-powered Sports Briefs: Similar to existing news briefs, these provide narrated overviews of current events in supported sports leagues, including the NBA, NCAA basketball, NHL, MLS, and NWSL.
Key takeaway: Google TV’s new AI features allow users to ask questions and receive rich visual responses, including live sports scorecards, recipe tutorials, and deep-dive walkthroughs on complex topics.
Creation and Editing Tools
Google has introduced several generative AI tools for content creation directly on the TV:
- Nano Banana: An image-generation and editing model that allows users to modify photos via voice commands, such as changing backgrounds or applying artistic styles.
- Veo: A tool for creating short video clips from text descriptions or animating still images.
- Remix Feature: Allows users to apply artistic styles (e.g., watercolor, oil painting) to photos.
- Dynamic Slideshows: Creates animated slideshows from Google Photos collections, which can be used as a TV screensaver. This can be enabled via Quick Settings > Screensaver settings.
Google Photos Integration
New features enhance the use of Google Photos on Google TV:
- Enhanced Search: Users can use natural language queries to find specific memories in their Google Photos library, such as "vacation photos."
- On-TV Image Editing: The Remix and Nano Banana tools allow users to edit images directly on the television screen.
Settings Control via Voice
A new update enables users to adjust TV settings using conversational voice commands. This feature, initially exclusive to select TCL models in the US, allows users to control parameters such as brightness, contrast, volume, and sound modes. Users can also describe an issue (e.g., "The screen is too dark"), and Gemini will adjust the settings accordingly. The feature requires Android 14 or higher.
YouTube Shorts Integration
A new "Short videos for you" row will appear on the Google TV home screen, initially featuring a personalized feed of YouTube Shorts. Google has indicated potential expansion to other short-form video platforms in the future.
Availability and Supported Devices
The rollout of these features is occurring in stages:
- Initial US Launch: Several features are currently rolling out in the US. The AI creation tools (Nano Banana, Veo), Google Photos search, Remix, and Dynamic Slideshows are initially available on Gemini-enabled TCL televisions.
- Supported TCL Models (US): The settings voice control feature is available on select 2025 and 2026 TCL models, including: QM9K, QM7L, RM7L, X11L, QM9L, QM8L, and RM9L. The exclusive period for TCL is at least 60 days, after which other brands may receive the update.
- Broader Rollout: Broader device support for various features is planned for later in the spring.
- International Expansion: International expansion is scheduled for 2026, beginning with Australia, New Zealand, and the UK in the coming months. The richer visual help feature is currently rolling out in the US and Canada.
- YouTube Shorts: The YouTube Shorts feed is scheduled to start in the US in Summer 2025.
Background
Gemini was initially launched on Google TV in September 2025 as a limited release for select TCL televisions. Since then, its availability has expanded to include features such as natural language adjustments to settings and voice-activated searches within Google Photos.
Potential Implications for Apple TV
Apple has indicated plans to incorporate a version of Google Gemini into its forthcoming AI features, including an updated Siri. The next generation of Apple TV is anticipated to feature an A17 Pro chip, which is compatible with Apple Intelligence. Given these developments, similar AI functionalities to those announced for Google TV could potentially be implemented on a future Apple TV device. The updated Apple TV and the enhanced Siri are projected for a spring 2026 release.