Google TV continues to be my favorite hub for streaming and accessing my over-the-air TV channels.
Now that the Google TV Streamer is officially on sale and arriving in stores, some new additions and improvements are rolling out to all Google TV devices starting today.
On the Live TV tab, the Google TV Freeplay section is expanding. As of this morning, there are 157 free channels available with any Google TV hardware, which you can watch without needing to download an app or sign up for a subscription.
I’ve been browsing the channel lineup, and you’ll find iON Plus, NBC News Now, Dateline 24/7, Heartland, PBS Antiques Roadshow, Hallmark Movies & More, Midsomer Murders, Court TV, Paranormal Files, and dozens of others.
A couple of regional NBC news channels (for Los Angeles and Chicago) are also part of the mix.
If you’re already familiar with popular free ad-supported platforms like Pluto TV and Tubi, then Google TV Freeplay will feel familiar. You can find these channels by navigating to the left column of the Live TV tab.
If your Google TV device or Smart TV hasn’t received the update yet, the tab will simply read “Google TV.” To get the most out of both Google TV Freeplay and some of the aggregated channels within the Live tab, start building your Favorites list.
This feature allows you to create a customized channel lineup across Google TV Freeplay, channels from Pluto TV and Tubi, as well as live TV plans from Sling TV, Philo, and YouTube TV.
New Sports Page
Most of the time, I don’t scroll too far down on the For You tab. However, there are some gems now appearing at the bottom of the page—most notably, the new Sports page on Google TV, which aggregates highlights alongside live and upcoming games.
As I scrolled through the page, I noticed shows and sporting events being pulled from YouTube TV, Pluto TV, the ESPN app, and other sources. The second row, “Free live sports,” draws content from free streaming services, while the “Selected Live & Upcoming Games” row listed upcoming MLB and NFL games in my area, noting that I could watch them through my Sling TV subscription.
Other Upgrades and Changes
Google TV now offers enhanced overviews under the Top Movies and Shows section. Google is using its Gemini technology to power these overviews, which feature full summaries and audience reviews.
In addition, compatible smart home devices—including Nest thermostats, lights, and cameras—are now accessible through Google TV. You can even see who’s ringing your doorbell without needing to pause live TV or your favorite show on Netflix.
