YouTubeTV app coming to NVIDIA Shield TV, Android TV software
NVIDIA Shield TV will be getting a dedicated YouTube TV app in the next few days.
Google announced on Monday its plans to roll out a YouTube TV app to a number of Smart TVs and other devices in the weeks ahead.
That’s some big news for fans of YouTube TV. For months the live streaming platform has only worked on Google Chromecast, Apple TV via AirPlay and mobile devices.
Back in September, I spent a couple of weeks trying out YouTube TV. I came away feeling it could be one of the best live streaming platforms out there. I actually used my Shield TV’s built-in Chromecast for YouTube TV, which worked great.
I’m hoping that a dedicated app for YouTube TV will be even better.
The menu on the mobile app is broken up into three tabs – home, live and library. Google says that streaming app for Android TV devices will have the same three-tab format. There will be some differences between the TV app and mobile app, too. You’ll be able to control live TV with your TV’s remote control or game controller.
The “Live” guide has been revamped for a larger screen, allowing you to get a glimpse of what’s about air soon.
Google is also promising a “background playback” feature, and another feature that sounds pretty neat. If you’re watching a show on your smartphone, you’ll be able to easily pick up from where you left off on your TV when you get home.
It works the other way too.
When you step away from your living room TV, you can take the show you’re streaming on the go, watching it on your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Is YouTube TV coming to Roku?
NVIDIA Shield TV won’t be alone in getting a new YouTube TV app. The Verge reported that Roku and Apple TV will be getting YouTube TV support in the coming weeks. All models of Xbox One consoles and Smart TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony and Apple TV will be getting a YouTube TV app in the next few days as well.
More improvements for Shield TV
Shield Software Upgrade 6.1 rolled out on Monday, bringing a few features and improvements. Fans of Logitech Harmony Hub are expected to have a better experience with pairing the remote over Bluetooth. Owners of Shield remotes with IR will be able to power their TVs on and off.
YouTube TV ramping up expansion
In case you missed it, Google also recently expanded TV device support by launching voice commands with Google Assistant.
Shield TV is already supporting hands-free voice commands. Google Assistant was added to Shield TV in late September as part of a software update.
So pretty soon, you’ll be able to say, “Ok Google, open YouTube TV” and start watching. Finding content on YouTube is already easier on Shield TV than any other streamer. Press the voice search button on your remote or just say “OK Google” and then ask what you want to see.
Try “Play The Tonight Show on YouTube” or “Play movie trailers on YouTube.” You can even do a voice search for YouTube content from any screen without pausing what you’re currently watching.
New customers can do a free trial of YouTube TV without any obligation. Subscribers get 40+ channels including AMC, ESPN, IFC and USA.
Jim Kimble is a seasoned industry expert with over two decades of journalism experience. He has been at the forefront of the cord-cutting movement since 2016, testing and writing about TV-related products and services. He founded The Cord Cutting Report in 2016.
Major publications, including MarketWatch, Forbes, and South Florida Sun Sentinel, have interviewed Kimble for his years of expertise. He gives advice on the complexities consumers are navigating with streaming options, and over-the-air TV. Kimble has been a staff writer or correspondent for several award-winning, daily newspapers, including The Boston Globe. You can follow Jim on LinkedIn, YouTube and at X at @james_kimble
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