At CES 2025, Google dropped some exciting news about its Google TV platform, rolling out a major update that incorporates the Gemini neural network. This upgrade is all about making the user experience way more intuitive and engaging. Set to launch later this year, it brings a bunch of new features that change the game for how users find content, manage smart home devices, and interact with their TVs—no need to say, “OK, Google” anymore. With Gemini, you can just chat naturally; for instance, you can ask, “What are the latest Disney movies?” or even something broader like, “What are the best places to visit in Asia in the summer?” Google TV will then fetch relevant results, including from YouTube, making it a go-to spot for entertainment and info. This update isn’t just about media; you can also control your smart home devices through Google TV, like checking a live feed from your video doorbell or dimming the lights, all with simple voice commands. Google had already rolled out similar features in the Google TV Streamer set-top box last year, and now they’re becoming standard on the TV platform. Plus, the hardware is getting a boost too. TVs running Google’s OS will now come with far-field microphones, so you can give voice commands from across the room without needing to grab the remote. This hands-free feature is a big step up in convenience, especially for those already using voice-activated tech at home.
In addition to integrating Google TV with Gemini, the company is equipping TVs running its operating system with far-field microphones
Google TVs are also getting proximity sensors that can tell when someone is close by. So, when you walk up to the screen, it’ll show you personalized widgets like the weather, news highlights, or your calendar events, making the idle screen way more interactive and useful.
AI Competition in the TV Market
The addition of AI assistants to smart TVs isn’t just a Google thing. At CES 2025, LG and Samsung revealed their plans to bring Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant into their TV lineup. Similar to how Google TV is integrating Gemini, Copilot aims to offer advanced voice commands and smart home management. This trend shows that major tech companies are in a race to transform the smart TV experience, using AI to provide more personalized, intelligent, and hands-free interactions. With these upgrades, Google TV is evolving beyond just a streaming service; it’s becoming a central hub for entertainment, information, and smart home control. The integration of the Gemini neural network ensures a smooth and intuitive user experience, while features like far-field microphones and proximity sensors improve usability. As competitors like LG and Samsung introduce their own AI features, the smart TV market is on the brink of a major transformation, giving consumers more ways to make their living spaces truly “smart.”
2025 is set to be a game-changing year for AI innovation in the TV industry, with Google’s Gemini-powered Google TV at the forefront.