Summary
- All new Google TV devices will soon have a dedicated button for accessing Free TV at the push of a button.
- The button will provide instant access to 150 ad-supported TV channels.
- OEMs were informed a year ago and will include the new button on the next generation of Google TV devices.
It’s about to get a lot easier to access free live-streaming television on
Google TV devices
. Users in the U.S. have had access to over 150 channels for a while now, but soon people will be able to access them at the push of a button.
Related
Google has mandated every new Google TV device will be required to ship with a dedicated button for launching Free TV or Live TV (via Android Authority). Google hopes to unify the experience across all third-party Google TV devices and make free live content easier to access.
A dedicated shortcut for Google TV Freeplay
Google’s Freeplay launched last year and gives instant access to 150 free, ad-supported TV (FAST) channels. These include BBC Earth, Court TV, some national news networks, and even Hallmark Movies. Users don’t need to install any third party apps, and there are no subscriptions required. These free streaming channels are currently only available in the United States, and are found in the “Live” tab on the Google TV home screen. However, a dedicated remote button would let users access them without having to navigate around their system.
OEMs were reportedly informed of the new requirement a year ago, in early 2024. This should have given them plenty of time to update their remote designs, so we expect to see the next generation of Google TV devices include the new button.
For regions where Freeplay isn’t available, Google says the button will instead link to live TV guides offered by OEM partners. These may require a subscription, but at least the button will still have some use.
A consistent feature for consumers
Google has been concentrating on positioning itself as a quality entertainment provider over the past year, with the
Google TV Streamer
(which ironically doesn’t have a “Free TV” button on its remote) replacing Chromecasts and Google TV taking over most of the Android TV devices out there. Google didn’t specify how the new button must look, so hardware makers can still tailor their remotes to match their brand.
This move should make
free live TV
more prominent for users. Expect to see this button popping up on new remotes soon.
