This week, Google announced a new update for Google TV, which brings some new improvements and 14 new free streaming channels.
With this update that is rolling out now to streaming players, you will see an improved speed when browsing the home screen, more free space, and 14 new free channels.
Google has not announced when this update will hit each streaming player, but the updates will automatically roll out when they are ready over the next few weeks and months.
Here is what Google announced with this update:
Improved speed
We heard your feedback and have made updates to optimize your device’s memory usage. First, we optimized the way Google TV’s home screen loads recommendation rows and uses memory. Then, we simplified basic system apps so they run even lighter. As a result of using less memory, navigating your TV interface feels smoother, apps open faster, and your entertainment starts playing more quickly.
We didn’t stop there! Along with updates to memory usage, we also improved the response speed for many of the features on your home screen. This includes preloading rows of movies and shows before scrolling, optimizing the way tabs load, and ensuring results load more quickly when using search. With these updates, you’ll be able to find what to watch more quickly and smoothly.
Improved storage
Also as part of our continued effort to free up more storage space on your Google TV devices, we made changes to device setup to reduce the size of preinstalled apps you don’t use. This offers more room for the apps you do use on your device.
The best part is all of these memory, speed, and storage improvements are already rolling out to your devices!
Live TV updates
Back in April, we introduced the new and improved Live tab, featuring more than 800 free TV channels on Google TV in the U.S. To upgrade your free TV experience, we are bringing two new categories to the Live tab channel guide. The “Recents” category helps you quickly find your recently watched free TV channels, while the “Local news” category gives you easy access to the free news channels for your area. You’ll also see news channels in a new “Free live news & opinion” row on the For you tab, so you can jump in quickly.
We launched 14 new free channels from Google TV, including the Xumo Holiday Movie Channel, DraftKings, and Speedvision; so you now have access to over 115 built-in free channels with no additional download or subscription needed.
Closing out the year with holiday cheer
We’re wrapping up 2023 by bringing the holiday cheer straight to your living room. Open our interactive Advent calendar for a daily holiday surprise until December 25. Explore the “Holidays” category on the Live tab, filled with your favorite free holiday movie and music channels. And don’t miss our “Best of 2023” wrap-up, as we take a look back at the movies, shows, and music that defined the year.