Google has initiated the rollout of its Gemini artificial intelligence model to the Google TV Streamer, succeeding the Google Assistant. The deployment, announced on Monday, is set to enable more natural voice interaction for users accessing content and information, according to the tech giant. This move is part of a broader strategy by Google to integrate Gemini across its device and platform ecosystem.
The integration facilitates advanced conversational queries for entertainment recommendations and content summarization. Google cited examples such as users requesting movie suggestions based on complex preferences, stating that queries like "I like dramas but my wife likes comedies. What's a movie we can watch together?" are now supported. Additionally, the system supports summarization, allowing users to ask, "What happened at the end of Outlander last season?" to catch up on a series. Google also indicated that users could inquire about trending content, for instance, "What's the new hospital drama everyone's talking about?"
Beyond entertainment-specific functions, Gemini for TV is designed to handle general knowledge queries, mirroring its capabilities on mobile platforms. Google stated that users could leverage the AI assistant for educational purposes, such as asking it to "Explain why volcanoes erupt to my third grader," or for practical guidance on DIY projects and recipes, which Gemini can facilitate through direct integration with YouTube video content. This expansion into broader utility marks a shift from the Google Assistant's more limited scope on TV platforms.
Access to Gemini on the Google TV Streamer is initiated by pressing the microphone button on the remote control. The company stated the update would be progressively rolled out "over the next few weeks" to users aged 18 and older. This phased approach is typical for major software updates across Google's device portfolio.
This specific rollout aligns with Google's overarching strategic objective to integrate the Gemini AI model across its diverse device ecosystem and digital platforms, ultimately phasing out the Google Assistant. The company previously announced at CES in January that Gemini would be arriving on Google TV in 2025. Preceding this, in September, Google detailed plans to introduce Gemini for Google TV to select TCL devices, with subsequent integration planned for 2025 Hisense U7, U8, and UX models, and 2025 TCL QM7K, QM8K, and X11K models. Gemini is also currently available on the Walmart Onn 4K Pro streaming device, indicating a multi-device deployment strategy for its advanced AI capabilities in the consumer electronics sector. The continued replacement of Google Assistant with Gemini across various products underscores the company's commitment to a unified and more powerful AI experience.
