Gemini Arrives on Google TV, But a Full Rollout Won’t Happen Until Later This Year
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By Rachel Kim, World-Today-News.com – November 16, 2023
Google has officially begun rolling out Gemini, its most advanced AI model, to Google TV devices – but don’t expect to be chatting with it on your TV just yet. The initial launch is limited to owners of the high-end TCL QM9K television, a premium model retailing for around $3,000.Wider availability for other devices isn’t expected until later this year.
This move signals Google’s commitment to strengthening its foothold in the competitive smart home market, and directly responds to similar AI integrations planned by rivals like Samsung and LG.
Limited Launch, Gradual Expansion
The TCL QM9K was chosen to debut Gemini due to its advanced capabilities, including presence detection which automatically turns the screen on. However, Google is taking a phased approach to the rollout.
users with the Google TV Streamer, Walmart Onn 4K Pro, and upcoming 2025 TCL (QM7K, QM8K, X11K) and hisense (U7, U8, UX) ranges will have to wait until later in the year to experience Gemini. Google cites the need for Android 14 and notable hardware requirements as reasons for the gradual deployment.
Related: Google Gemini Briefly Overtakes ChatGPT on the App Store
Beyond Voice Commands: A Conversational Leap
Gemini isn’t simply a replacement for Google Assistant with a new name. It represents a significant upgrade in functionality, offering a more natural and intuitive user experience.
Unlike the more rigid commands of its predecessor, Gemini allows for more conversational and nuanced requests. Instead of specific instructions, users can ask things like, “Find me something to watch with my wife. I like dramas, but she prefers light comedies.”
The AI can also provide summaries of past seasons of shows, answer general knowledge questions, offer recipe suggestions, and even leverage YouTube for tutorials. this transforms the television from a passive entertainment center into a versatile, interactive assistant.
google’s integration of Gemini into Google TV is a key step in modernizing its ecosystem. While currently limited to a select few, the potential for a more intelligent and responsive TV experience is clear. The question now is whether Gemini’s power and versatility will be enough to secure Google a lasting advantage in the increasingly crowded smart TV landscape, especially with competitors like Samsung and LG integrating Microsoft Copilot into their high-end models.
