Google TV is the newest version of Google’s smart TV platform, previously known as Android TV. In some ways, the move to Google TV is simply rebranding, since the underlying Android software is still what makes everything work.
It swiftly morphed into Google Play Movies & TV after its integration with Google Play in 2012. The interesting thing about today’s Google TV is that it isn’t strictly a smart platform – at least, not by itself.
What is Android TV Smart TV?
It’s smarter and meant to optimise the existing Android TV experience so that’s it’s more intuitive and useful. For more about Android TV, specifically, see our guide here.
What is Google TV and how does it work?
Based on what you watch, Google TV helps you discover what to enjoy next. Find whatever you’re looking for. Ask Google to quickly search for content across apps and services. It’s easy to find everything from jungle escapades to intergalactic comedies. Start watching right away or save the fun for later. Curate all your movie nights.
How does Google TV work?
The interface is divided into multiple tabs allowing users to browse by movies, shows, apps, and purchased content. Google TV’s focus is to ensure that users never have to venture into apps to watch their preferred content.
While Google TV isn’t the only platform that allows you to download apps, it has—in my opinion—the best choices. It provides you with the ability to install media center software, a podcatcher, RSS feed readers, and a whole lot more. You also get a pretty decent version of Google Chrome on your television.
What is the new Google TV app?
The Google Play Movies and TV app updated on 30 September 2020, and it has been rebranded as the Google TV app. It lets you browse for something to watch, buy or rent movies and TV shows, and manage your Watchlist.
While we were writing we ran into the query “What is the difference between Android TV and Google TV?”.
Throughout 2021 and beyond, Google TV will be the primary interface for TV manufacturers that opted for Android TV, which was also developed by Google for use on TVs, media players, set-top boxes, and more. Google TV is essentially a re-skin of Android TV at its core with added features and will be used by Google going forward.
The Google TV app is available on Android devices in most countries and regions except Aruba, Brazil, New Zealand, South Africa, and South Korea. The Google TV app is a new version of the Google Play Movies & TV app. If you turned on automatic app updates, you may already have the Google TV app.
How do I watch movies and TV shows on Google TV?
You can watch movies and shows in the Google TV app on Android in select countries and regions. On your phone, open Google TV. Tap Library. You can watch movies and shows in the Google Play Movies & TV app on Android and i. OS in select countries and regions.
Combined with the improved analytics that Google has added, Google TV will be able to suggest new shows and movies based on what you have watched previously across all your streaming subscriptions. Google intends that this will translate into a better viewing and discovering experience.
You can also buy or rent movies and shows. The Google TV app is available on Android devices in most countries and regions except Aruba, Brazil, New Zealand, South Africa, and South Korea. The Google TV app is a new version of the Google Play Movies & TV app.