Google TV has announced the expansion of its free streaming line-up to over 800 live channels, including content from popular platforms such as Tubi, Plex, and Haystack News. These channels will be integrated into a redesigned “live TV” tab, alongside existing channels from Pluto TV, which Google TV integrated in December 2021.
Google TV, which is a smart TV operating system that powers Chromecast devices and various TVs, enables users to browse and watch the free channels from various providers in one “easy-to-use guide”. Channels from news broadcasters including NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox, as well as programming in over 10 languages, such as Spanish, Hindi, and Japanese, are available to users.
Users can access the service at no additional cost as it is built into select television and streaming devices. The Google TV mobile app can also be downloaded free of charge from the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store.
The new TV guide and free channels will be available on all Google TV devices in the US, including Chromecast with Google TV and TVs with Google TV built-in from Sony, TCL, Hisense, and Philips. The company also plans to bring the service to eligible Android TV devices later in the year.
Users can also save their favourite channels and programmes to the top of their guide for quick and easy access. Those with a premium live television subscription from YouTube TV or Sling TV, or access to over-the-air channels, can use the live TV tab to gain access to those channels, too.
In February, Google TV redesigned its interface, specifically its home screen, to allow users to move movies and shows from the main navigation bar into the “for you” tab.