Google TV: New features coming in 2026

At CES 2026, Google has announced new features coming to Google TV devices in the coming months, with a strong emphasis on Gemini integration.

Google's TV operating system is used across TVs from Hisense, TCL, Sony, Philips, Sharp and other brands as well as in media players such as Chromecast, Google TV Streamer and Xiaomi boxes.

In 2026, some of the more capable hardware will receive the following features, in Google's own words:
Explore your favorite topics through a new visually rich framework that adapts Gemini’s responses to your queries with imagery, videos, and real-time sports updates. For complex topics, "Deep dives" provide narrated, interactive overviews simplified for the whole family.
Use Gemini to search your Google Photos library for specific people or moments. Instantly apply artistic styles with Photos Remix or transform memories into cinematic immersive slideshows.
Use Nano Banana and Veo to reimagine your personal photos or create original media directly on your TV.
Skip complicated settings menus by using natural language to optimize your settings. Simply tell Gemini "the screen is too dim" or "the dialogue is lost" to adjust your picture and sound without leaving your movie or show.

The small print
Google said that the new features will roll out first to select TCL devices, with other compatible Google TV devices receiving them over the "coming months", but only in certain countries and languages.

Gemini for TV is currently supported only in the US and Canada, so it remains to be seen if Google will expand availability at the same time.

The company noted that Google TV devices must run Android 14 or later. As a result, most existing devices will require a firmware update first, even many 2025 models, which were launched with Android 12.

 Also read: Android 14 for TV brings improved performance, Energy modes, home hubs

More Google TV devices, including TCL's 2026 models, will come with Android 14 preinstalled this year.

The Xbox Game Pass app is also coming to Google TVs this year, again starting with TCL.