Google TV can be seen as a Pixel version of Android TV running on specific hardware. At present, it can access a large number of video content including Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max and other streaming media. Although it provides a 1-month free trial, most of the resources require pre-subscription.
However, Google TV, a smart TV platform, has begun to provide free live content, and Google also plans to provide the same service on Chromecast and other Google TV devices as early as this fall. Of course, this is not the first time in this market. For example, Samsung’s TV Plus has been expanding to more countries and devices, advertising billions of minutes of free linear content. The success of this strategy has inspired other companies such as Roku and Vizio to do the same, and Google seems to be joining this trend soon.
According to Protocol sources, Google has been negotiating with companies that provide free, ad-supported streaming TV channels (also known as FAST). In fact, these content options may be launched on Google TV later this fall, but Google may be postponed to early 2022 to match the product cycle of its partners. In addition to its own Chromecast, Google TV can also be used on selected TVs from Sony, TCL and other companies.
According to the report, the experience will try to imitate the look and feel of traditional TV networks, using advertisements as commercial breaks and adding screen graphics. These channels will be added to Google TV’s Live TV tab, which is currently only used by YouTube TV and recently Sling. On smart TVs, wireless programs can also be played through the TV antenna.
