Google TV adds features no one really asked for

Our TVs are no longer simply 'lean-back-and-watch' machines. They're slowly turning into hubs for creativity and sovcial interaction.

Google's latest Google TV update, for example, is making this shift official, and it is doing so by weaving its AI models right into Google TV.

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Three new features are rolling out now

Posts By  Karandeep Singh Oberoi

The update brings models like Nano Banana and Veo directly to the OS to complement the existing Gemini features.

Here's what's new:

With Nano Banana now available on Google TV, you can start generating images on the big screen. Why would you want to do this? I'm not entirely sure. But the functionality is now there.

To get started, you'd need to visit the Gemini tab and select 'Create.'

Generate videos with Veo

With Veo and Geminig available on all the convenient screens, like your smartphone, tablet, and desktop, I'm not entirely sure why you'd want to use Veo to generate videos on your TV, but here we are. This could potentially be useful for a quick laugh on movie nights or when the whole family is sitting together, but that's about it.

Similar to Nano Banana, to get started, you'd need to visit the Gemini tab and select 'Create.'

Look for photos with your voice

Users will now be able to verbally ask Gemini on Google TV to find specific photos hidden in their Google Photos library. Simply bring up Gemini and say something like "Show me photos of last year's beach vacation," and Gemini will bring up a carousel of all relevant images.

Once you've found the image you were looking for, you can 'Remix' it directly on your TV. This allows you to transform the image into different styles, including 3D animation, Anime, Sketch, and Comic book.

Use your Google Photos library as your TV's scrensaver

When you aren't actively viewing content on your TV, it can automatically transform into a gallery of your best moments.

"Simply turn any Google Photos album into a dynamic slideshow to view your pictures in stunning collages and colors. To get started, visit your screensaver settings under “Quick Settings” and select Google Photos as the source."

YouTube Shorts, but on your Google TV's home screen

We've been asking to see fewer Shorts, but Google has the oppposite on its mind. It is now putting YouTube Shorts directly on or Google TV home screen.

The videos will appear in a new "Short videos for you" row right on the home page. The row will start rolling out to US Google TV users this summer.