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Android TV to Make Free Google TV Channels Easier to Find

In May, Google TV incorporated more than 800 free streaming channels, and now Android TV users should have a much easier time accessing them.

David Satin
David covers the biggest news stories, live events, premieres, and informational pieces for The Streamable. Before joining TS, he wrote extensively for Screen Rant and has years of experience writing about the entertainment and streaming industries. He's a Broncos fan, streams on his Toshiba Fire TV, and his favorites include "Andor," "Rings of Power," and "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds."
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David Satin

It can be hard to know if the streaming device you’re using is operating on Android TV or Google TV. After all, Google TV is just a modified Android TV interface that helps aggregate content and offer recommendations; plus, it shares a name with the smart TV operating system that Android TV replaced in 2014. Now, Android TV is making it easier for users to find hundreds of free streaming channels from Google TV.

  • A shortcut in the Favorite Apps row will take users to free channels at the click of a remote button.
  • The channels were added to Android TV’s Live tab in May, but this is the first time they’ll be front-and-center on the Android TV homepage.

Where Will Android TV Users Find Free Google TV Channels Now?

Another difference Google TV and Android TV users have likely noted is the difference in availability of Google TV’s free streaming channels. In April, Google TV revamped its channel guide to incorporate more than 800 free streaming channels from myriad providers like Plex, Tubi and Haystack News. The channels became instantly available to stream from Google TV, and some of the channels were put on its home screen as recommendations for users.

Android TV, however, saw these channels moved into its Live tab, which does not display options on the user’s homepage. That is changing, as Google has notified users that a new shortcut which will appear alongside their streaming apps will take users to a free channel lineup of 115+ selections instantly, without having to go to the Live tab.

“Starting today and over the next few weeks on Android TV devices in the U.S., you will see a shortcut to free channels in the Favorite Apps row on your home screen,” Google posted on Monday. “Free channels from Google TV includes everything from local news to movies to sports, all of which are available without the need for additional downloads, payments, or subscriptions.”

What Other Updates Have Come to Android TV This Year?

Android TV released the beta of version 14 of its operating system in June, ahead of its official rollout in October. Users of Android TV devices also had to say goodbye to the Google Play Movies and TV app in October, as the app was replaced by a “Shop” tab that allowed users to rent and purchase movies digitally.

PlayStation Remote Play was rolled out for select Android TV devices in September, which allowed Google Chromecast users to start watching PS5 players who stream their sessions. Finally, this week ExpressVPN announced some new updates for its Android TV app, such as a QR code login.

David Satin
David covers the biggest news stories, live events, premieres, and informational pieces for The Streamable. Before joining TS, he wrote extensively for Screen Rant and has years of experience writing about the entertainment and streaming industries. He's a Broncos fan, streams on his Toshiba Fire TV, and his favorites include "Andor," "Rings of Power," and "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds."
Read full bio ›
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