Google TV Freeplay: Google’s New Free Channel Hub
The Google TV Streamer is changing up the way customers find the free channel section, in hopes that more customers will find it.
Google really, really wants customers to know it’s offering free streaming channels. The channels themselves aren’t new; Google first rolled out a selection of more than 800 free ad-supported TV (FAST) channels in April 2023, and made them available on both Android TV and Google TV operating systems. The location of the channels within those operating systems has changed several times already, and with the launch of the new Google TV Streamer device, that location is shifting once again.
Key Details:
- The Google TV Streamer now houses free channels in a new “Google TV Freeplay” tab.
- The changeover is likely coming to other Google and Android TV devices, though no timeline is available.
- Android TV first put these channels in a “Live” tab, then shifted the channels to a shortcut in the Favorites row.
According to 9to5 Google, the Google TV Streamer is moving the hundreds of free channels licensed by Google to a new “Google TV Freeplay” section. This tab will be found embedded in the row of available streaming apps in the device’s user interface, alongside popular streamers like Netflix, Hulu, Max, and others.
Presumably, clicking on the Google TV Freeplay icon will bring viewers to a channel guide where they can browse or search for specific networks. The rebrand also allows Google to bring other free, ad-supported content to this tab, though there has been no specific announcement as to whether it will do so.
The new Google TV Freeplay app will launch with Google TV Streamer devices when they ship Sept. 24. The new model of streaming player represents a drastic departure from past Google streaming devices; it moves past the dongle design, in favor of a pill-shaped set-top box. The Google TV Streamer will cost $99.99, comes with 32GB of storage, and will allow customers to stream content in 4K.
Why is Google Moving Free Channels Again?
When Google first incorporated these streaming channels into Android TV and Google TV interfaces, they were available via a “Live” tab. That made a certain amount of sense, as the networks are technically live channels, but it also stands to reason that many viewers didn’t think to look for them there, as “Live” has traditionally referred more often to cable or broadcast TV networks.
Android TV rolled out a new shortcut for free streaming channels in December, placing them alongside popular streaming services similar to the layout on the new Google TV Streamer. The new layout likely made it easier to find the channels, and now Google is taking things one step further with the Google TV Freeplay rebrand.
It’s not currently known when other Android TV and Google TV devices will make the switch over to Google TV Freeplay, but it will likely come when the Google TV Streamer begins shipping next month. Customers can preorder the new Google TV Streamer now to ensure they get it as soon as the device hits shelves on Sept. 24.