Google TV adds generative AI tools and short-form video feed

Google announced on Wednesday a new wave of AI-powered features for Google TV, alongside a dedicated short-form video feed. The new features are rolling out first on Gemini-enabled TCL TVs in the U.S., with broader device support expected later. This rollout marks a direct integration of Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence capabilities into the smart TV operating system, bringing generative tools and media management features directly to the living room.

At the center of the update is the Gemini tab, which includes a “Create” button that allows users to access generative AI models. These include Nano Banana, Google’s image-generation and editing model, and Veo, Google’s video creation model. Nano Banana allows users to edit and transform photos using voice prompts, such as swapping outfits, changing backgrounds, or generating entirely new scenes. Veo allows users to create video clips from scratch or animate still images by describing a scenario.

Additionally, Google Photos on Google TV is receiving Gemini-powered search to help users quickly surface specific memories, like vacations or birthday parties, without digging through their entire library. Results are displayed in a browsable format, making it easy to view images full-screen or launch a slideshow. The update also introduces “Remix,” a feature for applying artistic styles like watercolor or oil painting to photos, and “Dynamic Slideshows,” which creates animated layouts, frames, and color treatments for screensaver photo collections.

Alongside the AI tools, Google is introducing a “Short videos for you” row on the Google TV home screen. The feed will initially feature content from YouTube Shorts. While the feature starts with YouTube Shorts, Google hints that the feed could expand beyond Shorts in the future to other platforms. This potential expansion follows the broader trend of social media platforms targeting television screens, such as Instagram expanding its TV app to Google TV devices in the U.S. earlier this year.

Why it matters

Google is integrating its Gemini AI models and generative tools directly into the Google TV interface, while simultaneously adding a dedicated short-form video feed to compete for living-room engagement.