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Google TV enhances features ahead of new streaming box launch

As Google prepares to launch its latest set-top streaming device, the Google TV Streamer, the company has announced a number of exciting updates for all Google TV devices.

A new home panel for smart home control, AI-powered screensavers, a dedicated sports page, and more are among the notable improvements.

The company unveiled these features on Monday, beginning with a redesigned home panel that acts as a control center for compatible smart home devices such as lights, thermostats, and security cameras. Users will now receive doorbell notifications, allowing them to see who is at the door without disrupting their viewing experience. If the remote is misplaced, Google Assistant can provide hands-free control using voice commands.

The home panel can be accessed via Quick Settings and appears as a feed on the right side of the screen.

For sports fans, Google TV has added a new sports page to the "For You" tab that consolidates all sports content in one place. This includes live and upcoming games, commentary, YouTube highlights, and recommendations tailored to user preferences.

In addition, Google TV is incorporating several AI features, such as the ability to generate custom screensaver artwork based on user input. The "Overviews" feature, powered by Gemini, will provide brief summaries of popular shows and movies, as well as season breakdowns and audience feedback.

The Google Freeplay app, which provides 150 free channels, is also getting an update that includes a streamlined channel guide for easier browsing by genre and topic.

Google TV will also support more Art TVs, such as Hisense and TCL, as well as projectors from Epson, Vankyo, and XGIMI. The platform is set to launch in more countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

These updates arrive just before the release of the Google TV Streamer, which marks the end of Google's Chromecast lineup. According to the company, there are more than 270 million monthly active users of Google TV and Android TV.

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