Google wants to integrate new functions into its interface for connected televisions. Especially in the fields of fitness and video calls. She also hopes that Netflix will agree to integrate the Google TV recommendation service.
Last September, Google unveiled its new interface dedicated to televisions: Google TV. Available from October 1, 2021, it replaces Android TV. The interface is clearer and centered around content. It introduces a whole new way to navigate it, relying on Google Assistant and more simplicity to adapt to everyone. And there are many different users.
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As proof, during the CES, the Mountain View firm indicated that 110 million televisions equipped with Android TV are currently active around the world. And one in ten already take advantage of the Google TV interface. There will certainly be more in the months to come. Sony presented half a dozen televisions under Google TV at the Las Vegas show, with OLED, Full LED and Mini LED panels. And Sony is obviously not the only one: Google claims that 7 of the 10 biggest TV brands work with its interface.
New services planned in Google TV for fitness and video calls
But to address all the needs of all users, Google will have to improve the services offered by Android TV, whether width (type of service) or in depth (exhaustiveness in suppliers). And the firm is actively working on it. This is what we learn from an interview with Rob Caruso, product director in charge of Google TV, granted to our colleagues from the Protocol site.
The boss explains that he is interested in two areas: video calls, with the integration of Zoom for example, and fitness, with a service similar to Apple Fitness+. He also says he wants to strengthen Google TV’s interactions with home automation products, as well as the free TV offer, like Pluto TV, for anyone who doesn’t subscribe to Netflix, Prime Video or Disney+.
Rob Caruso is also looking to improve the content recommendation system by adding the latest recalcitrant streaming services. Netflix in particular. Even if the latter’s application is available on Android TV, the company does not allow programs to be added to the recommendation list on the system. Rob Caruso does not promise that this will change, but remains optimistic. He hopes the new services will arrive this year.
Source: Protocol
