Google TV’s 1-button free streaming is a recreation changer

Free ad-supported tv channels, generally generally known as FAST channels, have gained recognition in recent times as cord-cutters search new methods to get pleasure from their TVs with out spending a fortune on cable subscriptions or different streaming services. Many streaming gadgets and sensible TVs now include built-in free reside TV channels. Roku is a chief instance of this, as The Roku Channel provides over 500 free reside TV channels catering to numerous pursuits, together with information, sports activities, films, and extra.

In 2023, Google joined the free TV panorama as nicely, introducing a brand new “Reside” tab on Google TV gadgets that includes over 150 reside TV channels out there to observe totally free with out requiring a subscription or the set up of any extra apps. The choice is noteworthy, together with channels like BBC Earth, UFC, PGA Tour, and plenty of extra. In late 2024, Google TV’s free channels have been rebranded as Google TV Freeplay.

Based on Android Authority, Google goals to reinforce person entry to Freeplay by requiring its OEM companions to equip all Google TV gadgets with a distant that features a “Free TV” or “Reside TV” button, beginning in April 2025. This implies for those who plan to buy a brand new sensible TV with Google TV or a brand new Google TV streaming system later this yr, it ought to include a distant that includes a Free TV button that directs you straight to Google’s FAST channels.

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A Free TV button is sensible

It’s going to make it simpler for customers to seek out Freeplay

Walmart / Pocket-lint

Most sensible TV remotes already function shortcut buttons for streaming companies like Netflix or Disney+. Subsequently, together with a shortcut button for FAST programming makes excellent sense, particularly given its recognition within the US. Google studies that the reception to Google TV Freeplay has been “overwhelmingly optimistic” and that this new button will “present a constant expertise.”

“Google TV offers customers entry to a variety of free TV choices, together with native information, in style exhibits, and films,” Google mentioned in a press release to Android Authority. “Since we launched free reside TV choices on Google TV, we have obtained overwhelmingly optimistic suggestions from customers, and this variation will assist present a constant expertise with fast entry at customers’ fingertips.”

Google TV Freeplay is at present solely out there within the US, however if you’re out of the country, the button might be remapped to a special reside TV information. Google hasn’t disclosed specifics in regards to the button’s necessities, corresponding to how massive it needs to be or what colour it must be. It is also unclear if this requirement is only for the US or the entire world. Nonetheless, Google did verify that producers can nonetheless design their distant as they see match to “meet their clients’ wants,” so the implementation of the Free TV button will doubtless be totally different between OEMs.

Some Google TV streaming gadgets already embody a Free TV button, like Walmart’s Onn 4K Pro (seen above) which has a big blue Free TV button positioned close to the middle.

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A intelligent transfer by Google

Different streaming firms will take observe

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It is a intelligent transfer by Google to mandate a Free TV button on its Google TV remotes. Whereas some folks might view this as simply one other button they do not need or want, I see it as significantly helpful for people like my mother and father, who typically discover it difficult to navigate all the assorted sections and menus of their sensible TV.

My mother and father typically make the most of the shortcut buttons that the majority sensible TV remotes already embody, corresponding to these for Netflix or YouTube. Subsequently, by including a Free TV button to its Google TV remotes, it’ll make it simpler for customers like my mother and father to rapidly entry Google TV Freeplay with out having to navigate to the “Reside” tab on Google TV themselves.

This additionally is sensible from a broader perspective. There isn’t a denying that FAST channels are rising in recognition within the US. Based on Statista, The Roku Channel was the main FAST service within the US in 2024, with 83.4 million viewers, adopted by Tubi with round 75 million and Pluto TV with roughly 62 million viewers. It’s clear that Google goals for Google TV Freeplay to seize a largerer share of the FAST market within the US, and introducing a shortcut button on its remotes is a technique to assist obtain that.

In a world of rising streaming prices, it is refreshing to see Google present us with free TV accessible via a single button. I would not be stunned if different TV streaming firms pay attention to what Google is doing right here, and begin incorporating their very own free TV buttons on their remotes.

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