Gemini AI Brings Conversational Search to the Living Room
Google has announced the rollout of its conversational AI assistant, Gemini, to the Google TV platform, aiming to transform how users interact with their televisions. Unlike traditional voice commands, Gemini enables free-flowing conversations, allowing users to ask follow-up questions, request recommendations, and engage in more natural interactions directly from their TV screens.
Enhanced Content Discovery and Interactive Experiences
With Gemini, users can initiate a conversation by saying “Hey Google” or pressing the microphone button on their TV remote. The assistant helps viewers find shows and movies tailored to their mood, provides information about specific titles, and can even display reviews or suggest related content. For example, users might ask, “What are the reviews for ‘The Pitt’?” and receive instant feedback before making a viewing choice.
Beyond entertainment, Gemini supports educational and informational queries, delivering answers accompanied by relevant YouTube videos. This feature aims to make learning and skill-building more engaging by leveraging the TV’s large screen for immersive experiences.
Device Availability and Rollout Timeline
Gemini is initially available on the TCL QM9K series, beginning September 22, 2025. Google plans to expand Gemini support to additional devices later in the year, including the Google TV Streamer, Walmart onn. 4K Pro, 2025 Hisense U7, U8, and UX models, as well as 2025 TCL QM7K, QM8K, and X11K models.
Google TV, which now powers over 300 million active devices running Google TV or Android TV OS, is positioning Gemini as a core feature for the next wave of smart TVs, enhancing both entertainment and productivity in the home.
Privacy, Availability, and Future Developments
The Gemini for TV experience is optimized for large screens and is available only in select countries and languages to users aged 18 and above. Google notes that results may vary and encourages users to verify responses for accuracy. The company has indicated that additional Gemini capabilities for TV are in development, signaling ongoing investment in AI-powered home entertainment.
Implications for the Smart TV Ecosystem
The integration of conversational AI into the TV interface reflects a broader industry trend toward more personalized and interactive home experiences. As Gemini rolls out to more devices and regions, its success could influence how other smart TV platforms approach AI-driven features and content discovery.