Google TV introduces Home Panel, AI Screensaver, Sports Page, and reaches 270 Million

Top 3 Key Points:
- Google TV and Android TV OS now run on 270 million monthly devices, marking 80% growth since 2023.
- New features include a Home Panel for smart devices, a Sports page, and an AI-driven screensaver.
- Gemini app on Android gets a simplified home screen, enhancing user experience.
Google has rolled out significant updates to its TV and Android ecosystem, including the launch of new features like the Home Panel for smart devices, a dedicated Sports page, and a simplified Gemini home screen on Android. These enhancements come alongside remarkable growth, as Google TV and Android TV OS now power over 270 million devices, reflecting an impressive 80% increase in just one year.
Home Panel – Smart Device Control at Your Fingertips
One of the key new features is the Home Panel, a quick-access tool that allows users to manage their smart home devices directly from the Google TV interface. Located in the Quick Settings menu, this feature mirrors the Favorites tab from the Google Home app. Users can now control lights, view live camera feeds, adjust thermostats, and access other smart home gadgets with ease. Additional controls for cameras, lighting, climate, and WiFi settings are also included, as well as doorbell notifications that will soon be available on all Google TV devices.
Sports Page – Personalized Game and Highlights Hub
Google TV also introduces a Sports page within the “For You” tab, which provides live and upcoming game details for users’ favorite teams. This page delivers personalized content, including YouTube highlights and commentary. This update enhances how sports fans engage with live games and their favorite sports content in one place.
Gemini App – Simpler Homescreen for Android
Another key development is the redesigned Gemini app home screen for Android users. This new interface offers a cleaner and more intuitive user experience, replacing the previous complex layout with a simple greeting and streamlined navigation. The new home screen design focuses on essential functions, with recent conversations and “Gems” easily accessible, making it easier to use.
Growth and Expansion of Google TV
Google TV and Android TV OS have experienced dramatic growth, now reaching over 270 million monthly active devices, up from 150 million in 2023. The platform’s popularity is surging globally, driven by its integration into more smart TVs, projectors, and smart monitors. Brands like TCL and Hisense, which sell millions of devices each year, contribute to this growth. Google is also expanding its TV services to new markets, including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
The rapid adoption of Android TV OS by device manufacturers and its entry into more countries are key factors behind this success. Google now claims that Android TV OS is the largest streaming platform globally, supported by brands that are increasingly adopting the system to power their devices.
Freeplay – Enhanced Channel Experience for US Users
For users in the US, Google has revamped its Freeplay experience, offering over 150 free channels with an improved browsing guide. This guide allows users to navigate by genre and topic, improving the overall content discovery experience for free TV.
These updates solidify Google’s role as a major player in the streaming and smart home device markets, while also enhancing the user experience with AI-driven features and a more intuitive interface across its apps and services. The significant growth in devices using Google TV and Android TV OS reflects the company’s continued success in this space.
Android
New Google AI tools get big updates: Gemini Live, NotebookLM, and Honey on Chrome

Google has rolled out some exciting new features across its AI tools, including Gemini Live, NotebookLM, and the Honey extension for Chrome.
First, Gemini Live is now available for free in the U.S. on the Google app for Android and iOS. It lets users talk to Google’s AI assistant using their voice, with more natural back-and-forth conversations. A key feature is that you can now share your screen or turn on the camera so the assistant can help with what you’re seeing, like reading a document or identifying objects around you.
Next, NotebookLM—Google’s AI-powered research assistant—just added audio overviews. This means you can now listen to a quick summary of your notes or sources, which is great for multitasking or reviewing info while on the go. Google also increased the limit for source length, so you can add up to 200,000 words per source, making it more useful for big projects or research papers.
Lastly, Honey, the deal-finding tool that Google bought in 2020, now works through Chrome and has gained over 15 million users in just six months. Honey helps people find coupons and discounts while shopping online. The new version is powered by Gemini and can give more helpful suggestions by understanding what you’re looking at on the page.
With these updates, Google is pushing to make its AI tools more helpful, easy to use, and available for free where possible.
Android
Android 16 is testing better desktop mode, large screen apps, and fresh UI changes

Google is bringing some interesting updates with Android 16 that aim to improve how Android works on larger screens and across different devices.
First, Android 16 is testing a new desktop mode. This lets users connect their phone to a bigger screen and use apps in resizable windows, more like a computer. It works well with a keyboard and mouse and supports split-screen for better multitasking. This could be useful for people who want to work on the go without needing a laptop.
Google is also improving how apps behave on large screens inside cars. With Android Automotive, apps will now adjust better to different screen sizes, especially ultra-wide displays. Developers will get new tools to make their apps look better and more usable in cars, even when the screen shape is unique.
On the software side, the Google Discover feed on Android is now showing website names below each article’s headline. This small change helps users know which site they’re reading from, adding more clarity and trust.
Lastly, Material You — Google’s design style — is evolving with a new theme called “Expressive.” This version brings more playful shapes, animations, and bolder color choices. Some of Google’s apps, like Fitbit, Meet, and Chat, are starting to use this refreshed look, making the user experience feel more modern and lively.
All of these updates show that Google wants Android to feel smooth, smart, and consistent no matter where or how you’re using it.
Google makes small but smart changes across Phone, Home, and Wallet apps

Google is making a few helpful changes to its apps and services for Pixel users. First, the “Phone by Google” app might soon drop the ability to save call notes and transcripts. This feature was used during call screening to jot down important points, but now it looks like Google wants users to use the Recorder app or take notes elsewhere. A recent app update hints that the “Delete Notes” button may be removed.
Next, Pixel phones are testing a new widget for Google Home. This widget gives users a quick look at smart home updates, like lights left on or doors unlocked, right from the home screen. The design follows Android’s usual widget style, and it could make it easier to stay on top of your home devices without opening the app.
Google Wallet is also getting better. At Google I/O 2025, the company shared that more features are coming soon. These include digital IDs, passes, and better support for tickets and transit cards. They’re also working on helping you automatically save things like airline boarding passes.
Lastly, Google is being more careful with how AI-generated content is handled. Publishers will get new tools to opt out of having their content used for AI training. Also, Android will soon have an “AI Mode” that alerts users when something is AI-generated, adding more transparency and trust. These changes may seem small, but they show Google is focusing on better privacy, easier access, and smarter tools for everyday use.
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