Google has announced a new wave of AI-powered features arriving on Google TV, alongside a dedicated short-form video feed that brings YouTube Shorts directly to the home screen.
At the core of this update are expanded Gemini capabilities. Within the Gemini tab, a new “Create” button allows users to experiment with generative AI tools: Nano Banana and Veo. These features are initially rolling out on Gemini-enabled TCL TVs in the U.S., with broader device support expected at a later date.
Nano Banana, Google’s image-generation and editing model, empowers users to transform photos using simple voice prompts. Capabilities include swapping outfits, changing backgrounds, or generating entirely new scenes. Google positions this feature as a shared, living-room experience, encouraging playful prompts such as asking the AI to make “my dad wear a ridiculous outfit” to create humorous moments with family and friends.
Veo, on the other hand, enables users to create video clips from scratch or animate still images by describing a desired scenario. For example, a user could prompt, “make my grandfather moonwalk in space.”
Google Photos is also receiving an upgrade on Google TV. With Gemini-powered search, users can swiftly locate specific memories, such as vacations or birthday parties, without sifting through their entire library. Results are displayed in a browsable format, facilitating easy full-screen viewing or slideshow initiation. A new “Remix” feature further allows users to apply artistic styles like watercolor or oil painting to their photos.
Concurrently, “Dynamic Slideshows” introduces animated layouts, frames, and color treatments. Users can transform any Google Photos collection into a vibrant, TV-ready slideshow by simply selecting Google Photos within the screensaver settings.
Beyond AI tools, Google is also embracing the growing popularity of short-form video. Soon, a new “Short videos for you” row will appear on the Google TV home screen, initially featuring content from YouTube Shorts.
This move follows YouTube’s recent introduction of an option to hide Shorts on mobile, suggesting varied user demand. Nevertheless, Google hints that this integration could expand beyond Shorts in the future, potentially encompassing other platforms. Notably, Instagram already expanded its TV app to Google TV devices in the U.S. earlier this year.