It ’s no arcanum that Google ’s been vying for a space in your living way for twelvemonth . Google TV has undergone quite a few branding change since it first launched in 2010 , but it ’s still managed to become one of the top streaming platforms . And it ’s not stop : Google has its lot set beyond just casting your pet TV shows and delivering recommendations for what to watch .
In a chat withProtocol , Google TV ’s Rob Caruso , director of mathematical product management , indicated that the society is focused on make Google TV devices like Chromecasts more able this year , starting with wise home and fitness integration . This would make Google TV decidedly more Apple - corresponding — the latter company ’s Apple TV set - top corner is pricier than its competitors , but serves as a hub for HomeKit - compatible machine and also mix with the Apple Watch for Fitness+ streaming physical exercise classes .
We already knew that Android TV would n’t get left behind in therebrandto Google TV , and Caruso corroborate Google will continue to stomach the platform , which still power a majority of the dynamic streaming gimmick still in use .
Your Google TV streaming device may soon be a smart home hub and a Fitness+ rival.Image: Google
“ Android television is still out there and it is still being deployed , and it ’s obviously still supported , ” Caruso told Protocol .
That ’s right news for owners of legacy devices , though Android — which Google TV remains ground on — isn’t exactly known for its streamlined software package updates .
Google also want to process more intimately with content providers to make its universal idiot box search your one - stop shop for streaming . It ’s a strategy that ’s as old as time , plucked directly from the fellowship ’s search engine playbook . But to achieve its goals , it require more third parties to come into the sheep pen . Netflix , for instance , is one of the major cyclosis networks that wo n’t rent you add movies and TV shows to yourwatchlist . As a Google TV user , I rely on that feature of speech to keep track of what I ’m concerned in , and it offer the add perk of receiving a presentment when it becomes available .
“ I go for we ’ll see some welcome improvements and innovations in the coming months with not just Netflix , but with many partners , ” order Caruso , who in reality arrived at Google last August after a stretch at Netflix .
With Google ’s investment inFitbit , it ’s no surprise to see Google eyeball a physical fitness desegregation for Google TV . Caruso severalize Protocol it ’s a “ big sphere of exploration . ” It ’ll be interesting to see whether Google leverage Fitbit ’s on - requirement physical exercise classes ( which are available in the Fitbit app with a premium subscription ) , or introduces a fresh Peloton or Fitness+ competitor .
The wise home may be the last major piece of Google TV ’s teaser . It make sentiency withMatter , the sassy home standard that call to unite them all , on the celestial horizon . Google is exploring honest consolidation with impertinent twist , including Android phones . It ’s undecipherable whether this would go beyond the expandedFast Pair featureGoogle foretell last week , which enables Android smartphones to pair twist to the connection — kind of like a saucy hub . It ’s not unlike the scheme Samsungrevealedwith its SmartThings weapons platform .
Google TV ’s exploiter numbers have been trending up — the platform currently has110 millionmonthly active devices , and computer hardware partners like TCL is reportedly selling10 millionGoogle TV sets a twelvemonth .
The dubiousness remains if Google can offer a compelling consumption for its devices beyond simple TV observance . Or maybe it ’ll release out that all it involve to keep users tune in is to be the best blessed search locomotive for lounge Irish potato . For now , there ’s no timeline for when Google will found new Google television set features , though Caruso hint at “ some point later this year . ”
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