At CES 2026, Google revealed a wave of new features headed to Google TV, powered by its Gemini AI platform. These updates aim to make TVs smarter, easier to use, and more helpful than ever before.

The rollout will start on TCL-branded devices, with support for other brands, streaming boxes, and even projectors arriving later this year.

Rather than focusing on raw specs, Google is emphasizing how AI can reshape the experience of using your television. The company outlined four ways Gemini will soon enhance TV usage.

Natural Voice Controls for Settings

One of the more practical upgrades is Gemini’s ability to understand natural voice commands for system controls. Instead of fumbling through menus with a remote, users will soon be able to say things like:

Gemini can respond by adjusting brightness or sound settings based on your feedback. This type of natural language control could help a wide range of users—from beginners to tech-savvy viewers—get a better picture or clearer audio without digging through confusing settings.

Smarter Photo Viewing With Google Photos

Google Photos is also getting a refresh on the big screen. Gemini will allow users to search their photo library using voice or text commands. For example, you could ask to see photos from your trip to Florida or pull up a specific person using facial recognition already built into the Photos app.

Beyond just searching, you’ll have options to:

• Apply artistic styles to photos
• Use Photos Remix for quick edits

This brings some of Google’s mobile photo tools into the living room, turning your Smart TV into a dynamic digital photo album with editing power built in.

Creative Tools: Nano Banana and Veo on TV

For users looking to do more than just watch or browse, Gemini will also support creative tools directly on the television.

Two AI-powered apps—Nano Banana and Veo—are making their way to Google TV. With these tools, users will be able to:

• Reimagine photos using generative AI
• Create original video or image content without leaving the couch

These features point to a future where the living room becomes a creative studio, not just a viewing space.

Visual Search and Deep Content Insights

Gemini isn’t just about control and creativity—it’s also about delivering smarter results when you need information. If you ask a question, search for a topic, or request sports updates, the results will appear on-screen with high-resolution visuals, short video snippets, and even real-time stats.

This could change how users watch sports or follow live events. Instead of checking a phone, users can ask the TV for:

• Game Scores
• Player Stats
• Related Videos

All of this will appear right on the screen in a more immersive layout than a basic search result.

Coming Soon to TCL, More Devices

These updates are not available just yet. Google says they will begin rolling out to TCL devices first, with other brands and devices to follow later. A specific release date hasn’t been given, but expect these features to land over the “coming months.”

Final Thoughts

Google is using its Gemini AI to bring more than just smart answers to Google TV—it’s introducing new ways to control, create, and explore directly from the couch. Whether you want to fix your TV settings with your voice, browse your photo history in new ways, or dig into the latest sports updates, Gemini may soon turn your TV into an AI-powered assistant.

As these features begin to roll out, we’ll keep an eye on which devices get the updates next and how they actually work in real-world use.

With Amazon continually blocking updates, 3rd party applications, and more, many are making the switch to Google TV and these latest implementations make it an easy choice.

This information was originally published on the official Google TV Blog Site.

Let us know what you think of the latest updates to Google TV in the comment section below!