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Tom's Guide
3 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Apple tvOS 26 is a huge letdown — here's why
Apple used WWDC 2025 to announce several upgrades for tvOS 26, and while the new Liquid Glass interface is gorgeous, it's seems like all flash and not much function. As a huge fan of the Apple TV 4K, one of the best streaming devices on the market, I wish Apple spent more time on making tvOS smarter instead of sleeker. Of course, maybe Tim Cook is just waiting for the next generation of Apple TV 4K to be ready before he rolls out a more robust update. Here's what Apple announced and why I think it falls short. The most prominent evolution across Apple's hardware updates beyond the design changes is the inclusion of Apple Intelligence. The new AI feature is getting its time to shine across Apple's ecosystem, but it's taken a backseat on its streaming hardware. While this might have something to do with the limited specs on offer with the Apple TV 4K, which originally launched in 2022, the new tvOS 26 features still pale in comparison to major rivals. Take, for instance, the Google TV Streamer. At the heart of its success is Gemini support, which allows it a host of awesome upgrades, like highlighted overviews for shows and movies. The device also uses AI to learn your preferences and offers personalized content suggestions. This doesn't seem like it would be a hard implementation for Apple. The Google TV Streamer also has a killer screensaver function that brings real personalization to your streaming device. Apple could give its own TV 4K a serious upgrade with AI screensavers that take Aerial shots to new heights. I was really hoping Apple Intelligence could give its TV 4K the boost it deserves. But it's not the only letdown. Apple's tvOS 26 announcement was a major bummer in this particular category, as I was really hoping Apple Intelligence could give its TV 4K the boost it deserves. But it's not the only letdown. Another disappointment for me was Apple sidestepping any mention of the gaming app on its tvOS 26 upgrade or Apple TV devices. macOS and iOS were the big ticket items for Apple when it came to gaming announcements during WWDC, but tvOS was completely ignored. This is an untapped portion of the market, one that's gaining traction thanks to Fire TV supporting Xbox Game Pass. It's not alone, as even some of the best OLED TVs are now home to a slew of cloud gaming platforms. It's doubtful Apple would ever partner with Xbox or GOG — and Epic Games is most definitely out of the cards — but casting a wider net for its internal games app across devices would make it a killer device. Just look at the Nvidia Shield TV as yet another example of how Apple lags in comparison to its rivals. There's a Shield TV Pro model that gives huge improvements to cloud gaming using DLSS, and Apple has next to nothing on offer for gamers beyond Arcade. Apple spent more time focusing on upcoming shows and movies in its tvOS 26 announcement with little time generating actual buzz on the underlying software and hardware that makes its Apple ecosystem so appealing. Given the incredible privacy and features that already underpin the Apple TV 4K, you'd think Apple would want to give it the improvements it deserves to stand out against the competition, but it didn't get much screen time at this WWDC. Maybe the minimal focus on Apple TV and tvOS 26 is evidence that future updates are coming with new hardware. It's time to give Apple TV more Apple Intelligence love and a real gaming boost.
Android Authority
14-05-2025
- Android Authority
No Gemini on the Google TV Streamer begs the question: Why buy 'Made by Google'?
Joe Maring / Android Authority Yesterday, during The Android Show, Google announced a bunch of Gemini improvements that are coming to its hardware and software fleet. One of these is the integration of Gemini in Google TV, with Google promising better video recommendations and answers, and… that's it. Obviously, I expect more from Gemini on the largest screen in my home, like simpler smart home commands without having to remember exact device names or command structures, and proper Gemini Live conversations with visual cues coming straight onto the TV. Google hasn't detailed these — maybe it will during I/O later this month? — but it did tell us that Gemini is coming to a TCL Google TV first. There's no known launch time for Google's own TV Streamer or other Google Home/Nest devices. As an owner of all of these across my home, I feel more than snuffed by this. Not the first time Google skips its own devices, but it still hurts Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Ever since Google started venturing into the hardware game with the Nexus, Chromecast, Nest, and Pixel lines, there have been countless examples of a new OS update, firmware version, or feature coming to non-Google devices first. Circle To Search on the Galaxy S24 series and Wear OS 4 on the Galaxy Watch 4 are just some recent examples. That is to say that there's no written guarantee that you'll get the latest and greatest features first when you buy Google hardware, but the expectation is that, more often than not, you'll be one of the first people to have them. I was hoping that the Streamer would continue to be the first in line for new Google TV features. When the Google TV Streamer launched, it was the first — and only — Google TV unit with the smart home panel. It was also one of the few ones with the new favorite (magic) button on the remote control and the ability to find the remote by voice command. Having these gave me the wrong assurance that it would get more of Google TV's rollouts first, and one of those features I was hoping to see soon was Gemini. I'd love to have my TV guide me through a recipe while I cook, without me having to look down at my phone's tiny screen. Or to give me gardening advice or travel tips when I'm researching these on YouTube on my big screen and not finding the correct answers. Or to help me find music for my mood without asking for specific artists or playlists. My colleague C. Scott Brown got a demo of a more helpful Gemini on Google TV early this year, and it got me genuinely excited for this better assistant on my TV. Alas, my Google TV Streamer won't be getting Gemini anytime soon, at least according to Google and the 'no launch timeline' answer that it gave us. Buying the Google TV Streamer isn't a de facto choice like the Apple TV is for Apple fans or Fire TV boxes are for Amazon shoppers. No, in order to buy a Google TV Streamer, you'd almost have to go out of the usual ways and actively seek this specific box. That's why it's annoying to see Google shun it in favor of a partnership with another brand. The Streamer has a large proportion of enthusiasts who actively chose it and would love to test Gemini on it — at least more than any TCL unit ever would. Clearly, there'd be more Google and Gemini enthusiasts willing to test out the feature and push it to its limits on the Streamer than among those who'll pick up whatever TCL Google TV unit the integration will first launch on. But we don't get to do it. That's without mentioning the lack of a planned rollout for Nest Audio and Hub. I'm not sure what the hold-up is there, especially since it's a voice interface and Gemini's voice interface has been quite solid for months now. Is it even worth picking 'Made by Google' hardware anymore? Ryan Haines / Android Authority If you're not guaranteed early access to the latest features, then what's the point of picking Google hardware over another brand? Walmart makes cheaper Google TV boxes, Samsung makes great smartwatches, and there are dozens of brands that can make better cameras and more powerful hardware than Pixel phones. And all of them will likely have better after-sales servicing and support, too. So, what's the point of going with Google's hardware when the alternatives are, objectively, better? I admit I've asked myself this question a thousand times over the last few years, and the answer is becoming less and less clear with time. There was a certain aura to Google's hardware that's slowly fading because of sudden cancellations (Nest Secure), planned obsolescence (stripping away features from the Fitbit Versa/Sense and dumbing down the Nest Hub), botched long-term support (Pixel 4 battery snafu), and arbitrary limits around which device gets which feature first. And as much as I love Pixel Drops, I admit that it sucks to see new features take months and months before they trickle down to last year's hardware. Add on top of that Google's not-so-small obligation to keep its partners happy (see: Galaxy Watch models getting Wear OS versions first, and now TCL TVs getting Gemini first), and it's almost like every reason I had for picking up a Made by Google phone, watch, speaker, set-top box, or smart home gear is moot. Or at least not as black-and-white as it used to be. There's a big part of me that still gravitates towards Google's hardware — I won't deny that. I like the company's design language, its simplicity, and the fact that most things 'just work' together in an Apple-esque way. I love the niche feeling of owning something that not everyone has, of tinkering with it and trying to push it to its limits. Plus, the chance of getting new features first is still higher than any other Android brand out there, which is crucial for my line of work. But I'm no longer drinking the Kool-Aid, and I reckon the odds of picking non-Made by Google hardware are higher now than ever. Fool me once…
Android Authority
13-05-2025
- Android Authority
Gemini is coming to Google TV later this year, but the Google TV Streamer has to wait
Google TL;DR Google has confirmed that Gemini will be available for Google TV devices later this year. Surprisingly, the Google TV Streamer won't be the initial launch device for Gemini on Google TV. Gemini-powered features will first arrive on upcoming TCL TVs. Gemini took center stage at The Android Show today, with Google announcing that its AI assistant is coming to a broader range of devices, including Wear OS smartwatches, Android Auto, Android XR, and Google TV. Yes, Gemini is heading to your Google TV-powered televisions and streaming boxes, like the Google TV Streamer. On televisions, Gemini will essentially replace the Google Assistant to offer content recommendations based on the questions you ask using natural language. For example, you could say, 'Show me some action movies,' or 'Find age-appropriate shows for my kids.' You can even ask things like, 'Can you explain the solar system to my first grader?' and Gemini will surface suitable YouTube videos for the same. Technically, Gemini on Google TV was first announced back at CES 2025. At the time, Google said users would be able to talk to their TVs naturally without saying 'Hey Google' before every query. Google also shared that Gemini would offer more than just content suggestions on Google TV devices. Other Gemini-powered features on Google TV will include generating custom screensavers in ambient mode, using natural language to search for media or photos, and controlling smart home devices when the TV is idle. Now, Google has confirmed that Gemini for Google TV will roll out first to TCL TVs later this year. Surprisingly, the Google TV Streamer won't be the initial launch device for Gemini, and there's currently no timeline for when the AI will be supported on the device. Google also says it's working with additional partners to bring Gemini to more televisions. Google previously announced that 2025 Google TV devices will include new hardware features like far-field microphones and proximity sensors. These upgrades will allow TVs to detect when users are nearby and enable hands-free, remote-less conversations with Gemini. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Yahoo
5 smart TV features that could be spying on you and how to stop them
To make your viewing experience convenient, most TV brands include features such as voice commands, built-in microphones, trackers, internet access, and cameras. Some of these innovative features can be used to access your private life without your knowledge. These sophisticated technologies collect data such as the browser you use, email address, payment information, geolocation, device identifiers, and what you like to watch. Then, they report it back to the manufacturers for targeted advertising. The same applies to streaming platforms like Apple TV, Roku, or Google TV Streamer. While most claim they only use your information for credit checks or to fine-tune your recommendations, they also collect your personal data even if you are not signed in. They can share information about the channel you watch, the apps you open regularly, and more. To protect your privacy while enjoying your favorite TV shows and movies, this guide delves into the smart TV features that can spy on you and how to stop them. While using your smart TV's browser can be convenient because of the big display, it can also be a high-value target for cybercriminals. This is mainly because your TV most likely doesn't have a VPN, an antivirus, or the extra security settings available on your PC or smartphone. Cyber-attackers use this loophole to snoop on your internet traffic and interfere with the cookies that control access to online services, such as online banking or social media accounts. If you must or prefer using your TV browser, consider installing a VPN. It encrypts your online traffic, ensuring that nobody eavesdrops on it. Apart from protecting your data, VPNs counter spying by blocking ad trackers and malware, masking your IP address, and disabling profiling. Most premium VPNs, like ExpressVPN, have native apps you can seamlessly download and install on your TV. They work on Apple TVs, Android TVs, Google TVs, and Fire TV. If your TV does not support VPN installation, install one on your router to secure all the connected devices. ACR (Automatic Content Recognition) is an ad surveillance technology used by most smart TVs to collect data about what you watch and share it with manufacturers and marketers. It samples pixels and then matches them against a centralized database. The sophisticated technology can capture and identify around two images per second or about 7,200 images every hour. Content distributors and marketers use the data collected to analyze your viewing habits and then bombard you with targeted adverts. In most cases, this extensive tracking shows the link between your personal data (IP address, email address, or physical address) and the content you watch regularly. While this is not a bad thing, as it helps with content recommendations, it invades your privacy. This is because your smart TV tracks almost everything you watch, including streaming services, gaming, cable channels, and more. This information can be exploited if it gets into the wrong hands. Sensitive information collected through sophisticated technology can be misused, leading to security risks or identity theft. You can limit this process by turning off the ACR feature on your set. If your unit has features related to content recognition or viewing data, it likely uses ACR technology. To disable it, look for Internet-based ads, Content recommendations, or Viewing data and turn it off. While disabling ACR enhances your privacy, it might affect different smart features on your TV. Here's how to turn off ACR on different devices: Samsung TV: Go to Home >Privacy & Choices >Terms & Conditions >Privacy Policy and uncheck the Viewing Information Services box. Roku TV: Go to Settings >System >Privacy and enable Limit Ad Tracking. Then, go to Smart TV Experience and turn off Use Information for TV inputs. LG TV: Go to Home >Settings >General >System >Additional Settings and disable the Live Plus option. Sony TV: Go to Home >Settings >Initial Setup >Samba Interactive TV and disable Samba TV. Modern smart TVs have voice control technologies that keep the mic active even when the set is switched off. This makes it possible for the TV to respond to commands readily. While it is good for the TV to listen to what you want, it can sometimes listen to what you do not want. If your TV has Alexa, Bixby, or Google Assistant built in, it most likely has a microphone. To counter this privacy concern, consider disabling the mic or limiting its access. Under the settings menu on your TV, look for options related to microphone access or voice recognition. Some units also have cameras for making video calls or seamless gesture control. While this might be helpful, hackers or TV makers can use it to spy on you. To avoid this, consider disabling or covering it with opaque black tape when you are not using it. Most popular smart TV brands, including Samsung, state that they collaborate with advertisers and data analytics firms to gather and review your data. This includes how you watch the TV, the apps you download, the movies you watch, and the data captured with the ACR and voice recognition technologies. This can be a problem if this data lands in the wrong hands. To limit third-party tracking, review your unit's privacy policy carefully. Look for options related to Ad tracking, Personalized Ads, or third-party services, and limit data sharing or opt out of all data collection policies. Many TV brands, including Philips, Sharp, TCL, and Hisense, use the Android or Google TV OS platform. To use such smart TVs, you must sign in to your Google account and accept Google's privacy policy of accessing all your unit's features. While there is no way you can escape this, you can work around it by limiting ad tracking. This way, Google restricts the amount of data it tracks about you to target you with adverts. To do this, navigate to Settings >Privacy >Ads >Reset advertising ID and choose Delete advertising ID. If you use an Android TV, you will find this setting by heading to Settings >Legal Information or Settings >Device to prevent Google from using your app diagnostics and usage information, navigate to Settings > Privacy and toggle off Usage & Diagnostics. The best way to protect your privacy is to unplug your TV from the internet completely. However, that is impractical in this age of hyper-connectivity, where almost everything depends on the internet to function optimally. For example, to take advantage of Netflix's recommendation features or use Google Assistant on your TV, you must have a reliable internet connection. It is such features that hackers and manufacturers leverage to invade our privacy. Still, all is not lost. With the right precautions and measures, you can stop your TV from spying on you. Disable ACR, opt out of various advertising features, cover cameras, and disable microphones to enjoy your unit's benefits while avoiding the risks.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
Following recent problems, Chromecasts are getting a free update to Android 14 – here's what that means
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Chromecast HD and 4K are getting Android 14 The update is mostly security patches and bug fixes It's probably time to buy the Google TV Streamer It hasn't been a great week so far for Chromecast and Chromecast Audio users: the 2015 versions of both devices have been suffering from what appears to be a server problem that won't let users Cast audio and video to them. So it's nice to report some good news. Google is now rolling out the Android 14 update for Chromecast with Google TV devices. As Android Police reports, Google discontinued the Chromecast line-up in 2024 in favor of the new Google TV Streamer. But Google did promise that while the older devices can't match the new Streamer in terms of hardware capability (the Streamer is also a Thread hub for smart homes), it still intended to bring them the Android 14 update. Don't expect a massively different experience when you install the update: almost all of the changes are under the hood. The main reason to want this upgrade is to plug any security holes that could leave your device vulnerable to villains. The updates vary in size depending on your device – the download is between 743 and 809MB – and it ups the operating system from Android 12 to Android 14. The update includes the January 2025 security patch and the usual changes for "system stability and improvements". It also adds support for the Google TV Streamer remote control's Find My Remote feature and button customization. This could be the last update for the 4K version, which is expected to stop getting security updates from September 2025; the HD Chromecast will get another two years of updates until its end of life in 2027. The Google TV Streamer is now finally worth buying in the UK Everything you need to know about the Google TV Streamer Google TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4K: it's the ultimate box fight
