Google TV Now Offers 150 Free Channels Directly on the Homescreen

Highlights

• Google TV now offers 150 free streaming channels from the home screen.
• This is up from 80 at launch in early 2023 and 132 by mid-2024.
• Recently, 14 new channels were added.
• It included Billiard TV, Buzzr, The Rifleman, and Xumo Free Bollywood & Indian Cinema, among others.
• These channels are available on devices like Chromecast and smart TVs from TCL and Hisense.
• Free channels will be rebranded as “Freeplay”.

Google TV is a live TV experience that lets you browse TV channels across multiple providers. (GIF Credit –  Google Blog)

Google TV brings “hundreds of free TV channels to one place, organizing them by topic in one easy-to-use guide.” The platform has been expanding its lineup of free streaming channels for some time now.

As per some recent reports, the smart TV operating system is now offering 150 free channels directly accessible from the home screen.

Launched in early 2023 with around 80 free, ad-supported channels, Google has steadily grown its selection. It has reached 132 as of mid-2024 and is adding more over the months. The number was 117 at the end of 2023.

Recently, 14 new channels were quietly introduced. These new channels include the following –

• Billiard TV
• Buzzr
• The Rifleman
• Xumo Free Nature & Wildlife TV
• The Conners
• World’s Most Evil Killer
• Untold Stories of the ER
• Xumo Free Bollywood & Indian Cinema
• Ghost Hunters Channel
• Highway to Heaven
• Unspeakable
• Cook’s Country Channel
• Ebony TV by Lionsgate
• FilmRise: The Dick Van Dyke Show

These channels are available on devices like Chromecast and smart TVs from TCL and Hisense. Users can access these without needing any apps or accounts.

While currently exclusive to U.S. users, Google TV continues to integrate additional free content from partners like Plex, PlutoTV, and Haystack News.

As reported earlier in August, Google is working to rebrand its free channels as “Freeplay.” It shows up as an updated app on the home screen as well as a new icon.

Google will launch the Google TV Streamer, expected to begin shipping to U.S. customers later this month.

FAQs

Q1. What is Google TV?

Answer. Google TV is a smart TV platform that integrates streaming services, live TV, and apps into one interface. It offers personalized recommendations and allows users to search for content across multiple services using Google Assistant.

Q2. How do I use Google Assistant on Google TV?

Answer. You can use Google Assistant on Google TV by pressing the Assistant button on your remote and speaking your command. You can search for shows, control smart home devices, and get answers to questions.

Q3. What devices are compatible with Google TV?

Answer. Google TV is available on devices like Chromecast with Google TV and smart TVs from brands like Sony, TCL, and Hisense. It can also be accessed through the Google TV app on Android and iOS devices.

Q4. What new channels were recently introduced in Google TV?

Answer. Google TV introduced 14 new channels, which include Billiard TV, Buzzr, The Rifleman, Xumo Free Nature & Wildlife TV, The Conners, World’s Most Evil Killer, Untold Stories of the ER, Xumo Free Bollywood & Indian Cinema, Ghost Hunters Channel, Highway to Heaven, Unspeakable, Cook’s Country Channel, Ebony TV by Lionsgate, and FilmRise: The Dick Van Dyke Show.

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