According to TechCrunch, Google announced on Monday that it’s starting to roll out Gemini to the Google TV Streamer, completely replacing Google Assistant. The update enables users to ask more natural voice questions like “What happened at the end of Outlander last season?” or “I like dramas but my wife likes comedies – what movie should we watch?” Google says Gemini works beyond entertainment too, answering general knowledge questions and helping with recipes or DIY projects via YouTube videos. To activate it, users just press the microphone button on their remote. The rollout happens over the next few weeks and is only available for users aged 18 and older. This follows Google’s earlier Gemini announcements for TCL and Hisense TVs and the Walmart onn 4K Pro streaming device.
The slow death of Google Assistant
Here’s the thing – this isn’t surprising at all. Google has been pretty clear about its plan to replace Assistant with Gemini across everything. They announced this back at CES in January, and we’ve already seen it rolling out to phones and other devices. But replacing Assistant on the TV streamer feels significant because that’s where voice commands actually get used regularly. People are already comfortable talking to their TVs. Now they’re getting a much smarter conversation partner.
This changes how we find content
Think about how you normally search for something to watch. You either scroll endlessly through menus or use basic voice commands like “action movies” or “The Office.” Gemini completely changes that game. Asking “What’s the new hospital drama everyone’s talking about?” is something you’d ask a friend, not your remote. And the ability to get quick recaps of shows you haven’t watched in months? That’s genuinely useful. It’s like having a TV-obsessed friend who never forgets anything.
Wait, you can do homework on your TV now?
This is where it gets interesting. Google’s pushing the idea that Gemini isn’t just for entertainment. Asking it to “Explain why volcanoes erupt to my third grader” turns your TV into an educational tool. Following recipes or DIY projects with YouTube guidance makes sense too. But honestly, how many people are going to use their TV for homework help? Seems like they’re stretching the use cases a bit. Still, it shows they’re thinking beyond just finding the next Netflix binge.
Where this leaves everyone else
Roku and Amazon Fire TV are now playing catch-up in the AI department. Basic voice search suddenly feels ancient compared to Gemini’s conversational approach. And Apple TV? They’ve got Siri, which… well, let’s just say it’s not exactly winning any AI awards lately. The real question is whether this actually gets people to buy Google TV devices, or if it just becomes another nice feature that most people don’t fully use. Either way, Google’s making their move in the streaming wars, and it’s all about smarter conversations with your screen.
