Key Facts
- ✓ Users can adjust TV settings, such as boosting dialogue or disabling motion smoothing, using voice commands.
- ✓ The "Deep Dive" feature provides narrated, illustrated explanations for complex topics.
- ✓ Google Photos integration allows for image manipulation using Remix, Nano Banana, and Veo.
- ✓ Video generation capabilities depend on the Gemini subscription tier, but other features are included with Google TV device purchases.
Quick Summary
Google demonstrated a suite of new Gemini AI features for Google TV at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The update focuses on integrating AI into the viewing experience, ranging from practical system adjustments to educational content and photo manipulation.
The most functional updates allow users to control TV settings using natural language. This includes adjusting audio levels and disabling video processing features like motion smoothing. Additionally, the "Deep Dive" feature offers narrated explanations for complex subjects. Google Photos integration allows for the display and remixing of personal images using AI models such as Nano Banana and Veo. While video generation capabilities may vary by subscription, most features demonstrated will be available to Google TV device owners.
Voice-Controlled TV Settings 📺
One of the most practical additions to Google TV is the ability to adjust system settings using voice commands. During the demonstration, the system responded to requests without requiring the user to exit their current program. This allows for immediate adjustments to the viewing experience.
Specific capabilities demonstrated included:
- Boosting dialogue volume during playback
- Turning off motion smoothing (soap opera effect)
- Adjusting brightness levels
These changes are executed instantly via the Gemini assistant, streamlining the user interface for those who frequently adjust their picture and audio settings.
"Can you boost the dialogue?"
— Salahuddin Choudhary, Google’s Gemini for Android product lead
Educational "Deep Dive" Content 🧠
The "Deep Dive" feature transforms standard queries into educational lessons. When a user asks a general question, the system provides a brief answer followed by a button to explore the topic further.
For example, asking Gemini to "explain the Northern Lights" initially displays a definition and video tiles. Selecting the Dive deeper option triggers a narrated and illustrated tour of the science behind the phenomenon. This feature is designed to provide context similar to a mini-lesson, potentially assisting with complex questions from younger users.
Google Photos and AI Manipulation 🖼️
Google Photos integration is receiving a significant upgrade on the TV platform. Users can request specific photos, such as "pics from a trip to the beach," and view them on the large screen.
Beyond viewing, Gemini allows for image manipulation. The Remix feature can apply styles like oil painting to photos. For more specific alterations, users can utilize Nano Banana to turn photos into cartoons. Furthermore, the Veo model can generate short animations from static images, such as animating a person playing fetch with a dog. However, the generated animations were noted to be slightly glitchy.
Availability and Utility 📱
Access to these features varies. The ability to generate video is dependent on the user's specific Gemini subscription tier. However, purchasing a Google TV device will include access to most of the other AI capabilities demonstrated.
While features like photo manipulation and video generation are viewed as entertainment-focused, the voice-controlled settings and educational tools are considered highly practical. The integration aims to bring the Gemini experience to the largest screen in the home, appealing to heavy users of the AI assistant and those who enjoy viewing their photo libraries on a big display.
