Google TV is a smart TV operating system developed by Google in collaboration with Intel, Sony, and Logitech). It was launched in October 2010 with official devices initially made by Sony and Logitech. Google TV integrated the Android 3.0/3.2 operating system and the Google Chrome web browser to create an interactive television overlay on top of existing online video sites to add a 10-foot user interface, for a smart TV experience). Google TV was succeeded in June 2014 by Android TV, a newer platform which shares closer ties with the Android platform and has a revamped user experience integrating with Knowledge Graph, and providing casting support from mobile devices).
Google TV is a personalized experience that comes built-in to smart TVs and streaming devices from top brands. It is powered by an underlying operating system called Android TV OS. Some smart TVs and streaming devices are powered by Android TV OS but do not have the Google TV interface. These devices are referred to as Android TV devices. Google TV is the smart TV experience thats built right into select TV or streaming devices so there is no additional cost. The Google TV mobile app can also be downloaded at no charge from the Play Store or App Store. Google TV can be accessed on smart TVs and streaming devices with Google TV built-in, and through the Google TV mobile app for Android or iOS.
Google TV’s focus is to ensure users can access their most-viewed and recommended content directly from the home screen. Like other streaming device platforms, Google TV features Netflix, Apple TV Plus, Hulu, and more. However, Google TV lets you access what you want to watch without diving directly into the specific streaming app as long as you are logged in to your Google account. Google TV also offers a new live TV experience that lets you browse more than 800 free TV channels across multiple providers, organized in one easy-to-use guide right in the Live tab.
