Last month, Googlebrought hundreds of ad supported channels to Google TVdevices like theChromecastand a handful of smart TVs. To make these channels more accessible to anyone in the Google ecosystem, the company is bringing its live TV tab to Android TV devices.
The channels will exist in theLivetab betweenHomeandDiscover, and will include various programming from NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox, as well as international content from countries like India and Japan. Just like itsGoogle TVsibling, Android TV will offer these channels at no cost.
Given the enormous list of 800 channels, it would be annoying to have to scroll through all of them to find your preferred channel. To manage the overwhelming quantity of content, you’ll be able to save your favorite channels and pin them to the top of the guide.
As is customary for anything Google at this point, you’ll find recommendations on the platform suggesting things to watch based on your interests.
How to use Google TV
How to use Google’s version of Plex
Google TV is essentially a skinned version of Android TV, but either can be an adequate option for your smart TV needs. If you’re looking to make the jump to either operating system, we narrowed downour favorite devicesrunning either operating system, including the NVIDIA Shield and the Google Chromecast with Google TV. And if you’re not all that into live TV, we listed allthe best apps currently availableon those devices, so you can watch whatever your heart desires.
Meanwhile, the Android TV experience could be getting even better, as Google recently released new tools to developers to make theirgive their TV apps Material You designon their associated devices.
Live channels on Android TV will begin rolling out now, but it might take a few weeks before you see them on your device.
Nvidia Shield TV Pro (2019)
The Shield TV Pro may have been released in 2019, but Nvidia has been absolutely prolific with updates and long-term support for its Android TV devices. While it’s not running the newer Google TV skin, the Shield TV Pro does have the powerful Android TV OS at its core, enabling features like Google Cast and Nvidia GeForce Now cloud gaming on any TV.
