Google TV gains dedicated ‘Channels’ section in UK [Update]

3 weeks ago 5

Google TV Streamer and Chromecast devices in the UK have gained a new “Channels” tab to quickly launch into regional broadcast streaming services such as BBC, ITV, and more.

[Update 10/28]: Despite the fact that BBC iPlayer is not yet available officially for the Google TV Streamer, the new “Channels” section now shows BBC channels within this section. However, clicking these brings up a mini-menu prompting you to install BBC iPlayer with a warning that it is not available for this device.

It’s not clear if this means that iPlayer is coming soon to TV Streamer devices, but other channels work as expected if you have the pre-requisite service application installed.

As Ben Moxham on Threads pointed out to us, the “Channels” panel is now available on devices running Google TV, such as the Google TV Streamer and Chromecast with Google TV. It’s not clear if other Google TV devices yet have the option but we have been able to confirm on several first-party streaming dongles.

Due to the lack of “Live Channels” and “Live” tab functions on Google TV and Android TV devices in the UK, it doesn’t work like a tuner. Instead, this section only contains channels from within the supported streaming applications you have installed on your device.

Because BBC iPlayer is still not yet available on the Google TV Streamer, you may not have the option on the latest device. On Chromecast, the “Channels” section will host BBC, ITV, STV, UTV, Really, Discovery, and other free-to-air broadcast services we have yet to test. If the app is available but not installed on your device, clicking will bring up the floating Play Store installer. It’s also worth noting that Channel 4 is not available as the service is still not available on Android TV.

If the app is installed on your Chromecast or Google TV Streamer and visible within the “Channels” section, clicking will load into the livestreaming channel. In our testing, ITV X will launch to the TV Guide section and requires an extra click. BBC iPlayer simply opens straight into the channel seamlessly. You can see how this works below:

Another notable aspect is that you must have an account before the quick launch buttons will open the content. Otherwise, you will hit a login screen within the applications. The current selection also omits a number of other UK TV channels with a particular focus on lifestyle content and lack of news at this stage.

This new “Channel” section is likely a way to enhance the Google TV experience for cordcutters that lack an aerial or prefer to view content streamed over an internet connection. It also help make up for the lack of true “Live channel” support that is sorely missing outside of the US. We’re hopeful that the supported apps will increase and allow for further integration for services like Plex and more.