If you’re someone who enjoys relaxing in front of the TV after a long day, you’ll be pleased to know that Google’s big-screen experience is about to get a major upgrade. The company is rolling out its advanced AI assistant Gemini to more TVs and streaming devices—signaling a shift in how we interact with our living-room screens. Below, I’ve outlined what’s changing, why it matters, and what you need to know.
1. What’s Gemini on TV All About?
First and foremost, Gemini for TV isn’t just a fancy rename of the old assistant. Rather, it’s a next-generation conversational AI built to handle more natural language and deeper interactions on your TV. As Google states, Gemini moves beyond simple voice commands and into free-flowing conversations: you can ask your TV to explain the solar system, suggest a film based on mixed tastes, or step you through a recipe with supporting videos. blog.google+2Google Help+2
Furthermore, Gemini preserves the core functions you already know (change channel, open app, dim lights) but layers on richer responses, context awareness, and multi-step dialog. That means your remote might feel a bit more like a smart assistant than ever.
2. The Expansion: More Devices, Broader Availability
Up until now, Gemini for Google TV launched on select premium TV models—specifically, the TCL QM9K series. 9to5Google+1 But now, Google is widening access. Soon it will include: the Hisense 2025 U7, U8, UX models; 2025 TCL QM7K, QM8K, X11K; the first-party Google TV Streamer device; and the Walmart Onn 4K Pro streaming box. Gadgets 360+2blog.google+2
In other words: if you haven’t been able to try Gemini on your TV yet, there’s a good chance your next device will support it—or your current device may receive an update. Hence, more users will be able to leverage this advanced assistant in their living room.
3. Why This Upgrade Truly Matters
Naturally, you might ask why this matters. There are several compelling reasons:
- Improved user experience: Instead of awkward short commands, you can engage in conversational queries like “What happened at the end of that show I paused?” or “Suggest an action film we both like, but not too scary.” TechCrunch+1
- Unified ecosystem: Introducing Gemini across TVs aligns with Google’s goal of making AI available throughout your devices—phone, watch, car, and now living room. blog.google+1
- Smarter recommendations & control: Beyond just entertainment, Gemini can handle homework help, summarise previous seasons of a show, or integrate with your smart-home devices. So your TV becomes more than a screen—it becomes a helpful hub. blog.google
For those in Pakistan (and globally), this means that even if you purchase a mid-level streaming device rather than a high-end TV, you’re likely to gain access sooner rather than later. That’s a smart shift toward accessibility.
4. What’s the Catch? Compatibility & Region Limitations
However—and it’s important—there are still some caveats. Firstly, device compatibility is currently limited. As previously mentioned, the rollout starts with high-end models and selected streaming boxes. 9to5Google+1 Secondly, region and language support is still not universal. For example, Gemini for TV is initially available only in English (US) and French (Canada) on certain devices. Google Help+1
Moreover, older TVs, cheaper devices, or models with less advanced hardware may not support Gemini—or may only get a limited version of it. Therefore, while the expansion is promising, not everyone will get the full experience immediately.
5. How to Get Ready: Tips Before You Buy or Upgrade
If you’re thinking of upgrading your TV or streaming setup, or simply want to be ready for Gemini, here are some tips:
- Check device compatibility: Look for models in the supported list (TCL QM9K, Hisense U7/U8, etc.) or confirm that a streaming device is Gemini-ready. 7labs+1
- Ensure your TV is added to the Google Home ecosystem: This will help enable the features related to voice assistant, profile integration, and smart-home control. Google Help
- Be patient with your region: If you’re in Pakistan, South Asia or other non-US regions, rollout may take a bit longer. Keep an eye on firmware updates.
- Consider streaming device option: If your current TV cannot be replaced, a Gemini-ready streamer could be a more affordable way to get the experience.
- Update your connected devices and apps: A smoother voice-AI experience often relies on the latest OS and Google Home app versions.
6. What It Means for Smart Homes & Entertainment
In the broader context, Gemini’s expansion to TV reflects how smart home ecosystems are evolving. Instead of each device being isolated, AI assistants are becoming central to the ecosystem. For instance:
- Your TV can act as a central control panel for the home: “Show me my front-door camera feed” right from the TV screen. Google Help
- Content discovery becomes more intelligent: No longer simple keyword search but context-aware suggestions based on your tastes, history and household.
- Device-agnostic experience: Whether you’re on your watch, phone or TV, the same assistant responds with context. For Google, this means stronger ecosystem lock-in and for users, more seamless behaviour.
If you’re invested in smart home gear or plan to expand your entertainment setup, Gemini’s presence on TV feels like a meaningful leap—rather than incremental.
7. Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Wait?
In conclusion, yes—the rollout of Gemini to more TVs and streaming devices represents a noteworthy upgrade in both entertainment and smart-home integration. Because Google is moving from simple voice commands to conversational AI on the big screen, users stand to gain a richer experience. However, while the direction is exciting, the actual benefit will depend on your device, region, and when you receive the update.
For now, if you’re in the market for a new TV or streaming device, making sure it supports Gemini is a smart decision. On the other hand, if you’re using an older TV and don’t feel pressured to upgrade, keeping an eye on firmware updates might suffice.
