Google TV has added ad-supported live TV channels to its platform with the inclusion of content from several new providers. This move further positions Google TV as a central platform for browsing live TV channels. The news comes a few months after the company reportedly entered negotiations with media companies to add similar content to YouTube.
With this update, Google TV is adding Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels from Tubi, Plex, and Haystack News to its existing content from Pluto TV. Additionally, Google TV is introducing “built-in channels from Google TV that you can watch without even downloading or launching an app.” According to Google, the platform now aggregates over 800 free channels.
FAST is the industry term for ad-supported “linear streaming content,” which is broadcast at specific times like traditional television. The inclusion of FAST channels on Google TV turns streaming into an experience akin to channel-surfing in the old days, further proving that live TV streaming has essentially become cable sent through a different pipe.
Google says that its new content will include popular shows like Westworld, Law & Order: SVU, and The Walking Dead. It also features news content from NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox. The programming is available in more than 10 languages, including Spanish, Japanese, and Hindi. Additionally, the programming is organized in an updated TV guide, making browsing easier and faster. Google TV Live tab will include content from YouTube TV or Sling TV (if subscribed), placing all the live TV content in one convenient spot.
As competition among streaming platforms continues to heat up, Google’s move to expand its live TV offering is a strategic one. The inclusion of additional content providers and ad-supported channels will help Google TV appeal to a broader range of users, ultimately strengthening its position in the market.
