More Gemini features are coming to Google TV

Google on Wednesday announced a new wave of AI-powered features coming to Google TV, along with a personalized short video feed that takes YouTube Shorts directly to the home screen.

At the center of this update are more Gemini capabilities. Under the Gemini tab, the “Create” button allows users to try out the Nano Banana and Veo generative AI tools. It’s rolling out first to TCL Gemini-enabled TVs in the US, with broader device support expected later.

Nano Banana, Google’s image creation and editing template, allows users to transform images using simple voice prompts. Users can swap outfits, change backgrounds, or create entirely new scenes. Google is positioning this feature as a shared experience in the living room, encouraging playful prompts such as asking the AI ​​to make “My dad wear a ridiculous outfit” to elicit laughter from family and friends.

Veo, on the other hand, allows users to create clips from scratch or animate still images by describing the scenario. For example, “Make my grandfather walk on the moon in space.”

Google Photos is also getting an upgrade on Google TV. With Gemini-powered search, users can quickly bring up specific memories, such as vacations or birthday parties, without searching through their entire library. The results are displayed in a browsable format, making it easy to view images full screen or play a slide show. There’s also a new “Remix” feature that lets users apply artistic styles like watercolor or oil painting to their photos.

Meanwhile, Dynamic Slide Shows offer animated layouts, frames, and color wizards. Users can turn any collection of Google Photos into a lively, TV-ready slideshow by selecting Google Photos in the screensaver settings.

Beyond AI tools, Google is also leaning into the growing popularity of short-form video. Soon, a new row called “Short videos for you” will appear on the Google TV home screen, starting with content from YouTube Shorts.

The move comes on the heels of YouTube recently introducing an option to hide short videos on mobile, indicating mixed demand from users. However, Google indicates that this may expand beyond short videos in the future, perhaps to other platforms. Instagram actually expanded its TV app to Google TV devices in the US earlier this year.