Gemini is arriving on Google TV, starting on TCL’s QM9K series. It keeps your usual Assistant commands but adds conversational requests movie picks for a group, season recaps, “what’s that new hospital drama?” plus learning help and everyday ideas. More devices get it later this year (Google TV Streamer, Walmart Onn 4K Pro, select 2025 Hisense/TCL models). Availability varies by region/language; 18+.
Table of Contents
What is Gemini on Google TV?
Think of Gemini as the talkative cousin of Google Assistant. You can still say “Play Only Murders in the Building,” but now you can also describe what you’re in the mood for, ask for a quick recap of last season, or get suggestions when you only remember “that new hospital show everyone’s talking about.” Gemini handles follow-up questions naturally.
Concrete examples you can try:
- “Find something to watch with my partner. I like dramas; they prefer comedies.”
- “What happened in the last season of Outlander?”
- “What’s the new hospital drama everyone’s talking about? Are reviews good?”
It’s not just entertainment. Ask “Why do volcanoes erupt?” and Gemini can answer aloud and pull relevant YouTube videos handy for homework or quick skill-building like “Teach me basic guitar chords.”
Availability: which TVs and devices get Gemini?
Live now
- TCL QM9K series (Google TV) – first to ship with Gemini for TV.
Rolling out later this year
- Google TV Streamer (set-top)
- Walmart Onn 4K Pro
- Hisense 2025 U7, U8, UX models
- TCL 2025 QM7K, QM8K, X11K
The fine print
Google says Gemini for TV is available in select countries and languages and is intended for users 18+. Also, 9to5Google reports Google told them Android 14 is required for Gemini on Google TV, which helps explain why the early list skews to newer, higher-end devices.
Does Gemini replace Google Assistant on TV?
Google’s line is clear: “Everything you already do with Google Assistant still works,” but Gemini “goes beyond simple commands” with free-flowing conversations. That suggests coexistence for now, with Gemini handling the richer queries.
Some outlets describe Gemini as replacing Assistant on Google TV’s surface. In practice, expect the Gemini branding and conversational UI to front-end many requests, while the familiar commands continue to function behind the scenes. We’ll track how the interface evolves as the rollout widens.
How to enable and use Gemini on Google TV
Before you start
- Update your TV/streamer to the latest software. (9to5Google says Android 14 is required for Gemini on Google TV.)
- Region & language: Gemini for TV is available only in select countries/languages and to adults (18+).
- Add your TV to the Google Home app if you haven’t Google notes the experience is built for the big screen and integrates with your Google account.
Turn it on and talk
- Press the mic button on your remote or just say “Hey Google.” Then talk to Gemini like a person: “Find a feel-good movie under two hours,” “Recap season 2 of Shōgun,” or “Quick dessert I can make in 45 minutes?”
10 prompts to try tonight
- “Find a family movie we haven’t seen yet kids ages 8 and 12.”
- “What happened last season of Outlander?”
- “What’s the new hospital drama people love?”
- “Are reviews for The Pitt good?”
- “Explain volcanoes to a third grader.”
- “How do I make a model volcano?”
- “Teach me the first three guitar chords.”
- “Show quick 30-minute dessert ideas.”
- “Weekend trip ideas near me.”
- “What’s trending on Netflix right now?”
Privacy, age limits, and accuracy
Google flags that results may vary and you should check responses for accuracy. Availability is limited by country and language, and users must be 18+. Keep that in mind if you’re setting up profiles for younger viewers.
Gemini on TV vs rivals (Samsung/LG Copilot)
Samsung and LG have announced Microsoft Copilot integrations for new smart TVs this year. The pitch is similar conversational assistance on the big screen—but Google’s advantage is its YouTube/Google ecosystem and the massive Google TV base. We’ll compare real-world responsiveness and app integrations as both ecosystems mature.
Troubleshooting
Gemini isn’t available on my TV.
It may not be in your region/language yet, or your device doesn’t meet the requirement. Check for updates; rollout to more devices is “later this year.”
Is Chromecast with Google TV included?
Google’s list names Google TV Streamer and Walmart Onn 4K Pro; Chromecast was not listed by name at announcement.
Will older Hisense/TCL sets get it?
Google named 2025 Hisense U7/U8/UX and TCL QM7K/QM8K/X11K models. Older models weren’t confirmed.
Does it replace Assistant?
All Assistant functions still work; Gemini adds conversational features and likely becomes the default front-end over time.
Bottom line
If you have a TCL QM9K, try Gemini tonight. For everyone else, the feature is coming “later this year” to select Google TV hardware. The pitch is simple: ask for what you want in plain English and get helpful, spoken answers with YouTube context. If your device is older or on Android 13, you may be waiting a bit longer.
Frequently Asked Question
What can Gemini actually do on a TV?
Recommendations, season recaps, vague-description searches, quick how-tos, science explanations, recipes plus follow-up questions with spoken answers and related YouTube videos.
When is it coming to the Google TV Streamer/Walmart Onn 4K Pro?
Google says “later this year.” Exact dates weren’t shared.
Is Chromecast with Google TV included?
Not named in the initial list; only Google TV Streamer and Walmart Onn 4K Pro are mentioned among streamers.
Which Hisense/TCL models will get it?
Hisense 2025 U7/U8/UX and TCL 2025 QM7K/QM8K/X11K are in the expansion list.
Does it work in my country/language?
Google notes availability is limited to select countries and languages and to users 18+.
Is Gemini replacing Assistant?
Assistant commands still work; Gemini adds a conversational experience on top.
Do I have to pay?
Google hasn’t announced a separate TV fee; this is part of Google TV’s platform features. (Some Gemini Advanced offerings on other platforms are paid, but that’s separate.)
How do I invoke it?
Say “Hey Google” or press the mic button on your remote.
Comparison Table
| Platform | Availability (2025) | What it does | Notable hooks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gemini on Google TV | Live on TCL QM9K; more devices “later this year” | Conversational recs, recaps, learning help, YouTube tie-ins | Large Google TV base; YouTube responses; Assistant commands remain |
| Copilot on Samsung/LG TVs | Announced for 2025 models | Conversational assistant, Microsoft ecosystem | Office & Bing tie-ins; OEM-specific implementations |
Featured Answered Boxes
What is Gemini on Google TV?
Gemini is Google’s conversational assistant on the big screen. It keeps standard voice commands and adds multi-turn chat for recommendations, season recaps, learning help, and quick ideas like recipes or trip planning. It answers aloud and can surface relevant YouTube videos. Availability varies by region/language.
Which TVs support Gemini right now?
At launch, Gemini is live on TCL’s QM9K series. Google says it will expand later this year to the Google TV Streamer, Walmart Onn 4K Pro, 2025 Hisense U7/U8/UX, and 2025 TCL QM7K/QM8K/X11K models. Support depends on region/language and software requirements.
Does Gemini replace Google Assistant on TV?
Google says all Assistant functions still work; Gemini adds a more conversational layer. Some coverage suggests Gemini becomes the visible front-end for many requests, but Assistant capabilities remain available. We’ll watch how the UI evolves as rollout widens.
Do I need Android 14?
9to5Google reports Google told them Android 14 is required for Gemini on Google TV devices, which likely limits support to newer, higher-end hardware at first.
Source: blog.google
