Chromecast and other devices powered by Google TV may soon allow users to access free TV channels. For now, the platform only offers paid services.
Google TV, the interface that replaces Android TV that the American giant unveiled last year, is designed as a content delivery hub for various existing streaming applications, including Disney + or Netflix, but would now like to offer free alternatives for users who do not want to subscribe to a video on demand platform.
According to Protocol, Google has been in talks with operators of free and ad-supported TV channels to add their streaming channels to its platform. These channels generally operate similarly to traditional channels, but their broadcasts are interrupted by commercial breaks. Besides, Google has worked with smart TV vendors including Sony and TCL.
Soon free channels with Google TV Chromecast?
According to Protocol, this might look like how companies like Samsung showcase free TV offerings on their own platforms. Other companies (including Roku and Amazon) then took the same idea and gave their customers access to hundreds of free channels.
These free channels will be funded by commercial breaks and on-screen watermarks, like pay channels. It looks like owners of a Chromecast with Google TV or a compatible Sony or TCL TV will be able to browse channels via a dedicated live TV menu.
Apparently, free channels could launch as early as this fall, but their launch could be pushed back to early 2022. At this time, it is not known if these channels will only be available in certain countries. where if they will be accessible to all users. It is also not known if these channels will be in English only., or if other languages will also be available. For now, Google TV offers few free services, but Google’s platform is for example compatible with the American giant’s Stadia cloud gaming service, which allows you to play certain games such as Destiny 2 or Super Bomberman R Online for free. .
Source: Protocol
