You may watch live TV on Google TV, but the majority of the possibilities are via third-party app integrations, which deviates from the ideal user experience that Google has in mind. In contrast, the platform seems to be getting closer to releasing 50 free “live” TV stations.
Over-the-top providers aren’t the first to experiment with ad-supported, free-to-watch linear channels. More than 200 channels are available on Samsung smart TVs, while Pluto TV broadcasts roughly 300 stations online. Pluto TV was a surprise choice of free linear channel provider for Google TV subscribers a year ago. Meanwhile, Google has invested heavily in YouTube TV, securing carriage arrangements with major networks, basic cable stalwarts, and sports channels while charging subscribers 85 a month to see its programmes.
Although Google TV is not YouTube TV, Google might do more to provide free channels on a platform that retains its name. Senior Googlers have hinted at the addition of new live TV channels to Google TV in recent interviews. Now, according to 9to5Google, there is indication that these additional channels will be available in the near future.
We may soon see channels such as:
- ABC News Live
- America’s Test Kitchen
- American Classics
- The Asylum
- Battery Pop
- CBC News
- ChiveTV
- Deal or No Deal
- Divorce Court
- Dry Bar Comedy
- FailArmy
- Filmrise Free Movies
- Hallmark Movies & More
- It’s Showtime at the Apollo!
- Kevin Hart’s LOL! Network
- Love Nature
- Maverick Black Cinema
- MooviMex
- Nature Vision
- NBC News Now
- Newsmax TV
- Nosey
- The Pet Collective
- Power Nation
- Reelz
- Teletubbies
- Today All Day
- Toon Goggles
- USA Today
- World Poker Tour
- Wu Tang Collection TV
- Xumo Crime TV
- Xumo Movies
- Xumo Westerns
It may be easier to access these channels directly from the Google TV home page than to use a third-party software like YouTube TV or Pluto TV, according to Google’s suggestion.. Given that linear channels on OTT services are more likely to offer up outdated, specialised material or to be supplied for free by their publisher if they are brand new, Google’s investment in vetting this content is minimal.