- All remote controls of the Google TV device will have a “free TV” button
- This will take users directly to Hub with 150 free channels
- Already presented on devices such as the 4K Pro ONN
All the new Google TV Google devices will present a “free TV” button on the remote controls included, confirmed Google.
Google TV, which is presented on some of the best televisions and best streaming devices, has access to more than 150 free channels that do not require a subscription or application installation, a collection that Google calls freeplay. These can be found in the “Live” tab on Google TV devices.
As indicated by Android Authority, Google confirmed that in the future from April 2025, any Google TV device with a remote control will include a free TV button ” which will bring users directly to this live tab.
This is the same as current shortcut buttons that you can find on some remote controls for some of the best streaming services such as Netflix, Disney Plus and Prime Video.
The button is already included on certain Google TV devices such as the 4K Pro ONN, a Google TV streaming device exclusive to Walmart.
Google has confirmed that the markets where Freeplay is not offered (anywhere outside the United States), this shortcut can be mapped to live television guides equivalent instead.
A welcome idea, but design is important
TV (Fast) (Fast) (Fast) (Fast) channels have become more and more popular in recent years, with services such as LG channels, appearing on the best LG televisions giving users access to a wide range of films and free emissions.
By adding the “free TV” button to Google TV remote controls, Google offers users an easy way to access these fast channels, which can only be good.
However, this means that televisions that use Google TV, such as Sony, Hisense (in the United States), TCL and Philips (in the United Kingdom and Europe), will have to include these buttons on their remote controls. Google has not confirmed “the size, color or placement required” for the Android authority, but it seems that the rest of the remote control can always be personalized to “meet customer needs”. So, fortunately, the manufacturers do not have to follow the particularly important example of the 4K Pro ONN.
Whatever the design, this is a welcome addition to Google TV’s remote control, because it will be an easy way for users to access free live channels at a time when the prices of the subscription services continue to climb. And the best things in life are free, right?
