Google announced on Wednesday a new wave of AI-powered features for Google TV, alongside a dedicated short-form video feed that brings YouTube Shorts directly to the home screen, according to TechCrunch.
At the center of the update are expanded Gemini capabilities. Within a new Gemini tab, a "Create" button allows users to experiment with generative AI tools Nano Banana and Veo.
These features are rolling out first on Gemini-enabled TCL TVs in the United States, with broader device support expected at a later date, the outlet reported.
Nano Banana, Google’s image-generation and editing model, lets users transform photos using simple voice prompts. Users can swap outfits, change backgrounds, or generate entirely new scenes.
Google is positioning the feature as a shared, living-room experience. The company is encouraging playful prompts, such as asking the AI to make "my dad wear a ridiculous outfit" to get a laugh from family and friends.
Veo allows users to create clips from scratch or animate still images by describing a scenario. For example, users can prompt the tool to "make my grandfather moonwalk in space."
Upgraded photo management and video feeds
Google Photos is also receiving an upgrade on the platform. With Gemini-powered search, users can quickly surface specific memories, like vacations or birthday parties, without digging through their entire library.
Results are displayed in a browsable format, making it easy to view images full-screen or launch a slideshow. A new "Remix" feature also lets users apply artistic styles, such as watercolor or oil painting, to their photos.
Additionally, "Dynamic Slideshows" introduces animated layouts, frames, and color treatments. Users can turn any Google Photos collection into a TV-ready slideshow by selecting Google Photos in the screensaver settings.
Beyond AI tools, Google is leaning into the popularity of short-form video. A new "Short videos for you" row will appear on the Google TV home screen, initially featuring content from YouTube Shorts.
This move follows recent news that YouTube introduced an option to hide Shorts on mobile, suggesting mixed user demand. Google hinted that this feature could expand beyond Shorts to other platforms in the future.
