Google TV Latest Free Update May Be A Disappointment

If you’ve noticed a change in the layout of your Google TV homescreen recently, you’re not alone. Google has been rolling out a new redesign to users over the past week, with brands like TCL and Walmart Onn already seeing the update. This marks one of the biggest changes to the Google TV homepage since its rebranding in 2020.

The most significant changes in the redesign are to the top navigation bar. One major alteration that has sparked some criticism is the removal of the Library tab. This means that accessing downloaded films and TV shows now requires users to click on their profile picture on the left side of the screen to access a drop-down menu containing options like Library, Watchlist, Your Services, and Content Services.

The top menu now features a renamed Home tab (previously For You), alongside Live and Apps tabs. Settings and Screensaver options are now placed in a separate box for easier access. The redesign can be seen in the image below, showcasing the new layout and features:

For comparison, the old homepage layout with the Library tab included can be seen in the image below:

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

While these changes are currently rolling out in the US, there has been no confirmation of the update in other countries. Users in the UK, for example, may still see the old layout even after an update on their Google TV devices. It’s possible that Google is still refining the new layout, as it has not been officially announced beyond appearing in some advertisements.

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