A minor redesign is reportedly making an appearance, at least for one individual.
What you need to be aware of:
– Google TV is said to be experimenting with a slight homescreen overhaul for users in a recent update.
– The company has made slight modifications to its profile menu, incorporating two new options, while refreshing the appearance of its navigation bar to include a Search icon.
– Google TV has maintained a relatively low profile lately, although a more significant update introduced the smart home “Home Panel” to a larger user base.
A report indicates Google TV is testing a minor homescreen redesign that could alter its appearance and how you access your content. The test was discovered by 9to5Google, thanks to a tip received late this week, which included some real-life images of the redesign on the user’s television. The user captured a photo of Google TV’s notification, indicating that it has relocated “your Library and Watchlist to beneath the profile icon.”
Now, both options are present, alongside the existing “Your Services” and “Content Preferences,” with the account switcher and add account icons positioned above them.
Beyond the profile menu, Google TV’s redesign in testing also updated the navigational bar. The company emphasizes this enhancement, stating, “Search is now here, and we’ve changed For You to Home.” Google has placed these options within a pill-shaped bar that also contains “Live” and “Apps.” However, as noted by the publication, Google TV has split the settings menu and screensaver option into their own pill-shaped menu next to the main content hub selection.
It has been reported that this minor Google TV homescreen redesign reached the user’s device in v1.0.806977084. It’s not unusual for Google’s tests to be limited, meaning only a select few users get to see them initially. It appears that is the case here again, likely allowing Google time to implement additional changes (if necessary) and to gather feedback from those who received it unexpectedly.
A bit of care for Google TV:
Google TV remains quite subdued in terms of updates and features to be excited about; however, we did have that personal control center-like update to observe. Google TV upgraded several of its devices with the “Home Panel” that first appeared with the TV Streamer during its launch last year. From the home panel, users can monitor their smart devices, such as cameras, doorbell cameras, and even control lights, all from their TV (and remote).
Google TV deployed enhancements to users through a Sports tab and some Gemini integration while watching shows.
There was a modest update, focused on audio, that allowed viewers to select their desired audio format. Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, and PCM Stereo were listed as available choices.
