Gemini AI rolls out on Google TV, first on TCL QM9K

Google began rolling out its Gemini conversational artificial intelligence on Google TV devices Wednesday, debuting the system on TCL's QM9K series in the United States and Canada. The update replaces the existing Google Assistant on supported sets and converts the television from a command-driven remote into a conversational companion that can recommend shows, summarize seasons, answer questions and surface instructional videos without requiring a phone or computer.

Gemini on Google TV understands natural, back-and-forth queries rather than relying on narrowly phrased voice commands. Users can ask for viewing suggestions that balance multiple preferences, request recaps such as "What happened in the last season of Severance," or pose vague descriptions to identify a show. Beyond entertainment, the AI can pull up YouTube tutorials and explainers for school projects, hobbies or recipes, and it can follow up on requests for reviews, cast information or other context before a viewer starts playback.

TCL's QM9K series is the only model to receive Gemini support immediately. Google said additional devices will gain the capability later this year, including the Google TV Streamer,...