Google TV adds Gemini-powered image generation with Imagen 3 and Veo video tools

Google announced Gemini AI integration for Google TV, bringing image generation and video creation tools to television screens. The features launch first on Gemini-enabled TCL TVs in the U.S., with broader device support planned.

Core AI features

The update centers on two generative AI tools accessible through a new "Create" button in the Gemini tab:

Imagen 3 (referred to as "Nano Banana" in the announcement) enables voice-controlled photo editing and generation. Users can modify existing photos by changing outfits, swapping backgrounds, or generating new scenes through voice prompts. Google is positioning this as a shared living-room experience for family entertainment.

Veo allows users to create video clips from text descriptions or animate still images. Example use cases include generating scenarios like "make my grandfather moonwalk in space."

Google Photos integration

Google Photos on Google TV gains Gemini-powered search capabilities. Users can query specific memories—vacations, birthday parties—without manual library browsing. Results display in a browsable format with full-screen viewing and slideshow options.

Two new editing features:

• "Remix" applies artistic filters including watercolor and oil painting styles
• "Dynamic Slideshows" adds animated layouts, frames, and color treatments to photo collections

Users can set Google Photos as their screensaver source to display AI-enhanced slideshows.

Short-form video expansion

Google TV will add a "Short videos for you" row to the home screen, initially featuring YouTube Shorts content. According to Google, this feed could expand to other platforms beyond YouTube. Instagram already launched its TV app on Google TV devices in the U.S. earlier this year.

The timing is notable: YouTube recently added an option to hide Shorts on mobile devices, indicating mixed user reception of the format.

Rollout details

The Gemini features begin rolling out on TCL TVs with Gemini support in the U.S. Google has not disclosed:

• Specific rollout timeline for other TV brands
• International availability dates
• Whether the AI features require additional subscription costs

What this means

This marks Google's first major integration of its flagship generative AI models into consumer television hardware. By targeting the living room, Google is testing whether generative AI tools have use cases beyond productivity and creative professional workflows. The emphasis on family-oriented, entertainment-focused prompts suggests Google views TVs as a platform for casual AI experimentation rather than serious content creation. The success of these features will likely depend on voice recognition accuracy in living room environments and whether users find value in AI-generated content on large screens versus mobile devices.