Google TV gets a major upgrade for free channels - here's what's new

Google TV gets a major upgrade for free channels - here's what's new

Google TV has been steadily increasing its lineup of free ad-supported TV channels (aka FAST channels) since the beginning of this year, and now you can find all 150 channels under a new home called FreePlay

This name change was first spotted on the Google TV streamer last month, but it's now showing up across more Android TVs As reported by 9to5Google, US customers for whom these free channels are currently offered on Android TVs from companies like Chromecasts and TCL and Hisense will find the new FreePlay under the Live tab on the Google TV home screen brand can be found under the Live tab on the Google TV home screen

The new branding is a clear sign that the search giant is committed to the FAST channel, although it does not appear to change anything about how customers access Google TV's free offerings In the future, Google TV will see other types of free media, like movies and TV shows from YouTube and other ad-supported free streaming platforms, folded under the FreePlay banner

9to5Mac also reported that Google TV has added 14 more FAST channels to its lineup, including Ghost Hunters Channel, Ebony TV, and Untold Stories of the ER, bringing the total library of FAST channels to 150 more The total library of FAST channels now stands at 150, according to the report For reference, Google TV offered about 80 FAST channels at launch The new channels come just one month after Google TV added 10 FAST channels and added CBC News, Rig TV, and others to its free offerings

The full list of new FAST channels includes Billiard TV, Buzzr, The Rifleman, Xumo Free Nature & Wildlife TV, The Conners, World's Most Evil Killer, Untold Stories of the ER, Xumo Free Bollywood & Indian Cinema, Ghost Hunters Channel, Highway to Heaven, Unspeakable, Cook's Country Channel, Ebony TV by Lionsgate, FilmRise: The Dick Van Dyke Show are included

At this pace, Google's selection of FAST channels will continue to expand Nevertheless, there is no word yet on when they will be available to international viewers And of course, along with Google's FAST channels, Google TV also gives viewers access to some of the best free streaming services on the market, including Pluto TV, Tubi, and Plex

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