The new free 'Channels' update from Google TV in the UK makes it easier to go without an antenna, although it has a significant drawback.
There is a very prominent name that is not included in Google's free Channels offer.
Users in the United Kingdom who own a Google TV Streamer or a Chromecast device can now enjoy the new Channels tab on their devices. This update promises to make direct access to leading British broadcasters easier, allowing content streaming without the need for an antenna or satellite cable. However, this experience still has notable limitations.
When exploring the Channels tab, users will find familiar logos from ITV and its respective regions, such as STV in Scotland, as well as Channel 5. But, at the moment, live streaming functionality is non-existent, and one of the major absentees is Channel 4. This means the idea of completely forgoing a TV antenna has yet to materialize.
The absence of Channel 4 is due to its unavailability on the Android TV platform at this time. On the other hand, the BBC has decided that users should utilize its iPlayer app, which is currently not available on the Google TV Streamer, although it is compatible with other devices like Chromecast and many Google TV-enabled TVs from brands like Sony and TCL.
The Channels tab will likely include BBC content, ITV (including STV and UTV regions), and other free channels in the future. To access the channels, the appropriate application will need to be installed; otherwise, the user will be redirected to the Play Store page for download. Additionally, many of these applications require users to create an account, which may lead them to a login page, making the experience less convenient than expected—similar to situations found on other devices like the Apple TV 4K.
While the inclusion of this new tab is positive, the variety of options for users in the UK continues to be much lower than that of their counterparts in the United States, where the Google TV platform offers over 800 live channels, many of which focus on daytime programming. The lack of diversity in the options available in the UK is something many people would like to see improved.
