TL;DR
Google is updating Gemini on Google TV with Nano Banana and Veo support to generate images and video directly on TVs, plus more visual answers and narrated 'deep dives.' The assistant will also gain new voice controls to adjust picture and sound, with the update arriving on select TCL sets first and expanding to more Google TV devices in coming months.
What happened
Google announced a substantial update to Gemini on Google TV that expands the assistant’s creative and control capabilities. The update brings support for Nano Banana and Veo, enabling users to generate AI images and short video clips on the TV itself — including tools that can modify photos or assemble original-style video content. Gemini can pair those generators with a user’s Google Photos library to produce stylized slideshows of specific events. Responses from Gemini will include more visual elements, such as images or video context and real-time sports updates, and the assistant can produce narrated, interactive “deep dives” on chosen topics. Google is also adding voice-based controls for device settings: users can say things like “the screen is too dim” or “I can’t hear the dialogue,” and Gemini will adjust picture or volume accordingly. The rollout begins on select TCL sets and will expand to additional Google TV devices in the coming months.
Why it matters
- Brings generative AI creation tools directly to the TV screen, changing how users might edit or produce casual visual content at home.
- More visual, multimedia responses could shift the assistant’s role from search helper to a richer, screen-driven companion for browsing and watching.
- Voice-control for picture and sound simplifies common troubleshooting and accessibility tasks without needing navigational menus or remote control.
- Integration with Google Photos makes personal media more readily usable for on-TV presentations and stylized slideshows.
Key facts
- The update adds Nano Banana and Veo support to Gemini on Google TV for creating AI-generated images and videos on the TV.
- Users can modify family photos or create original-style video clips using the new tools on their television.
- Gemini can search a user's Google Photos library and assemble stylized slideshows of particular events.
- Responses from Gemini will be more visual, including images or video context and real-time sports updates.
- Gemini will generate narrated, interactive “deep dives” on topics requested by users.
- New voice controls let Gemini change settings such as screen brightness or volume in response to commands like “the screen is too dim” or “I can’t hear the dialogue.”
- Google suggested playful examples like using voice to skip back and enable closed captions, though that was presented illustratively.
- The enhanced Gemini experience is rolling out first to select TCL Google TV models, then to more Google TV devices in the coming months.
- The reporting was published by The Verge on January 5, 2026, and written by Terrence O’Brien.
What to watch next
- Exact timing and scope of the wider rollout beyond select TCL sets is not confirmed in the source.
- Which other Google TV manufacturers and models will receive the update, and on what schedule, is not confirmed in the source.
- Whether voice-driven feature set (for example auto-captioning or skip-back triggers) will be universally available or vary by model/region is not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Gemini: Google's AI assistant platform that provides conversational answers and, in this context, powers features on Google TV.
- Nano Banana: An AI image and video generation tool; in this update, it’s supported on Google TV to create or modify visual content.
- Veo: An AI tool for generating images and short videos that is being integrated into Gemini on Google TV.
- Google Photos: Google's cloud-based photo and video storage service that Gemini can search to create stylized slideshows.
Reader FAQ
What new creative tools are coming to Google TV?
Support for Nano Banana and Veo lets Gemini generate and modify images and short videos directly on the TV.
Can Gemini change TV picture and sound by voice?
Yes. Google says Gemini will respond to commands like “the screen is too dim” or “I can’t hear the dialogue” and adjust picture or volume.
When will my Google TV get the update?
The update is arriving first on select TCL sets, with additional Google TV devices to receive it in the coming months.
Will the AI-generated content be considered truly original?
The source notes debate over how “original” AI-generated outputs are, but does not resolve the question.
TECH AI GADGETS Gemini on Google TV is getting Nano Banana and voice-controlled settings You’ll also be able to ask for custom ‘deep dives’ on subjects, complete with narration and…
Sources
- Gemini on Google TV is getting Nano Banana and voice-controlled settings
- Gemini will let you control Google TV settings and more
- Google Gemini to let you change TV settings with voice …
- Google TV Gains Google Photos Support And New Gemini …
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