Among the best streaming devices, Google has been the most aggressive in incorporating AI; when the Google TV Streamer launched, you were able to use Gemini to search for shows and movies using natural language, and you could also have it create screensaver artwork based on whatever your imagination could think up.
As of today (April 29), Google is adding a few more AI-assisted features, and will also update the interface to add short-form videos. Here's a quick look at what's coming. These features will be available on Google TV-enabled smart TVs, as well as the Google TV Streamer.
More Nano Banana photo editing — and better photo searching
While you previously were able to use Nano Banana to create AI images from whole cloth, you can now edit or modify the photos you've already taken. So, if there's a picture of you standing in an office building, you can ask Gemini to transplant you to the beach or the Moon.
Or, if you don't like the outfit you're wearing, you can ask Nano Banana to change your threads, add a hat, or sport some new shoes.
You can also take a more artistic approach using Google Photos Remix, which will let you add different artistic styles to your pictures, such as changing them to a watercolor or oil painting.
And, Gemini will now let you search through your Google Photos more easily, so you can perform a natural language search, such as "pictures with balloons" or "photos of cats." Google will then return a page showing all the results, allowing you to comb through your entire catalog more easily.
Veo video generation
If you're bored with all the streaming options, why not create your own? Google TV's integration with Veo will let you do just that, allowing you to make a video from voice prompts alone, or animate an existing still photo from your collection.
YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts has become one of the more popular video formats for the platform, so Google will be adding it to the home page of Google TV devices. It's not available just yet — the company said it will be coming this summer to the U.S. — but when it's added, you'll see a row of "Short videos for you," based on your browsing history and preferences.
Outlook
In all, Google broadening the reach of its AI tools to its popular streaming device is a sensible, if inevitable move. While I imagine people will have fun editing and creating videos and photos using Nano Banana and Veo, I suspect that the most popular new features will be the ability to search through your voluminous database of photos to find the ones you want.
Adding YouTube Shorts also makes a ton of sense, even if their vertical format is less suited to a widescreen television than a phone's display. If you're listlessly scrolling through the best streaming services looking for something to watch, there's no better time-killer than a bunch of snackable, short-form videos.
