Google TV takes on Roku with over 800 free TV channels – Engadget

Google TV is becoming more like basic cable. The company announced today it’s adding content from several new providers to make browsing ad-supported live TV channels a central part of the platform. The news comes several months after the company was reportedly negotiating with media companies to add similar content to YouTube.
Starting today, Google TV is adding Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels from Tubi, Plex and Haystack News to its existing FAST content from Pluto TV. In addition, Google is adding “built-in channels from Google TV that you can watch without even downloading or launching an app.” The company says the service now aggregates over 800 free channels.
FAST is the industry term for ad-supported “linear streaming content,” meaning it’s broadcast at specific times like traditional television. (Think standard afternoon programming on TNT or TBS.) Already embraced by competitors like Roku, FAST channels turn streaming into an experience akin to channel-surfing in the old days — further proving that live TV streaming has essentially become cable sent through a different pipe.
Google says the content will include shows like Westworld (which Warner Bros. Discovery removed from HBO Max), Law & Order: SVU and The Walking Dead. Additionally, it includes news content from NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox. It also has international programming in more than 10 languages, including Spanish, Japanese and Hindi. In addition, the programming is organized in an updated TV guide, which Google says makes browsing easier and faster. The Google TV Live tab will also include content from YouTube TV or Sling TV (if you subscribe), putting all your live TV content in one spot.
Although the Google TV changes arrive beginning today, the company says it will roll it out “over the coming weeks,” (a Google classic) so you may have to wait a bit before trying it. First, of course, you’ll need a Google TV device like Chromecast with Google TV or a television from Sony, TCL, Hisense and Philips with Google TV built-in. The company says the feature will trickle down to Android TV devices later this year.
Many Amazon devices, including Echos, Kindles, and Fire TV sticks are up to 55 percent off for Black Friday.
Here are the best Black Friday 2023 deals available right now from Amazon, Target, Walmart and other retailers.
In a Black Friday deal, Apple's latest AirPods are down to the best price we've seen.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are $50 off in an early Black Friday sale on Amazon. This brings the price down to $379 and is the best deal on these headphones since launch.
Here are the best tech gifts and cool gadgets you can get this year, including portable speakers, drones, smart lights, headphones and more.
We question the wisdom of making a $200 handheld that only streams games from your PS5.
If you’re in the market for a premium smart speaker that sounds better than the usual bargain-bin options, Sonos’ early Black Friday deal may be what you’re looking for. The company is taking $50 off the Sonos Era 100, which offers improved bass and clarity over its predecessor.
You can get Samsung's Smart Monitor M8 for 43 percent off retail.
The biggest news stories this morning include Apple's embrace of RCS, Amazon the car dealer, and AI game development.
A judge has rejected Elon Musk's request to remove the FTC's consent decree on X.
YouTube videos that feature breastfeeding content can now earn money on the platform, so long as they meet a certain set of criteria.
Qualcomm just officially unveiled the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 series mobile chipset, with built-in AI, 5G integration and more. The CPU should start showing up in Honor and Vivo phones soon, with an announcement expected later this month.
Bluesky has just crossed 2 million users a year after the service's first ever post was created.
The LinkedIn-like job search tool that X has been experimenting with is now live.
Apple will support the RCS messaging standard next year.
IBM is pulling back from X after its ads were placed alongside pro-Nazi content on the platform.
Epic has introduced a feature called voice reporting for Fortnite that will allow players to submit 5-minute audio clips to moderators when reporting harmful online behavior. It'll automatically be applied for anyone under 18.
A hacking group deployed a surprising tactic after infiltrating a financial software company’s network. They reported the breach to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Lucid’s Gravity, a three-row electric SUV, is officially shipping in 2025 with a retail cost somewhere around $80,000. It boasts a max range of 440 miles and a high-tech interior.
Amazon is selling the Echo Show 5 smart display for $40, which matches a record low for the device. That’s more than 50 percent off, with a total savings of $50.
Subscribe to our two newsletters:
– A weekly roundup of our favorite tech deals
– A daily dose of the news you need
Please enter a valid email address
Please select a newsletter
By subscribing, you are agreeing to Engadget's Terms and Privacy Policy.

source