How to Use Google Assistant to Watch TV

Google Assistant is certainly one of the most innovative tools that Google has ever developed. But did you know that in addition to checking the weather, making reminders and playing your favorite songs, you can use the Google Assistant to watch TV? This handy guide will tell you everything you need to know about watching TV with the smart assistant, from hardware you need to the services of streaming TV channels that Google's artificial intelligence is compatible with.

Watching TV with the Google Assistant

Google Assistant can do a lot of things, including answering your questions, checking your calendar for appointments, and playing music through your device's speaker. Google Nest. But one of its best features is the ability to control your TV, whether you're watching your favorite series from Netflix or watching a movie rented by Google Play.

You can play and control your TV with the dongle (a kind of adapter) of the chromecast or with the with Chromecast integrated into the TV, giving commands through your smartphone or tablets. Best of all, if you have one Android TV, Google Assistant is built into your device directly, allowing you to give commands to the voice assistant via the remote control.

Which streaming platforms work with the Google Assistant?

You can currently control playback on the following services with the Google Assistant: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, YouTube TV, STARZ, balloon play e Google Play Movies & TV.

What do I need to watch TV with the Google Assistant?

There are a few different ways to control your TV with Google Assistant, such as using an Android TV, getting a dongle from Google Chromecast or buying a TV with Chromecast built-in.

If using Chromecast, you can choose Google Chromecast (3rd generation) to streaming max in HD or Google Chromecast Ultra for 4K HDR viewing too.

Keep in mind that the method you use largely depends on your budget and how many additional steps you want to take to get the Google Assistant to play your TV shows and movies.

Watch on an Android TV

The simplest way to use Google Assistant to control TV playback is to use an Android TV with Google Assistant built in, saving you from buying additional devices like Google Chromecast.

A number of manufacturers are currently using the Android TV operating system on their screens, including LG's OLED and Super UHD TVs, Philips OLED TVs, and some Samsung TVs, so you'll find there are plenty of options to choose from, whatever your available budget.

Depending on the model, you may be able to speak directly into the remote to give Google Assistant commands; if your remote doesn't have a microphone, you'll have to give these commands to the Google Assistant built into your smartphone or a Google Nest speaker.

In addition to asking for things Google Assistant , the “Play Midnight Sky on TV”, you can also turn Android TV on and off, open apps like Netflix and YouTube, and play, pause, resume, and stop playback. Always remember to speak loud and clear, as the AI ​​behind the Google Assistant is not yet perfect and the assistant may not always get what you want.

Using Google Assistant with Chromecast

Now in its third generation, Chromecast works by connecting directly to the HDMI port on the back of your TV, drawing power from its USB port, and acting as a receiver for video links. streaming video sent from your phone or tablets.

To broadcast content, just press the "To transmit", which is already integrated into most applications of streaming of video. The feature sends a link to the Chromecast and starts the streaming immediately. It's an incredibly intuitive system when you use it and it bypasses the need for a remote.

O chromecast works great with the speakers Google Nest; just say things like “Ok Google, play the latest episode of Stranger Things on Chromecast” and ready. Remember that you need to specify the device, in this case Chromecast, on which you want the media to be played. Otherwise, Google Assistant will not be able to display the movie or series on your television.

Currently, you can also get TVs with Google Chromecast built in, so you don't have to buy one. dongle additional. Just use your smartphone or smart speaker to voice commands to the TV; you can find TVs with Chromecast built in from brands like Sharp, Vizio, Sony, Toshiba, Philips, and many others.

It is important to note that you cannot request specific episodes with Chromecast; for example you can say “Ok Google, watch The Crown on TV” ou “Watch The Crown on Netflix on TV”, but not “Play episode 1 of The Crown on TV”.

Source: TechRadar