Google TV Homescreen Overhaul Introduced in Latest Update

Google has begun testing a significant redesign of the homescreen interface for its Google TV platform. This update follows the recent rollout of the Material 3 Expressive redesign for the Google TV app on Android devices and represents a notable shift in the user experience for smart televisions.

Changes to the User Interface

According to reports from 9to5Google, the new homescreen interface appears as a server-side firmware upgrade on top of Google TV Home version v1.0.80697704. One of the most prominent changes is the removal of the “Library” tab from the top navigation bar. Instead, users will find this option relocated under the profile image located on the far left side of the screen.

The updated profile button now features a profile switcher along with four options: Watchlist, Library, Your Services, and Content Preferences. Previously, the button only displayed “Your Services” and “Content Preferences” within the Settings menu under Accounts & Profile.

The redesigned homescreen also streamlines navigation by consolidating the available tabs into a large pill-shaped box. Users will now see only the “Home,” “Live,” and “Apps” tabs. Additionally, buttons for the screensaver and settings of the smart Google TV have been moved to the right side of this box. Despite these adjustments, there are limited new features introduced in the overall interface update.

Testing Phase and Future Rollout

Currently, the redesigned homescreen interface is being tested with a select group of users, and reports of its implementation are still sparse. It is anticipated that Google may expand this rollout to a wider audience globally in the coming weeks.

The Google TV platform was launched in 2020, and since its inception, it has not undergone a comprehensive redesign. Although a refreshed design was introduced in 2024 that included circular icons, it lacked the substantial changes that users are now seeing with this latest update.

Looking ahead, Google is also preparing to integrate its Gemini AI chatbot features into the Google TV platform, promising to enhance the user experience further. As the tech giant continues to evolve its streaming service, the upcoming changes aim to provide a more intuitive and streamlined viewing experience for consumers.