Summary
Last year, Walmart launched a new Google TV streamer with a remote that had a big ‘ol “Free TV” button smack dab in the middle of it. Google has reportedly confirmed that all future Google TV devices will be required to have this button from now on.
The “Free TV” or “Live TV” button opens the “Live” tab on the Google TV home screen. This tab started rolling out in early 2023, and it’s essentially Google’s version of something like Pluto TV or Tubi. Google partnered with Xumo to bring free, ad-supported channels such as America’s Test Kitchen, BBC Earth, Cheddar News, Family Feud, Outside, PGA Tour, and over 150 other channels.
Anyway, last year,Walmart launched the Onn 4K Pro streamer box, and some models included a remote with a “Free TV” button. It’s bright blue and the largest button on the remote—more than twice the size of the shortcuts for YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and Paramount+. Weirdly, not all models of the Onn 4K Pro originally had this button on the remote (like mine, for example). And Google didn’t include it on theremote for its Streamer box either. However, that won’t be the case moving forward.
A Google spokesperson reportedly confirmed toAndroid Authoritythat, starting this month, all new Google TV devices must include a remote with a “Free TV” or “Live TV” button. This button must open Google TV Freeplay–Google’s name for the free, ad-supported channels. Apparently, Google has received glowing feedback about Freeplay, so they want to provide quick access for viewers.
Google TV gives users access to a wide range of free TV options, including local news, popular shows and movies. Since we launched free live TV options on Google TV, we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users, and this change will help provide a consistent experience with quick access at users’ fingertips.
One important thing to note is Google did not mention any requirements for the button itself. In other words, we might not see a big, gaudy button on every Google TV remote. This does not appear to change how OEMs are allowed to customize the rest of the remote. It’s entirely possible that the button could be small and easy to ignore.
Personally, I was very happy to receive an Onn 4K Pro without the “Free TV” button on the remote. It’s not something I ever use, and it’s pretty annoying to have a button I’ll never touch taking up so much space. The good news is it’s easy to change what Google TV remote buttons do with an app called “Button Mapper.” I’ve remapped all the streaming services on my remote to the ones I actually use. I even printed tiny stickers to go on the buttons.
