Skip to main content

Google TV rolls out its first updates

dualview_2Google TV has had a challenging start. With content providers jumping ship and wary reviews, it seemed like maybe the product launched just a little too early. But it’s rolled out the first round of updates, and while they aren’t going to solve any of the device’s major problems, they certainly bring a few new things to the table and highlight a bit of what Google TV is capable of. Here’s a short roundup of what’s in store.

  • Updated Netflix app lets you access and watch Netflix’s entire library without any help from your PC.
  • On the Netflix note, you can now actually watch movies instantly. Before the update, you had to use a separate device in order to add content to your instant watch queue and now, you really can just go through the catalog and choose “watch instantly.” On the flipside, if you prefer a physical DVD sent to your home, you can now do that as well.
  • Dual view is being introduced, and will let users watch TV and browse the web at the same time on a remarkably clean and user-friendly interface. It also allows you to move and resize your browser window.
  • There’s a new remote control app for Android, which also uses integrated voice search if you don’t feel like pressing any buttons at all.

Check out the video for a little more insight and some previews of the updates.

Molly McHugh
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
Google Messages is going to make backing up and restoring texts so much easier
Google messages versus samsung messages app icons side by side on Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Backing up and restoring Google Messages on Android is managed through Google One in the device’s Settings app. However, you can’t perform this action directly from the Google Messages app. This may change soon.

According to 9to5Google, a Google Messages app beta (version 20241118_02_RC00) includes references to a backup and restore option directly in the app.Android Authority has been able to view images of the new feature and offer early insight into how it works.

Read more
Google Lens and Google Pay are about to get more helpful for holiday shopping
The new Google Wallet app running on an Android phone.

The holiday season is upon us, and that probably means you’ll be doing a lot of shopping in the coming weeks. Google is doing its part to help make that shopping experience a bit easier, especially if you want to do some in-person shopping rather than online, with some new features hitting Google Lens and Google Pay ahead of the holidays.
Shop better through Google Lens

According to Google, Google Lens performs about 20 billion visual searches each month, and about 20% of those are shopping-related. Today's update helps make Lens more useful by giving you insights tailored to the store you are currently in so you can make informed decisions.

Read more
The Google Messages app is getting a few important safety features
google messages scam identity fraud package delivery spam features detect

Google’s software theme for 2024 has been safety. With the arrival of Android 15, the company added a host of anti-theft measures for phones, and later locked the Find My system behind biometric check. Next in line is the Messages app.

Earlier today, the company announced enhanced scam detection, putting special focus on package delivery scams and job frauds. Package delivery frauds have been on the rise lately, and they are being used for everything from brushing scams to those extorting money in the name of fake package delivery problems.

Read more