A notable modification has been implemented by Google to its Google TV service. Users will no more be able to procure individual TV episodes or complete seasons via Google TV on “Google TV devices, Android TV devices, and the Google TV Mobile app”.
It’s important to highlight that the existing Google TV service, introduced in September 2020, varies from the previous operating system bearing the same name that Google phased out close to a decade ago.
Key takeaways from the recent announcement are:
- Previous TV shows purchased will remain accessible and unaffected by these adjustments.
- Users will retain access to all their past transactions, regardless of the platform they were conducted on.
- The capability to purchase or rent movies remains untouched by this modification.
- For forthcoming TV show acquisitions, users can make purchases through YouTube (availability may differ).
Google has not revealed a specific rationale for this alteration, and the reason behind the exclusive focus on TV shows remains unclear.
Key Point to Consider: While digital TV shows and movies are commonly labeled as “acquisitions”, users do not technically possess the content they procure. There is a slight possibility that acquired content could be withdrawn at some point, although this scenario is infrequent. This ambiguity underscores why physical media ownership continues to be a preferred choice for numerous consumers.
The cessation of TV show sales on Google TV poses a setback for the platform. Despite Google recommending purchasing shows through YouTube as an alternative, it signifies that users will now have their content distributed across multiple platforms.
Even though all acquired shows and movies can still be viewed on YouTube, the future availability on the Google TV platform remains uncertain. The repercussions of this resolution on movie sales via Google TV are yet to be ascertained. This change might spark inquiries about the future of Google TV, potentially suggesting its integration into the YouTube TV landscape in the time ahead.
This strategic pivot towards YouTube aligns with Google’s recent trend, evident in its discontinuation of the Podcast app this year in favor of a comparatively less elaborate podcasting encounter on YouTube.
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