The Google TV home screen is getting a major redesign, rolling out to more devices with a cleaner navigation bar, smarter profile menu, and AI-powered features.
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Google TV Home Screen Redesign – What’s New
For some users, Google TV‘s home screen navigation bar used to feel clunky or overlooked. Now, Google has quietly redesigned it, and the update is rolling out to more devices than ever. If your home screen suddenly looks different, don’t worry — it’s not a glitch. This is the new layout gradually reaching users.
Initially tested in a limited rollout earlier this month, the redesign is now available on devices including TCL TVs and Walmart’s Onn sets, according to 9to5Google. Best of all, no manual installation is required — the update is delivered through a server-side push.
The most noticeable change is the navigation bar. The old “For You” tab has been replaced with a simplified Home section, flanked by Live and Apps in a pill-shaped menu at the top. The search button sits on the far left, while a second pill groups Settings and the screensaver toggle, clearly separating content browsing from system controls.
The profile icon now provides more functionality than ever. Clicking it reveals a streamlined menu with your Watchlist, Library, Your Services, Content Preferences, and account switching options. Google’s official Google TV website now reflects this updated design, signaling that this layout will likely become the standard across all Google TV devices, as noted by AFTV News.
Smarter features are coming next
Google isn’t stopping at visual upgrades. The company has teased upcoming Gemini AI-powered features for Google TV, including enhanced recommendations, smarter photo displays, and presence-sensing capabilities. On devices like TCL’s QM9K, the TV can “wake” when someone enters the room, showing AI-generated art or personal Google Photos — a glimpse into Google’s vision of TVs as ambient displays. Your TV can even greet you with weather updates, upcoming events, or a live security camera view.
This update marks a major transformation for Google TV’s home screen. Cleaner navigation, an expanded profile menu, and AI-driven personalization make the experience feel more modern and intuitive. If you haven’t received it yet, the update is on its way — and once it arrives, the changes will be instantly noticeable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What are the key updates in the Google TV home screen redesign?
A: The redesign includes a cleaner navigation bar, a revamped profile menu, AI-powered recommendations, enhanced device integration, and ambient display features. - Q: Which devices are receiving the Google TV home screen update?
A: The update is rolling out to a wide range of devices, including TCL TVs, Walmart’s Onn TVs, and other Google TV-enabled smart TVs. - Q: Do I need to manually install the update for Google TV?
A: No, the redesign is deployed via a server-side push, so it will appear automatically without requiring manual installation. - Q: How does the new profile menu improve the Google TV experience?
A: The updated profile menu allows easier access to Watchlist, Library, Your Services, Content Preferences, and account switching, making navigation faster and more intuitive. - Q: Are there any AI features included in the new Google TV home screen?
A: Yes, AI features include smarter recommendations, photo displays, and presence-sensing that can wake the TV and show personalized content like Google Photos or ambient information.
