Adjusting picture settings on a TV has long been a fiddly chore — brightness, contrast, picture mode, and audio equalization often require digging through nested menus. Google TV now offloads that hassle to its Gemini AI, according to Engadget. First announced during a Google TV news dump at CES at the beginning of 2026, the new functionality lets you control picture and audio settings with natural-language voice commands.
How It Works
Users can set brightness and contrast levels, change the picture mode, increase volume, and tweak the EQ without needing the remote — though the microphone button can also summon Gemini if you prefer not to use the wake word, Engadget reported. Specific commands such as "set picture mode to Sport" are supported (notably timely given the World Cup has just started). The AI also handles troubleshooting: say "Hey Google, the screen is too dark" and Gemini attempts to correct the issue; tell it you can't hear dialogue clearly and it boosts voices. For those who want a theater-worthy movie night, Gemini can set a mood. If you don't trust the AI's calibration, you can instead ask it to open the exact settings menu you're looking for, saving a few clicks.
Google points out that picture and sound modes vary across devices, so users should know their TV's capabilities before using the voice features, otherwise they might spend longer trying to get it right than using the manual method, Engadget noted.
Device Limitations
Currently, the functionality is exclusive to select TCL models in the US. Engadget stated that in the next few weeks it will start rolling out to the following models:
| Model | Status |
|---|---|
| QM9K | Rolling out soon |
| X11L | Rolling out soon |
| QM9L | Rolling out soon |
| QM8L | Rolling out soon |
| RM9L | Rolling out soon |
A system update is required to start using the feature. There is no word on when or if other models or brands will be supported, according to Engadget.
Broader Context of Gemini on Google TV
Google TV's Gemini-assisted functionality has been expanding over recent months. In March, Google introduced its "richer visual help" feature, which tries to respond to commands with more useful information. For example, ask for current sports scores and Gemini will display both a live scorecard and information on where you can watch that game. Also in March, sport briefs — a sports-oriented version of the news roundups that debuted last year — arrived, along with visual "deep dives" on specific topics, Engadget reported.
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