Google's Gemini voice assistant on Google TV is finally gaining a practical, everyday use: the ability to control picture and audio settings by voice. According to a report by TechRadar, users can now simply grab the remote or say "Hey, Google" to wake Gemini and then change settings like brightness, bass, or picture mode without navigating menus. This update marks a shift from gimmicky AI features to something that could genuinely enhance the TV viewing experience.
New Voice Control Capabilities
TechRadar detailed four key categories of voice commands that Gemini now supports. These are designed to address common user frustrations with TV settings, which are often buried in complex menus.
| Command Category | Examples from Google |
|---|---|
| Change audio & video settings | "Increase the bass", "Set picture mode to 'Sport'" |
| Optimize for content | "It's movie night — help make this feel like a cinematic experience" |
| Troubleshoot issues | "The screen is too dark", "I can't hear the dialog clearly" |
| Access specific menus | "Open display settings" |
According to TechRadar, the troubleshoot feature is particularly useful: you can describe a picture problem (e.g., "the screen is too dark") and Gemini will attempt to adjust settings to fix it automatically. This eliminates the need to dig through hidden menus.
Rollout and Availability
The update is rolling out slowly and initially limited to the US. The first beneficiaries are recent TCL Google TV models. TechRadar identified the specific models: the 2025 TCL QM9K, and the 2026 X11L, QM8L, and RM9L. Additionally, TCL and Google mentioned a model called the QM9L, though TechRadar noted that this model name is not yet widely known and there is no solid evidence of it online. Google has not provided a timeline for other TV brands or streaming devices.
Comparison with Competitors
While other TV makers have offered voice-based assistants — TechRadar cited LG as an example, allowing users to ask about picture problems — the new Gemini implementation is described as "by far the slickest solution in terms of it making the useful changes on your behalf, no menus needed." This suggests a more seamless integration where the assistant actively modifies settings rather than just providing advice.
Future Models and Timeline
TechRadar reported that Google has not yet specified which other TVs or streaming devices will eventually receive the update. The feature is currently exclusive to TCL models in the US, but Google has indicated broader availability in the future. The rollout is expected to continue slowly, with no specific dates provided for other manufacturers.
This update represents a pragmatic use of AI in consumer electronics, moving beyond novelty to address a common pain point: the complexity of TV settings. For enterprise technology leaders, it demonstrates how voice interfaces and AI can simplify user interactions with complex systems — a principle that could translate to industrial interfaces for logistics or supply chain management.
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