THERE are more free ways to stream TV than ever before – and now Google has made accessing them way easier.
All new, future Google TV devices are set to feature a ‘Free TV’ button on the remote, the tech giant has announced.
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Hitting the button will take viewers directly to a hub with 150 free TV channels.
The channels require no subscription or app installation and can already be found in the ‘Live’ tab on Google TV devices.
Google is making the change from this month, the company confirmed to Android Authority.
That means any Google TV device made after April 2025 should include a ‘Free TV’ button that will take users directly to the ‘Live’ tab.
It works the same as the branded buttons you see on other remotes, like the ones that take you straight to Netflix or Disney+.
And it’s not just Google-branded devices that will benefit.
Google TV is the software used on a number of different branded TVs, such as Sony and Hisense in the US, and TCL and Philips in the UK and Europe.
The remote for these TVs will need to be modified to include the new button in the future.
Some people in the US already have the Free TV button, such as owners of the Onn 4K Pro, which is a Google TV streaming gadget exclusive to Walmart.
Free Ad-Support TV (FAST) channels have become increasingly popular, as households try to rein in their streaming spending.
Households will spend, on average, an extra £144 this year on their standard-level subscriptions compared to 2020.
The only catch, of course, is that they come with ads.
But you’d get that with cable, and at a greater cost.
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Save on streaming
Utilise FAST channels and apps
There are tons of free ways to watch TV and movies out there – and I’m not talking about piracy.
An increasing number of FAST – free ad-supported television – platforms are making their way to smart TVs and streaming sticks.
Try these out for size:
Accept ads
Ad-supported plans are often cheaper than their Standard or Premium counterparts.
If you’re not fussed about an ad-break, or are tight on cash, consider dropping your streaming plan down to an ad-supported tier.
Evaluate your spending
Take a moment to write down all the subscriptions you have and check if you’re using all of them regularly.
If there’s some apps where you feel like you’ve watched all the best content, cancel them.
Hop between services
When you’re sucked into a binge-worthy TV show – chances are you’re only paying attention to one streaming app at a time.
While having access to a huge library of content may seem appealing – it can also be costly.
Try only subscribing to one streaming app at a time to trim down your streaming bills.
