Google TV Reinvents the Living Room: Gemini AI, Nano Banana, and Veo Arrive at CES 2026

At CES 2026, Google unveiled a major intelligence boost for Google TV. Powered by the Gemini 3 Pro model, the update introduces natural language hardware controls, AI-driven photo remixing via “Nano Banana,” and generative video through “Veo.” These features transform the TV from a streaming box into a proactive, creative, and educational hub for the entire family.

Google captured the spotlight at CES 2026 by showcasing how its Gemini AI will fundamentally transform the home entertainment experience. This integration moves beyond simple voice commands, turning Google TV into an intuitive companion that manages hardware, curates personal memories, and even generates original media.

The update, which requires Android TV OS 14 or higher, will debut first on select flagship TCL devices before rolling out to the wider ecosystem, including Epson projectors and the Google TV Streamer, in the coming months.

Hardware Control: “The Screen is Too Dim”

One of the most practical innovations announced is the ability to skip complicated settings menus entirely. Gemini now understands context-aware natural language for hardware optimization. Instead of digging through sub-menus to adjust the picture, users can simply say:

• “The screen is too dim” — Gemini will automatically boost brightness.
• “The dialogue is lost” — The AI adjusts audio levels to enhance voice clarity.
• “Make the colors warmer” — Gemini navigates the color temperature settings behind the scenes.

These adjustments occur in real-time via a “brightness pill” or volume indicator on screen without interrupting the current show. By removing technical barriers, Google is making high-end calibration accessible to everyone.

Creative Canvas: Nano Banana and Veo Integration

Google is bringing its most advanced generative AI models directly to the largest screen in the home. Through a new “visually rich framework,” users can interact with their own content in unprecedented ways:

• Nano Banana: A creative image model that allows users to reimagine personal photos. Using the “Photos Remix” feature, you can transform a family portrait into a watercolor painting or an anime-style illustration using simple voice prompts.
• Veo: Google’s high-end video generator is now integrated into the TV. Users can animate static memories, turning a photo of a landscape into a short, high-quality cinematic video clip.
• Immersive Slideshows: Gemini can search your Google Photos library for specific themes—like “our beach trips from 2019″—and instantly compile them into a cinematic slideshow perfectly synced with AI-selected music.

From Entertainment to Education: “Deep Dives”

Google TV is also pivoting toward education with a feature called “Deep Dives.” When a user asks a complex question about a show or a real-world topic (e.g., “What causes the Northern Lights?”), Gemini provides a narrated, interactive overview. These responses utilize high-resolution imagery and video context to explain subjects in a way that is simplified for the whole family.

Additionally, the search interface now includes real-time sports updates and interactive briefs, ensuring that the TV remains the central hub for live information in the home.

A Unified Smart Home Hub

Beyond media, Gemini strengthens Google TV’s role as a smart home controller. With more conversational AI, managing “Movie Night” routines becomes seamless. Users can dim Matter-connected lights, adjust thermostats, and check Nest security camera feeds directly from the TV interface using fluid follow-up voice commands.

As the rollout begins with partners like TCL and Epson, Google’s strategy is clear: the television is no longer a passive display, but an active, intelligent, and creative workstation. For more details on the hardware requirements, visit the official Google TV blog.