Google TV Now Mandates 'Free TV' Shortcut on All New Remotes Starting April 2025

April 8, 2025 . Tech News : In a strategic move aimed at enhancing user accessibility and reinforcing its commitment to free content, Google TV has officially mandated that all new devices launching after April 2025 must feature a ‘Free TV’ or ‘Live TV’ shortcut button on their remotes. The decision underscores Google’s growing investment in free, ad-supported live TV programming through its Google TV platform.

What’s Changing?

According to a report from Android Authority, Google began notifying its hardware partners about the new requirement in early 2024, with enforcement beginning this month. The shortcut button will offer instant access to Google TV’s Free Live TV offerings, which include channels for news, entertainment, sports, and classic movies.

The goal is to streamline access to this increasingly popular feature and provide a consistent and user-friendly experience across all Google TV-enabled devices.

Why the Push for a ‘Free TV’ Button?

Google said in a statement that its free live TV services have received “overwhelmingly positive feedback” since launch. The Free TV shortcut will now ensure that users can jump directly into these channels without navigating menus.

“Since we launched free live TV options on Google TV, we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users. This change will help provide a consistent experience with quick access at users’ fingertips,” a Google spokesperson noted.

Who’s Already Complying?

Retail giant Walmart is currently one of the few brands aligning with Google’s directive. Its Onn Pro Streaming Box, launched last year, features a prominently placed ‘Free TV’ button. The upcoming Onn 4K Plus will also carry the shortcut.

In contrast, the Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) and the Google TV Streamer lack this button but were released before the April 2025 deadline, thus exempt from the rule.

What This Means for Future Devices

The new guideline is primarily directed at manufacturers who build custom remote controls for their Google TV devices. Google’s reference design for Google TV remotes already includes a ‘Live TV’ shortcut, so many current models will naturally meet the requirement. However, brands introducing new or custom-designed devices will now need to adhere to this policy to receive Google’s approval.

Key Takeaway

This move by Google indicates a clear focus on expanding free content accessibility as part of its broader streaming strategy. As ad-supported services continue to gain traction among cost-conscious viewers, Google TV is positioning itself as a major player in the FAST (Free Ad-Supported TV) space.