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Google to Add Free Channels to Google TV & Chromecast
It could happen as soon as this fall
By Rob Rich Rob Rich News Reporter College for Creative Studies Rob is a freelance tech reporter with experience writing for a variety of outlets, including IGN, Unwinnable, 148Apps, Gamezebo, Pocket Gamer, Fanbolt, Zam, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 17, 2021 02:41PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Streaming Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming It looks like Google is planning to bring free streaming channel options to Chromecast and Google TV in the near future. Protocol reports that Google TV, Chromecast, and select smart TVs from Sony, TCL, and others likely will add free streaming channels to their lineup soon (-ish). Several industry insiders are saying that Google has been meeting with ad-supported free streaming channels lately. This could possibly result in free channels popping up in the rotation as early as this fall, though Protocol points out the announcement could be held until early 2022. Google There are already a number of free streaming channels available, but until they actually partner with Google they won't be watchable through Google TV, itself. Much like commercial TV stations, these free streaming services circumvent the need for a subscription via ads. So the trade-off would be the occasional program break that you likely won't be able to skip. Google The speculation at Protocol is that, once available, you'll be able to browse through a dedicated free channel menu on Chromecast. As for smart TVs, the expectation is that the free additions will be available along with regular broadcast stations. None of this has been confirmed by Google as of yet, though. Without official word from Google, when or even if these ad-supported streaming channels will be available on Google TV or Chromecast is up in the air. The hope is that it will happen either this fall or when Google announces its smart TV partners toward the beginning of 2022. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Get Peacock on a Smart TV Hulu vs. Sling: Which Live TV Service is Best? How to Connect a Phone to a TV Wirelessly The Top 7 Streaming Services with Local Channels How to Cast Apple TV to Chromecast Google TV vs YouTube TV: What's the Difference? 11 Best Free Apps for Streaming Movies in 2022 Google Store Best Deals (Updated for 2022) How to Connect Google Home to Your TV How to Set Up a Google Chromecast How to Chromecast to a TV Chromecast with Google TV Review: Move Over FireTV How to Set a Schedule to Play Photos on Chromecast How to Get Netflix on a Non-Smart TV How to Watch TikTok on Your TV Google TV vs Android TV: What’s the Difference? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies