Google TV is getting a faster setup process for new devices, and it’s much easier and faster than it used to be.
Coming to new Google TV hardware, starting with Walmart’s new Onn 4K Plus, the new setup process is much faster than it was before. The existing setup process for Google TV, still in use on millions of devices, requires diving into the Google Home app and jumping between phone and TV to get everything done. It’s just a tiny bit tedious and always feels like it takes a few too many steps.
The new setup process is much faster, mainly because it cuts out the Google Home app entirely.
Now, you’ll see a prompt on your TV to scan a QR code.
On Android, you might even see a pop-up on your phone to set up a new device. The updated process on your phone takes quite literally only a minute, with the rest of the setup process being done with your Google TV remote. The phone is only needed to transfer a Google account and your Wi-Fi password.
On the TV, you’ll assign the room you want the TV to show up in through Google Home, confirm any apps or services you’re subscribed to, and a handful of other preferences around Google Assistant, and that’s it. I had my Walmart Onn 4K Plus set up and at the homescreen in barely 5 minutes.
Sometimes, Google’s changes to these workflows are a bit annoying, but this is a really good example of making a change for the right reasons. Cutting out the Google Home app makes the entire experience much better and easier to understand.
Good job, Google.
More on Google TV:
- Walmart will keep its Google TV streamers from 2023 around a bit longer than expected
- Chromecast with Google TV is still missing its Android 14 update, 3 months later
- TCL’s latest Google TV set has basically no bezels and a major speaker upgrade
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