Google May Be Planning To Add Plenty Of Free TV Channels To Chromecast This Fall
Image via Google
It appears that in a bid to push a larger audience to streaming devices like its very own Chromecast, Google is considering adding a whole new lineup of FAST television channels to Google TV as early as this fall.
FAST stands for “free, ad-supported streaming television.” As suggested in its name, it’ll allow audiences to access content for free rather than replicate a model like Netflix’s, which requires payment for an advertisement-free watching experience.
As reported by Protocol, it has been confirmed by various industry sources that the tech giant is liaising with a few companies to put its plans into place.
It seems that it wants to take a step almost backward into a traditional television experience, which brings with it on-screen graphics and commercial breaks (remember those?). But, of course, this will come with the convenience and modern-day technology of an online streaming service.
Right now, there are around 30 streaming apps and channels that can be used with Google TV. These include Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max. Of course, since YouTube is owned by Google, it’s built-in, too.
Gizmodo recalls that live television has its own dedicated menu within Chromecast, but there’s only the option to access it through subscription-based services. The anticipated lineup of “over-the-air channels” will instead be accessible through antenna. This is similar to how LG and Samsung products operate, the news outlet notes.
The Google Chromecast. Image via Google
Although there has been no news or comment from Google, there are rumors that the channels may be announced at the Made by Google event taking place in October. However, there’s also the possibility that the company is waiting for early 2022 to announce this along with its smart television partners.
There’s also the possibility that the rumors may remain simply as that: rumors. But the plans, even at this early stage, already place Google at a position to rival both streaming services and traditional television, hitting two birds with one stone.
[via Gizmodo, image via Google]
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