Google needs to step up its game when it comes to smart TVs. Despite some encouraging words, it’s hard to ignore the recent 10% budget cut. Being a fan of Android TV hasn’t been easy with the platform being consistently overlooked year after year. The lack of high-quality hardware and the neglect of gaming options have been major disappointments. Unfortunately, hopes for a turnaround seem bleak for Android TV enthusiasts.
“We continue to invest in Google TV with new user experiences, including the upcoming integration of Gemini. With over 270 million Android TV devices out there, we’re dedicated to expanding this ecosystem with exciting plans ahead.”
According to The Information, Google has made significant cuts to its Google TV and Android TV programs. Up to a quarter of the roughly 300 employees in the smart TV group could be affected as Google tightens its budget by 10%.
That being said, Google isn’t completely giving up on smart TVs. The company is reportedly looking to offset immediate personnel losses with increased international hires. A spokesperson told The Information:
Despite Google’s shifting focus away from the living room screen, news of this downsizing coincides with YouTube’s dominance in the streaming landscape. It underscores the company’s disjointed approach: while Google may care about viewers watching YouTube on their big screens, their interest seems to wane when it comes to platforms like Roku, Fire TV, or webOS.
