It’s official — cord-cutters in the UK are in for a treat. Google TV and Chromecast devices have rolled out a brand-new “Channels” tab, making it easier than ever to dive right into the UK’s most beloved broadcast services like BBC, ITV, and more.

Thanks to eagle-eyed user Ben Moxham who tipped the folks at 9to5Google on Threads, the “Channels” tab is confirmed to be live on Google TV-powered devices in the UK, including the Google TV Streamer and Chromecast with Google TV. While it’s still unclear if third-party Google TV devices have received the update, several first-party streaming dongles are already sporting the feature.

Here’s the catch: the new “Channels” section doesn’t function like a traditional TV tuner. Don’t expect to browse live TV like you would with a built-in aerial — this isn’t your grandma’s telly. Instead, the section pulls together channels from the streaming apps you already have installed on your device. If you’ve been lamenting the absence of “Live Channels” and “Live” tabs on UK Google TV and Android TV devices, this new tab is a way to make up for that — though it’s still streaming-only.

If you’ve got apps like ITV, STV, UTV, Discovery, and others already on your Chromecast or Google TV Streamer, you’re in luck. Just click, and you’ll be whisked straight into live broadcasts, although, full disclosure: some apps (looking at you, ITV X) may toss you into a TV guide requiring an extra tap. BBC iPlayer, on the other hand, is the gold standard — seamlessly launching right into the live channel.

BBC iPlayer still missing on the Google TV Streamer

One slight hiccup for fans of Auntie Beeb: BBC iPlayer is still MIA on the Google TV Streamer. So, if you’re using the latest streaming device, the BBC channels won’t be accessible for you just yet. However, Chromecast users rejoice — BBC iPlayer works like a charm.

It’s worth noting that not all UK channels have made their way into this new “Channels” section. Channel 4 is a glaring omission as its service still isn’t available on Android TV. And while the initial rollout is missing some lifestyle content and news channels, it’s still a promising start. Fingers crossed that more apps, including heavyweights like Plex, will be added down the road.

Another thing to keep in mind: you’ll need to be signed into the respective app accounts before you can seamlessly jump into content from the quick-launch buttons. Otherwise, you’ll hit a login wall before the good stuff starts rolling.

In a world where aerials are increasingly becoming relics of the past, this update makes life a whole lot easier for anyone looking to stream their favorite channels straight from the web.

Hillary Keverenge
2336 Posts

Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.

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