FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) stations with recognizable repeats and local news updates are becoming ubiquitous and popular. Most recent smart TVs have many. Roku and Amazon (Fire TV) are supporters. In addition, Google is doubling in on linear FAST content.
Google TV is introducing several FAST channels in the US today. They’ll appear on Chromecasts and software-enabled TVs during the following few weeks.
Google TV now offers QUICK content from Tubi, Plex, and Haystack News in addition to Pluto TV. Google TV also adds SPEED channels that may be accessed without an app.
Google claims it offers “over 800 free TV channels from numerous sources in one place.” Unfortunately, the company’s “one spot” refers only to the live TV guide, so you may need to install and launch some of these applications to view the channels.
Google aims to “deliver the redesigned TV guide and free channels on qualified Android TV devices later this year,” showing its commitment to FAST. It may appear on Nvidia Shield TVs and other Android TV devices.
FAST content can assist in covering downtime for non-subscribers to Netflix, HBO Max, and other large streamers.
This onslaught of fresh content may be overwhelming if you pay for YouTube TV, Sling TV, or another service linked with Google TV’s live guide. Google says you can’t eliminate FAST material, but live TV channels from your subscriptions will appear above it in the guide.
You may set your favorite networks to the top of the guide to avoid browsing through hundreds of linear channels with programming you’ve never seen. But, friends, sometimes SPEED is like that. At least they’re categorized.
