.png "Google TV Gets a Fresh Redesign With Material 3 Expressive") |
| Google TV Gets a Fresh Redesign With Material 3 Expressive |
Google’s Ongoing Material 3 Overhaul
Google has been on a mission to refresh the look and feel of its apps with the Material 3 Expressive design language. This design shift has already touched several popular apps including Contacts, Find My Device Hub, Google Keep, and most recently, the Pixel Weather app. Each update brings a more modern, cohesive interface across the Google ecosystem. Now, the Google TV app is joining the wave of upgrades, giving users a brand-new experience.
But what exactly has changed? And will these updates actually improve how we navigate and enjoy content on the app? Let’s break it down.
Subtle Early Changes Before the Full Redesign
Before diving into the big update, it’s worth noting that hints of this redesign started appearing last month. Users spotted slightly larger banners and centered titles and ratings on movie and TV show pages. At first glance, these tweaks seemed minor, almost cosmetic. However, they hinted at something bigger a broader visual refresh in line with Material 3 principles.
And now, thanks to reports from 9to5Google, we have a clearer picture of the full redesign that has arrived with version 4.39 of the app for Android.
A Cleaner, More Focused Home With “Hot & New”
One of the most noticeable changes is the complete removal of the old Highlights tab. Previously, this section mixed recent releases with web articles and other recommendations, often leading to a cluttered feel.
In its place, Google has introduced a streamlined “Hot & New” tab, which focuses entirely on recent movie and show releases. Imagine opening the app and instantly seeing the latest blockbusters, trending series, and fresh recommendations without distraction that’s the idea behind this redesign.
This tab doesn’t just look different; it behaves differently too. Users will now find:
- Muted autoplay previews that give you a quick glimpse of what a title is about without blaring sound.
- Bite-sized summaries that deliver key details at a glance.
- Prominent “Add to watchlist” and “Share” buttons that allow quicker navigation.
Together, these updates create a smoother, more cinematic browsing experience, almost like walking past posters in a theater lobby.
The “For You” Tab Gets More Expressive
Google hasn’t stopped with “Hot & New.” The “For You” tab, which serves as the app’s personalized recommendation hub, has also received a striking makeover.
The core idea remains the same: tailored content picks based on your viewing history. However, the design now leans heavily into Material You colors, dynamically adapting to your device’s theme. This means your Google TV app can shift its look and feel depending on your wallpaper and system palette, creating a seamless blend with the rest of your Android environment.
Movie and show pages are also far more vibrant. They soak in the colors of the artwork itself, resulting in pages that feel alive and immersive. For example, a dark, moody thriller might bathe the interface in deep shades of blue, while a bright animated film could surround you with playful pastels. This visual harmony makes browsing more engaging and helps content leap off the screen.
A Full-Screen In-App Remote With a Catch
Another major change involves the in-app remote control. Previously, this tool slid in from the bottom of the screen, allowing users to quickly navigate their Chromecast or Google TV device. With the redesign, the remote now takes up the entire screen, creating a cleaner and more focused control interface.
At first glance, this seems like a fantastic improvement. Full-page controls mean bigger buttons, easier gestures, and less clutter. But there’s a caveat: one essential feature is currently broken.
The long-press gesture on the “Select” button which previously gave access to secondary menus in apps like YouTube no longer works. This limitation can frustrate users who rely on that shortcut to adjust settings or access hidden options. While it’s almost certainly a bug, it highlights how even polished redesigns can come with rough edges. Hopefully, Google will roll out a patch in the near future.
Limited Rollout for Now
It’s worth noting that this Material 3 Expressive redesign is not yet available to everyone. As of now, only a small group of users have access to the new features, likely as part of a gradual rollout or an A/B test. Google hasn’t provided an official timeline for when the update will be available globally.
Still, the redesign makes it clear where the Google TV app is headed: towards a cleaner, more personalized, and more immersive experience that aligns with Google’s broader design philosophy.
What This Means for Users
So, should you be excited? Absolutely. The new “Hot & New” tab promises faster access to the latest releases, the dynamic color palettes create a richer browsing experience, and the full-screen remote could make navigation more intuitive once the bugs are fixed.
Think of it this way: if the old Google TV app felt like flipping through a crowded magazine, the new design feels like stepping into a sleek digital cinema lobby clean, focused, and designed to keep your attention on the content.
For now, though, many users will have to wait their turn. If you’re eager to try it out, check if you’ve received version 4.39 of the app, but don’t be surprised if the update hasn’t reached your device yet.