Google TV’s free ad-supported TV (FAST) service was already quite big, and now it’s even bigger. The streamer has added 10 new channels for US viewers and is introducing them as part of the June 2024 update.
The new channels were spotted by StreamingBetterand they follow the eight new channels that were added in March. The new channels are listed under Google TV in the “live” section of the Google TV interface.
The new channels spotted so far are:
- FilmRise Western
- ION+
- Johnny Carson TV
- Telemundo News Hour
- Real Estate & Reno
- Real disaster channel
- Supermarket sweeping
- The FBI Files
- The wildest police videos in the world
- Yahoo Finance
Google TV’s free channels are likely to expand even further
Google is betting big on FAST, an extremely fast-growing market: that growth is why everyone seems to be launching a free TV service, or one that is at least partially funded by advertising.
As we reported earlier this month, Google has launched a brand new ad network called Google TV Network and plans to bring it to the Google TV service across multiple brands. Manufacturers using Google’s TV platform include Sony, Hisense and TCL, and the ad network will also include Android devices and Chromecast. With the Google TV Network, brands can buy ads across the free channels and take advantage of newly introduced options including non-skippable ads before, during and after shows.
One of the reasons FAST is growing so quickly is because so many of us are feeling the pressure. Given the choice between another subscription — one that will likely increase in price — or accepting a few non-skippable ads to get free shows, many people choose the latter option. And the more channels Google can add, the more tempting the FAST service is likely to be.
Some recent Google TV device launches include the Sony Bravia 9 and the TCL QM851G – both high-end devices, so you’ll be grateful for a bit of free entertainment after you buy them. Of course, you can add Google TV to any of the top TVs cheaply using the Chromecast with Google TV.