Google TV will include a new “ basic ” mode to make your smart TV stupid

Google TV, the search giant’s latest TV software attempt, will include a new ‘Basic TV’ mode that takes away smart TV functionality in favor of simple access to live TV and HDMI inputs, 9to5Google reports. It’s a potential boon for anyone who has always wanted to lower their smart TV because they prefer an external streamer or because they value privacy.

Google TV debuted on the new Chromecast, where it offered a new interface based on Google’s existing Android TV software, but will soon be offered as built-in software for TCL and future Sony TVs.

According to 9to5Google, you can select “Basic TV” mode during setup. This removes the operating system apps, content recommendations, and Google Assistant support. It is possible to revert to the standard interface at any time, but the selection of the basic mode can only be done during configuration. Unfortunately, it’s unclear exactly what the interface will look like, as the developer-focused ADT-3 dongle 9to5Google tested, the enabled mode does not have the required live TV or HDMI hardware. We also don’t know how Basic Mode will affect data collection.

Image: Google / 9to5Google

A Google spokesperson confirmed to 9to5Google that the mode is a feature of Google TV in particular, rather than Android TV 12.

There are plenty of reasons why people might want to remove all the intelligence from a smart TV. Many users rely on Apple, Roku, or Amazon set-top boxes for their streaming content, and a duplicate interface built into their TVs only gets in the way. Others may want to continue using a TV long after developers have stopped supporting its software and apps, in which case it is useful to be able to downsize it to improve performance. Or maybe you just don’t like the idea of ​​using a smart TV given their tracking history of everything you watch.