Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Tech Advisor reports that Google is rolling out its Gemini AI assistant to Chromecast with Google TV devices, starting with the original 4K model.
- This free upgrade expands Gemini’s availability beyond Google TV screens and represents Google’s strategy to make its AI assistant ubiquitous across smart devices.
- The initiative includes a new Speaker Reference Design allowing third-party brands like LG, Lenovo, and Sonos to integrate Google Home and Gemini capabilities.
In its continuing quest to make its AI assistant ubiquitous, Google has seemingly commenced bringing Gemini to the Chromecast with Google TV streamer.
Some time over the past few days, Google appears to have flipped the switch on Gemini AI for its ageing streaming dongle, as Android Authority points out (courtesy of X user @joelenington).
Up to this point Gemini has only been spotted running on the original 4K model of the Chromecast with Google TV, not the HD variant. Presumably that too is in the works, however.
Google first started rolling its Gemini AI tool out to Google TV screens in September of 2025, but had left its own 2020 dongle untouched – until now.
New third-party Google Home speakers
Talking of Google hardware receiving some love, while we still don’t have a release date for the promised new Google Home Speaker (below), despite us fast approaching the end of ‘Spring 2026’ launch window, there is evidence that third-party alternatives are in the works.
At Google I/O 2026 last week, the company announced that it would be supporting third-party speaker development through a new Speaker Reference Design.
As pointed out by The Verge, there are rumours that US retail titan Walmart could be first up to support this reference design with its own cheap and cheerful Onn brand.
Google will allow such third-party brands to include Google Home Premium subscriptions with their speaker purchases, as well as allowing them to integrate Gemini into their own bespoke apps.
Going by brands that previously made Google Assistant-powered smart speakers or smart displays, it could include LG, Lenovo, Sonos, JBL, Marshall, Sony, Bose and more.
Like we said, Google wants its AI assistant to be everywhere, and it doesn’t appear to be too fussy about the brand of the smart device that facilitates it – nor, indeed, the age of the device in the case of its own Chromecast with Google TV streamer.
