• by Ray Schultz , April 11, 2023

Google TV is adding Tubi Plex Haystack News to its Live tab, alongside the existing lineup of channels from Pluto TV, the company said in a blog on Tuesday.

These new free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels will be available on all  Google TV devices in the U.S., including Chromecast with Google TV and TVs with Google TV built-in from Sony, TCL, Hisense and Philips, the company says.

In addition, Google plans to bring the new TV guide and free channels to eligible Android TV devices later this year.

Observers like Engadget say this expansion will put Google TV up against Roku.  

Viewers can access free built-in channels without downloading or launching an app. 

In addition, they can browse free channels and premium programming from around the world, including content in more than 10 languages such as Spanish, Hindi and Japanese. 

Users with premium live tv subscriptions to YouTube TV or Sling TV or access to over-the-air channels can use the Live tab for those, too.

Google notes that “there’s been an increase in the number of free TV options available, offering everything from local news and popular shows to hit movies. But with all the choices out there, it an be hard to know what’s available and how to find it.”