Samsung smart TVs are facing a significant change, as the company has recently announced an update that will impact voice assistant options available to users. By March 1, 2024, Google Assistant will no longer be an available feature on Samsung smart TVs. This development is part of Google’s policy revisions, although specific details regarding the policy changes have not been disclosed.
Google Assistant has been integral to many smart TV platforms, including Google TV and Android TV, for its interactive capabilities. Samsung had integrated Google Assistant into its proprietary Tizen smart TV platform starting with the 2020 series. However, all Samsung smart TV models from that year onward, including the 2022, 2021, and the 2020 range of 8K and 4K QLED TVs, Crystal UHD TVs, as well as the lifestyle-focused Frame, Serif, Terrace, and Sero TVs will be affected by the termination of Google Assistant.
The South Korean electronics giant removed Google Assistant from its 2023 lineup of smart TVs without much notice and has now confirmed the termination of support for the older models. The reason behind the withdrawal is attributed to a “change in Google’s policy.” Recently, Google streamlined their Assistant service, removing some less-used features, but whether this update is related to Samsung’s decision remains unconfirmed.
With the retirement of Google Assistant on Samsung smart TVs, users will only have two voice assistant options left: Amazon’s Alexa and Samsung’s proprietary Bixby. It’s important to note that Google Assistant continues to be available on other brands’ latest smart TVs, including those from LG, Sony, TCL, and Hisense, which remain unaffected by this change.
Users passionate about the integration of voice assistants in their smart TV experience may wish to explore these alternative offerings or utilize the remaining options provided by Samsung. As the smart TV landscape continues to evolve, such changes may become more frequent, guiding consumers towards brands that align with their preferred technology ecosystem.
