In a move to streamline its entertainment services, Google is bidding farewell to the Google Play Movies & TV app, ushering in a new era for users accessing their favorite shows and movies. The transition, set to be completed by January, entails a shift towards the Google TV app and YouTube for a more integrated viewing experience.
Google has been gradually steering users away from the Google Play Movies & TV app, with recent moves including the migration of Android and iOS users to the Google TV app and the removal of the app from Roku and most smart TVs. As of October, the app was also pulled from Android TV. The final phase of this transition is set to take place on January 17th, 2023.
For those with a TV or streaming device powered by Android TV, accessing purchased or rented content will be streamlined through the Shop tab on the Google TV app. This ensures a seamless transition for Android TV users, emphasizing the continuity of their content consumption experience.
| Platform | Access Method |
|---|---|
| Android TV | Shop tab on the Google TV app (from January 17th) |
Users with cable boxes or set-top boxes running on Android TV will experience a similar transition. Starting January 17th, the YouTube app will be the go-to platform for both watching and renting content. This consolidation aims to simplify the user journey and provide a unified platform for all entertainment needs.
| Platform | Access Method |
|---|---|
| Cable Boxes, Set-Top Boxes | YouTube app (from January 17th) |
For users preferring browser access, YouTube will be the central hub for watching purchased or rented content. This move aligns with Google’s broader strategy of integrating its services and providing users with a singular platform for their diverse entertainment needs.
| Platform | Access Method |
|---|---|
| Browser | YouTube (from January 17th) |
The transition is designed to be as smooth as possible, with the Google Play Movies & TV app on Android TV already redirecting users to the Shop tab. This preemptive move aims to minimize disruptions and ensure that users can continue enjoying their purchased content seamlessly.
Unlike some other transitions in the industry, Google assures users that they will still have access to the content they’ve purchased, despite the shift to different platforms. This commitment to maintaining user libraries reflects an understanding of the importance of content integrity and customer satisfaction.
Google isn’t alone in consolidating its entertainment platforms. Apple, for instance, recently introduced a refreshed TV app, offering users a unified space to access Apple TV Plus and make purchases or rentals. This trend signals a global shift in the tech industry towards providing users with consolidated, user-friendly platforms for their entertainment needs.
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