Google Free TV Button: The Problem with Streaming Remote Controls

If you have a Roku streaming player, you know the remote well—it comes with four handy “shortcut” buttons at the bottom. You’ll find logos for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Max, and Apple TV+ on them. Press one, and you’re instantly taken to that service. It’s super convenient unless you don’t use all of those services, which is probably the case for many.

But, surprise! Other streaming devices have similar shortcut buttons, and now Google is introducing a “Free TV” button for Google TV devices from third-party manufacturers. The Walmart Onn Google TV 4K Pro is one example, featuring a prominent blue “Free TV” button on the remote. Give it a press, and you’ll be taken to Google’s “Freeplay” live channel selection.

Although the Free TV button isn’t on every Google TV device yet, Google is making it mandatory for future Google TV remotes to include a “Free TV” or “Live TV” button. Google hasn’t shared specifics on the button’s design, like its size or color, but it’s clear that the goal is to provide quick access to free live streaming channels.

While these shortcut buttons can’t always be customized easily, Google’s Free TV button can be reprogrammed using a third-party app. Still, the growing trend of more shortcut buttons on remotes seems to be more about profit for manufacturers than convenience for users. Those buttons generate revenue by giving prime placement to streaming services on remotes and attracting more viewers to ad-supported channels.

Gone are the days of fully customizable remotes like Logitech’s Harmony line, leaving us with more shortcut buttons than ever before. Streaming remote shortcuts may be here to stay, so get ready to see more of them in the future.