Google TV Service Update
Google announced today a significant change to its Google TV service. Effective immediately, customers can no longer purchase TV episodes or seasons from Google TV on “Google TV devices, Android TV devices, and the Google TV mobile app.” This update, however, does not impact previously purchased TV shows, which remain accessible regardless of where the purchase was made.
Impact on Users
Users should note that the ability to purchase or rent movies remains unaffected. Furthermore, TV shows can now be purchased from YouTube, depending on availability. Google’s decision to make this change, specifically for TV shows, remains unclear, as no official reasoning has been provided. It’s worth noting that while digital content is often referred to as ‘purchased,’ customers do not actually own these TV shows or movies. Although rare, purchased content can be removed at any time, which has happened in the past.
Customer Considerations
For customers, this change introduces a level of inconvenience by potentially splitting purchased content between multiple services. While all purchased shows and movies can be accessed on YouTube, they will no longer be accessible through Google TV. Whether this will affect movie sales on the Google TV platform remains to be seen, but it certainly raises questions about the long-term viability of Google TV. It appears likely that Google TV may eventually be integrated into a more unified YouTube TV experience.
Closing Thoughts
This change is part of a broader trend where Google seems to be favoring YouTube over other services. Earlier this year, Google announced the end of its podcast app, shifting users to a weaker podcasting experience on YouTube. As digital consumers, it is essential to consider these shifts and the ongoing debate between digital and physical content ownership. Do you purchase digital content, especially TV shows or movies? Or do you prefer physical copies? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
