Google TV app rolls out in Canada and 13 other countries

If you were waiting for the replacement of the Google Play Movies & TV app, your time has finally come. Google is rolling out the Google TV app in Canada and 13 other countries. It's now much easier to see the shows and films you're watching on different streaming services. And when you save movies and shows to your watchlist when searching on Google, these will show up in the app.

Google TV's rollout means you can use the app as a remote for your Chromecast with Google TV or other Android TV-powered devices. That will make it easier for you to navigate the interface of your Android TV and do things like inputting your passwords using your phone's keyboard instead of having to do so on your TV screen. Android 11 and 12 devices will also get an option to add a remote tile to your phone's quick settings for easier access. If it hasn't made its way to you yet, the rollout period is happening "over the next few weeks."

Source: 9to5Google

Your children will get profiles on Google TV soon

Google TV is expanding parental controls on its streaming device with the addition of kids' profiles. Parents and guardians can create individual profiles for the kids in their care using either their name and age or existing Google accounts. Through these new profiles, account holders can add specific apps and customized backgrounds and upload movies purchased on other devices. In the coming weeks, additional avatar options will be available, too.

The guardians can secure regular Google TV accounts with a PIN, so the children can't access more mature content. It will also allow account holders to set daily screen time limits and even bedtimes. It's coming first to the US this month, with a broader international rollout "in the next few months."

Source: Gizmodo

Leak shows new Google Chromecast remote

Source: WinFuture

Google plans to launch its new Chromecast at the end of the month, and recent leaks give us a better look at the new device and its remote. If the reports are correct, this will be the first time Google includes a remote with the Chromecast, suggesting an improved integration with Google/Android TV.

The remote features a D-Pad on top, with the volume rocker, Assistant, mute and home buttons below. There are also dedicated Netflix and Youtube buttons. This new Chromecast will supposedly signal the rebranding of Android TV to Google TV. We're going to learn more at Google's hardware event on September 30.

Source: Engadget

CES 2013: ASUS yields new crop of Windows 8 notebooks and desktops

Few manufacturers have embraced Windows 8 and all its varied permutations as fondly as ASUS which already had a heady selection of PCs prior to CES 2013.

The ASUS bonanza continued today with a deluge of notable product releases including a a GoogleTV, interesting new Transformer and VivoTab models and a new pair of dual-screen TAICHI convertible Ultrabooks in 11.6" and 13.3" sizes. Hit jump for all the juicy ASUS updates

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