Google is rolling out something new to its TV streaming service. Free channels – that is, those with advertising – will be grouped under the acronym “Freeplay”. The new Freeplay section is debuting on various Google TV devices, starting with Chromecast and smart TVs from TCL and Hisense. In particular, US users – where FAST channels are available – will be able to find the new branding under the Live tab, located on the home screen of Google’s streaming platform. The name change, at least for now, does not entail any changes in functionality. However, it can be speculated that the Freeplay branding could encourage the integration of other types of free content on Google TV. For example, free on-demand movies from YouTube could be added. In any case, with Freeplay, Google is demonstrating that it is betting with some determination on free content supported by advertising. We’ll see if the name change will be followed by other more significant news. Meanwhile, regarding the availability of Freeplay in other markets, there is no definite news yet.
