YouTube for smart TVs is about to get chatty, but who asked for it?

Source: Android Authority

TL;DR

• YouTube is testing the AI‑powered Ask functionality on various smart and connected TV platforms.
• As with the mobile interface, you can ask questions specific to a YouTube video.
• In addition to suggested prompts, you can ask questions using the mic on your TV’s remote.

If you are among the majority of internet users who turn to YouTube to survive the daily dread, you may have noticed a tiny Gemini icon that appears in the button bar under videos. This “conversational AI tool” lets you ask questions about topics covered in the video you’re watching, or jump to a specific timestamp. Since conversations are limited to the particular viewing session, you get responses attuned to the video rather than the more generic answers Gemini would otherwise offer. The tool can help you satisfy your curiosity without leaving the app.

Expansion to Smart TVs

While the experience is currently limited to YouTube’s web interface and mobile apps, it may soon expand to bigger screens. In a support page dedicated to “YouTube test features and experiments,” the team said that it’s bringing the functionality to the app on smart TVs. The move makes sense, as YouTube continues to hold the largest share of TV viewership among users in the US.

Ask Button on TV

According to a recent update, the “Ask” button will start showing up for some users while watching YouTube on TVs. It is expected to be placed next to the like/dislike and comment buttons on the video screen. When selected, the button opens a chat interface where users can ask specific questions.

Voice Interaction via Remote

This feature is completely different from Gemini for Google TV. On TV screens, users will be able to ask questions by speaking into the microphones on their TV remotes, rather than typing. As with the mobile and web interfaces, they can also choose from suggested prompts in the feature.

Potential Platform Support

• The feature may not be limited to Google or Android TV devices; it could appear on other platforms such as Samsung’s Tizen OS or LG’s webOS.
• In addition to smart TVs, YouTube is also testing the feature for “gaming consoles and streaming devices,” presumably including Apple TV alongside the Google TV streamer.

Rollout and Availability

Google says it is starting the experiment with a small set of users and may expand it based on their response. The timeline for a wider rollout is unclear, but updates will be shared as more information becomes available.