Free ad-supported streaming TV is a trend that is becoming increasingly popular, with many companies jumping on board. Platforms like Netflix and Apple TV+ have become go-to choices for many viewers. However, there are times when you may want to rent or buy a movie on a whim, and that’s where Android TV comes in. Google’s Android TV platform, which can be found on various TVs and streaming boxes, is making rentals and digital purchases more convenient and accessible by adding a Shop tab to its main navigation.
According to a blog post by Google, the Shop tab allows users to explore movies available for purchase or rental directly on their Android TV. It is designed to help users find new and popular movies that are not yet available on other streaming services, as well as make one-time movie purchases without a subscription. This feature aims to make the process of renting or buying movies more streamlined and user-friendly.
Alongside the Shop tab, there is also a library section where users can find all the videos they have purchased through their Google account. This includes content bought from YouTube, other Google TV and Android TV devices, and the Google TV mobile app. In an era of fragmented streaming services and subscriptions, sometimes it’s easier to simply buy or rent a movie instead of adding yet another monthly subscription to your list.
It’s important to note that Google handles all of these purchases and rentals itself. Traditionally, Google has supported the Movies Anywhere digital locker service, which allows users to access their purchased movies across different software services and hardware platforms. It is not clear if this support will continue as the Shop tab rolls out on Android TV.
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The rollout of the Shop tab on Android TV began today in the United States and will gradually become available globally over the next few weeks. It’s worth mentioning that this feature is specifically for Android TV and does not apply to the newer Google TV software found on the latest Chromecasts, recent TVs, and streamers like the Walmart Onn 4K box. So, if you own an Nvidia Shield, you’re in luck as this update is specifically tailored to you.
In conclusion, Android TV is revolutionizing the way users rent and purchase movies by introducing a Shop tab to its main navigation. This new feature aims to make the process of finding and buying movies more convenient and accessible directly on Android TV devices. With the addition of a library section, users can easily access their purchased movies from various Google platforms. While Google’s support for Movies Anywhere is uncertain, it remains to be seen how this new feature will impact the overall streaming landscape. As the Shop tab rolls out globally, Android TV users will have a more seamless experience in finding and enjoying the movies they love.
