Google pulls the cord on its movie and TV app
- Replies 2
Google is known for its constant innovation and evolution.
However, some of its apps and services get axed in the process.
This time, it's the Google Play Movies & TV app that's on the chopping block.
The Google Play Movies & TV app has been a staple for many film enthusiasts, offering a convenient platform to purchase, rent, and stream movies and TV shows.
However, Google has decided to pull the plug on this service, with the app already disappearing from smart TVs and set to vanish entirely by January 17.
This move is part of Google's broader strategy to streamline its services.
The tech giant has been gradually phasing out the Play Movies & TV service since 2021, following the launch of its standalone TV app named Google TV.
The app has reportedly been removed from all Roku devices and most smart TVs, but it's still available on Android TV devices and the Google Play Store as of writing.
In a recent post on Android TV Help, Google confirmed the impending demise of the service on these platforms.
The company stated, 'We are making some changes to simplify how you purchase new movies or access the movies and TV shows you've purchased through Google.'
But don't panic just yet!
If you're a Google Play Movies and TV user, your purchases aren't going up in smoke.
Google has reassured its users, saying, 'You'll still be able to access all of your previously purchased titles (including active rentals) on Android TV devices, Google TV devices, the Google TV mobile app (Android and iOS), and YouTube.'
Starting January 17, if you have a TV or streaming device powered by Android TV, you'll find your purchased titles under the 'Shop' tab in 'Your Library'.
If you use a cable box or set-top box powered by Android TV, your previously purchased content will now be under the YouTube app. To find your purchases, open the YouTube app, go to the Movies & TV section, and find them under the 'Purchased' tab.
Web browser users can follow the same process on the YouTube website.
However, Google has stated that not all countries can purchase and rent films through YouTube. This won't affect users in Australia, but users in other countries should check whether they can access these services in their country.
While January 17 is the final deadline, Google said the app’s termination will roll out over the next few weeks depending on location and country.
In other news, a new free streaming service is coming to Australia and New Zealand!
Umbrella Entertainment, an independent Australian and New Zealand distributor of local and international films, has announced the launch of Brollie—a free ad-based streaming service packed with hundreds of Aussie films and TV shows.
Viewers of all ages can expect to be entertained and inspired by more than 300 titles ready to stream, including the 2014 psychological thriller Babadook, and the 1999 crime flick Two Hands starring Heath Ledger, Bryan Brown and Rose Byrne.
You can read more about this streaming service here.
Members, do you use Google Play’s Movies & TV app? What are your thoughts on this change? Let us know in the comments below!
However, some of its apps and services get axed in the process.
This time, it's the Google Play Movies & TV app that's on the chopping block.
The Google Play Movies & TV app has been a staple for many film enthusiasts, offering a convenient platform to purchase, rent, and stream movies and TV shows.
However, Google has decided to pull the plug on this service, with the app already disappearing from smart TVs and set to vanish entirely by January 17.
Google is consolidating Google Play Movies & TV with Google TV. Image source: Google TV.
This move is part of Google's broader strategy to streamline its services.
The tech giant has been gradually phasing out the Play Movies & TV service since 2021, following the launch of its standalone TV app named Google TV.
The app has reportedly been removed from all Roku devices and most smart TVs, but it's still available on Android TV devices and the Google Play Store as of writing.
In a recent post on Android TV Help, Google confirmed the impending demise of the service on these platforms.
The company stated, 'We are making some changes to simplify how you purchase new movies or access the movies and TV shows you've purchased through Google.'
But don't panic just yet!
If you're a Google Play Movies and TV user, your purchases aren't going up in smoke.
Google has reassured its users, saying, 'You'll still be able to access all of your previously purchased titles (including active rentals) on Android TV devices, Google TV devices, the Google TV mobile app (Android and iOS), and YouTube.'
Starting January 17, if you have a TV or streaming device powered by Android TV, you'll find your purchased titles under the 'Shop' tab in 'Your Library'.
If you use a cable box or set-top box powered by Android TV, your previously purchased content will now be under the YouTube app. To find your purchases, open the YouTube app, go to the Movies & TV section, and find them under the 'Purchased' tab.
Web browser users can follow the same process on the YouTube website.
However, Google has stated that not all countries can purchase and rent films through YouTube. This won't affect users in Australia, but users in other countries should check whether they can access these services in their country.
While January 17 is the final deadline, Google said the app’s termination will roll out over the next few weeks depending on location and country.
In other news, a new free streaming service is coming to Australia and New Zealand!
Umbrella Entertainment, an independent Australian and New Zealand distributor of local and international films, has announced the launch of Brollie—a free ad-based streaming service packed with hundreds of Aussie films and TV shows.
Viewers of all ages can expect to be entertained and inspired by more than 300 titles ready to stream, including the 2014 psychological thriller Babadook, and the 1999 crime flick Two Hands starring Heath Ledger, Bryan Brown and Rose Byrne.
You can read more about this streaming service here.
.png){kind=icon}
