Google TV has become the centerpiece of my living room, letting me cut the cord and stream live TV without a traditional cable box. Whether you want news, sports, reality shows, or classic movies, there are now more options than ever for watching live TV right from your Google TV device. I’ve tried them all—here’s a breakdown of the top five services, how they work, and what makes each one worth your time.
1. Google TV Freeplay (NEW in 2025)
Google TV Freeplay is now built right into Google TV, offering hundreds of live channels at no cost and with no app installation, sign-up, or subscription required. Just head to the “Live” tab or open the Freeplay app and you’ll find a huge selection of news, sports, movies, kids’ content, and more.
Channels include NBC News, BBC Earth, PBS, beIN SPORTS XTRA, Hallmark Movies, Cheddar News, Sky News, and dozens of themed entertainment and music channels. It’s 100% free, ad-supported, and always growing. Make sure your Google TV software is up to date to access the latest lineup.
Why try Freeplay:
- 800+ free live channels (and growing)
- No account or subscription required
- Instantly available in the Live tab
2. YouTube TV
YouTube TV brings more than 85 channels to Google TV, including CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox News, ESPN, CNN, Comedy Central, Food Network, TNT, National Geographic, Disney, Discovery, and many more. I love that you get not only live TV but also movies and recent shows on demand from many networks. The unlimited cloud DVR storage is a game-changer, letting me record my favorite shows and stream them anywhere, anytime.
YouTube TV supports up to six accounts per household, so everyone gets their own recommendations and DVR. Once you activate your subscription, a dedicated “Live” tab appears on your Google TV, making it easy to browse and watch live channels. At $64.99/month (with a 30-day free trial), it’s not cheap, but it’s the closest thing to a full cable replacement.
- 85+ live channels, including all major networks
- Unlimited DVR storage
- Up to 6 accounts per household
- Seamless integration with Google TV’s Live tab
3. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is my go-to for free, ad-supported live TV on Google TV. Google recently integrated Pluto TV into the Live TV feature, bringing about 300 live channels to your device. You’ll find news (CNN, NBC News, CBS News), music channels (Yo! MTV, Vevo), reality shows, and even themed movie channels like Pluto 007 (a must for James Bond fans).
Unlike YouTube TV, Pluto TV is completely free, with no sign-up required. The content is supported by ads, but the sheer variety of channels and on-demand movies makes it a fantastic value. If you want to add live TV to your Google TV without spending a dime, Pluto TV is a no-brainer.
- 300+ free live channels
- News, music, movies, and reality TV
- No subscription or login required
- Integrated with Google TV’s Live tab
4. Sling TV
Sling TV is another popular live TV streaming service that works seamlessly with Google TV’s Live tab. Plans start at $35/month, with your first month often discounted. Sling TV offers 35+ live channels, including AMC, BET, CNN, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, ESPN, History Channel, NBC, National Geographic, and more.
What sets Sling apart is its flexibility—you can customize your plan with add-on packages for sports, news, or international content. The basic plan is limited to one device, but higher tiers allow more simultaneous streams. Sling TV is a great middle-ground between free services and pricier cable replacements.
- Affordable plans starting at $35/month
- Customizable channel packages
- Works with Google TV’s Live tab
- On-demand content and cloud DVR
5. Philo
Philo is a budget-friendly live TV and on-demand streaming service that integrates with Google TV’s Live tab. For $25/month, you get access to over 60 channels, including BBC America, Comedy Central, Crime Investigation, Discovery, Food Channel, OWN, Nickelodeon, and MTV.
Philo’s unlimited DVR lets you record as much live or future programming as you want and keep it for up to 12 months. You can stream on up to three devices at the same time, making it ideal for families or roommates. If you want lots of entertainment and lifestyle channels without sports or local news, Philo is a top pick.
- 60+ channels for just $25/month
- Unlimited DVR (kept for 12 months)
- Stream on up to 3 devices
- Integrated with Google TV’s Live tab
6. Plex
Plex is more than just a media server—it also offers a free, ad-supported live TV service with over 200 channels. While Plex doesn’t currently integrate directly into the Google TV Live tab, it’s still worth mentioning for its unique mix of live TV, on-demand movies, and the ability to stream your own media library.
Plex’s live channels cover news (USA Today, Reuters, Cheddar News), sports (MMA TV, FuboTV Sports), and entertainment (Tribeca Channel, Newsy). You’ll need to open the Plex app on your Google TV to access live TV, but the variety and zero cost make it a great supplement to other services.
- 200+ free live channels
- Combines live TV, on-demand, and your personal media
- Free, ad-supported streaming
- Available via the Plex app on Google TV
7. Individual Network Apps (Hulu + Live TV, Paramount+, Peacock, etc.)
Many major networks and cable channels have their own apps on Google TV, some of which offer live streaming as part of a subscription. For example:
- Hulu + Live TV offers 90+ live channels alongside Hulu originals.
- Paramount+ streams CBS, sports, and local news live.
- Peacock offers live news, sports, and events from NBCUniversal.
- ESPN streams live sports for ESPN+ subscribers.
Just search for your favorite network in the Google TV app store, sign in with your subscription, and enjoy live TV directly from the source.
Final Thoughts
Google TV keeps getting better at bringing live TV to your living room, whether you want a full cable replacement or just a few free channels. With options ranging from premium (YouTube TV, Sling TV) to totally free (Pluto TV, Plex), there’s something for every budget and viewing style. Try out a few, mix and match, and you’ll never miss your favorite shows again.
David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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