Google TV, the search giant’s latest attempt to use TV software, will include a new ‘Basic TV’ mode that takes away the smart features of a TV in favor of easy access to live TV and HDMI inputs, 9to5Google reports. It’s a potential boon to anyone who ever wanted to downplay their smart TV because they prefer an external streamer or because they value privacy.
Google TV debuted on the new Chromecast, where it offered a new interface built on Google’s existing Android TV software, but will soon be offered as built-in software for TCL and Sony’s upcoming TVs.
According to 9to5Google, you can select “Basic TV” mode when setting. Doing so will remove the operating system apps, content recommendations, and Google Assistant support. It is possible to return to the standard interface at any time, but selecting the basic mode is only possible during installation. Unfortunately, it’s unclear exactly what the interface will look like, given the developer-focused ADT-3 dongle 9to5Google tested the mode on not the required live TV or HDMI hardware. We also don’t know how basic mode affects data collection.
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A Google spokesperson confirmed that 9to5Google that the mode is specifically a function of Google TV, rather than Android TV 12.
There are plenty of reasons why people might want to remove all smarts from a smart TV. Many users rely on set-top boxes from Apple, Roku, or Amazon for their streaming content, and a dual interface built into their TV just gets in the way. Others may want to keep using a TV long after the developers have stopped supporting the software and apps, at which point it’s helpful to reduce it to the essentials to improve performance. Or maybe you just don’t like the idea of using a smart TV given their history of tracking everything you watch.