Google’s Ambitious Move: Introducing Far-Field Mics in Its Upcoming Roku Rival

The forthcoming release of a Google TV streaming device will probably include far-field microphones: Google TV VP and GM Shalini Govil-Pai recently informed me that the enterprise is pursuing the integration of microphones into first-party Google TV devices as part of a more extensive effort to incorporate the company’s Gemini AI assistant into the television.

“That is certainly part of our plans,” Govil-Pai remarked when questioned about the inclusion of far-field microphones in Google TV devices. “In an ideal world, we would have already rolled it out, but yes, we are actively working on that.”

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Govil-Pai revealed this information during a discussion prior to CES, where the company is introducing what it describes as a “Gemini Enhanced Google Assistant” – essentially an upgraded version of ambient computing that extends beyond mere voice requests and enables more conversational exchanges. Gemini is designed to assist with smart home management, planning road trips, and accessing Google Photos to revisit a previous family vacation, among other features.

According to Govil-Pai, 60 percent of Google TV users are currently employing voice commands and queries, acknowledging that interactions with Google Assistant were somewhat limited. The introduction of Gemini to the TV and the shipment of more TVs and streaming devices with integrated far-field microphones is intended to change that. “You will be able to have genuine conversations, whether the television is powered on or off,” she stated. “It will be a hundred times more effective than the current capabilities.”

As part of this initiative to integrate AI into television, Google is collaborating with TV manufacturers to incorporate proximity sensors into select 2025 television models. These sensors will transform the TV into a sizable smart display that reacts to individuals in the vicinity. “Upon entering the room and approaching your TV, [it] transitions from an ambient screensaver to a useful display showcasing information like the weather, your morning commute, and the latest news highlights,” Govil-Pai explained. The initial companies to implement proximity sensors in some of their television models will be Hisense and TCL.

While the initial deployment of proximity sensors will be restricted to a handful of premium models, Google intends to rapidly broaden its AI initiatives to other devices. This includes the rollout of the Gemini Enhanced Google Assistant to existing Google TV devices later in 2025.

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Update: This article was revised with details regarding Google’s launch partners for proximity sensing in the living area.