AI-Powered Gemini Assistant Disrupts Search Function on Google TV Smart TVs

• February 24, 2026

Google initiated the rollout of its Gemini AI assistant on Google TV-compatible devices starting in September 2025. Initially available on TCL’s QM9K smart TVs, the feature has since expanded to other Google TV-enabled hardware.

The AI voice assistant was designed to enhance user interaction with the platform, allowing for more intuitive voice commands and improved accessibility. However, recent reports indicate that the integration has unintentionally disrupted a core function integral to the smart TV experience: content search.

Search Functionality Impaired on Select Devices

Multiple users have expressed frustration in online forums and support channels, stating that after the Gemini update, their TVs’ search features no longer operate as expected. The problem appears to affect various models running Google TV, with a notable number of complaints originating from TCL QM9K owners, where the assistant was first launched.

Instead of facilitating easier content discovery, the Gemini AI seems to interfere with search queries, leading to failures in finding or displaying results. The disruption undermines a key convenience factor inherent to smart TVs, which rely heavily on seamless search to navigate a growing array of streaming services and applications.

Google has not released an official statement addressing the issue or indicating when a fix might be implemented. Users experiencing difficulties are encouraged to check for software updates and follow support guidance to mitigate the impact.

The incident highlights the challenges companies face when integrating advanced artificial intelligence features into widely used consumer electronics. While AI assistants offer promising enhancements, their deployment must ensure stability and reliability to maintain user satisfaction.

As Google continues refining the Gemini assistant, maintaining the core functionalities that users expect from their smart TVs will be crucial. The company is likely prioritizing these concerns ahead of broader Gemini rollouts across additional Google TV devices.

Recent updates introducing the Gemini AI assistant on Google TV devices have caused search functionality issues on some smart TVs.