Google TV will stop selling and renting movies and TV shows

For the second time in a relatively short period, Google has stopped selling and renting movies and TV shows on one of its platforms. The Play Movies & TV service was shut down in January. Since January 17, users have no longer been able to buy or rent movies and TV shows on that platform. They can then buy or rent movies and TV shows on Google TV, Android TV, and the YouTube app. The option to buy or rent movies and TV shows on Google TV or Android TV is also no longer available now. Google reports this in Support message.

This applies to smart TVs running Google TV or Android TV, as well as streaming devices and boxes running those operating systems, and the Google TV mobile apps. You can still buy or rent movies and TV shows through Google, but through YouTube. Videos you’ve already purchased will still be available in the Google TV apps on those platforms. Starting today, you’ll only be able to access content you buy through YouTube through the YouTube app. Previously, you could also stream movies and TV shows you bought or rented through YouTube through the Google TV apps.

generalization of change

Google says the change is already rolling out. Depending on your location, it could be several weeks before you experience it. You don’t have to do anything yourself: The purchase and rental options will automatically disappear from Google TV and Android TV devices and from the Google TV mobile apps.

The disappearance of Google TV and Android TV’s purchase and rental options isn’t too surprising. Google has long had three points of sale and rental for movies and TV shows. Last year, the search giant said goodbye to Play Movies & TV, and now it’s the turn of other smart TV platforms. For consumers, the difference between the platforms has also been somewhat blurred: Google’s sales and rental offerings have been largely undifferentiated.