The humble television. For decades, it held a place of honor in our living rooms, a gathering point for families to share stories, laughter and news. Then the rise of personal devices and on-demand streaming fragmented the shared viewing experience, leaving many families siloed in their own digital worlds.  

I’ve been in the video and television industry long enough to witness this shift, from the “dumb” sets of yesteryear to the smart TVs of today. Now I believe we’re on the cusp of an entirely new golden age for television. 

The innovations we’re seeing across both hardware and software will transform your TV from a passive screen into an intelligent, interactive, unifying hub. Today’s sets are able to enrich our lives and bring the family back together again in ways that can only be imagined. Delivering experiences beyond entertainment, it’s an exciting transformation led by a variety of factors … 

 
TVs of the future will be true assistants, powered by generative AI and multimodal inputs like voice, touch and even gesture recognition. They will transcend simply displaying content and actively understand and respond to our needs. Today’s smart TVs, with both streaming and linear content capabilities, will soon feel as outdated as rotary phones.  

Imagine this: You and your daughter settle in to watch “Bluey.” She inevitably wants the next episode, but instead of navigating menus, you simply say, “Play the next episode,” and voilà! Without the need to pick up a remote, the TV processes your request and seamlessly transitions to the next installment.  

Now, picture watching a nature documentary, when your child asks, “Where do snow leopards live?” Instead of reaching for a separate device, such as your cell phone, you tell the TV, “Show us a map of snow leopard habitats,” and the TV instantly displays an interactive map, potentially even connecting to live camera feeds of snow leopards in their natural environment.  

This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about sparking curiosity and facilitating shared learning among young and old. The TV itself transforms into a dynamic educational tool, fostering the exploration of knowledge as a family.

Interactive and intuitive dialogue will revolutionize content consumption and creation, with your TV potentially becoming a personal culinary assistant, a personalized tutor, a travel agent and beyond. 

 
During COVID, I stopped going to the gym and started working out using fitness apps on my TV — and I’ve never gone back. I foresee a future where my television will not only offer me a workout to follow but it will become a veritable personalized general wellness companion.  

Perhaps during a virtual exercise session, the TV’s camera, combined with my smartwatch data, will provide real-time feedback on my form, ensuring I’m exercising safely and effectively. Or if my heart rate gets too high, the TV might suggest modifying the exercise or taking a break.  

It could even gamify the experience, connecting with family and friends for virtual group workouts, fostering motivation and friendly competition. Not only will the TV transform into a personal fitness coach, it will provide tailored guidance to help you achieve your wellness goals. 

When I started working at YouTube in 2010, we could never have imagined that our videos would air on TVs. The lines between traditional programming and user-generated content are dissolving.

Short-form video — dominant on mobile — will seamlessly integrate into the TV experience, empowering creators and redefining entertainment. AI-powered dubbing and translation will break down language barriers, bringing global perspectives into our home and fostering cross-cultural understanding.  

AI tools like Veo will transform families into content creators, easily sharing precious moments and turning living rooms into personal cinemas where home movies become interactive and shareable experiences. The television will truly become a window to the world, offering endless possibilities for creativity and discovery. 

 
Despite the advancements, there are clearly counterpoints to weigh, chief among them privacy. As our TVs become more intelligent and interactive, they will inevitably collect more data. Consumers must have clear, granular control over this data, with transparent policies outlining what information is gathered, how it’s used and with whom it’s shared.

Robust security measures are essential to protect this sensitive information from unauthorized access. Furthermore, we must be mindful of screen time and its potential impact on our lives. 

The television set’s journey from bulky cathode-ray tube to sleek, intuitive portal has been remarkable. But the next chapter promises to be the most transformative yet.  

By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and prioritizing user experience, future TVs will not only entertain and inform but connect, proactively assist, inspire and contribute to healthier, more fulfilling lives. They will reclaim their place as the heart of the home, both as a screen and as a shared experience. 

Shalini Govil-Pai is the VP and GM of TV Platforms at Google. She oversees product design and engineering for Google TV and Android TV OS, with a focus on prioritizing user satisfaction and developing an overall helpful experience.