At CES 2025, Google previewed Gemini for Google TV, highlighting enhanced conversational voice commands, tailored recommendations, and a smart information panel akin to the Nest Hub. TCL has been announced as the initial partner, integrating Gemini into its flagship QM9K television series.
The QM9K series is available in 65, 75, 85, and 98-inch models. Each television incorporates TCL’s ZeroBorder, CrystGlow WHVA QD-Mini LED panels operating at 144Hz with 4K resolution. TCL reports that these panels achieve 30% greater brightness and nearly 60% more precise dimming zones compared to the previous year’s iterations, marking an advancement in display technology.
The QM9K lineup offers comprehensive support for Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and HLG high dynamic range formats. Audio performance is optimized through tuning by Bang & Olufsen. Connectivity options include four HDMI ports, with one port supporting eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). A backlit voice remote is included as a standard accessory.
Beyond voice control, the QM9K integrates a built-in mmWave sensor to provide advanced presence detection. This capability extends beyond conventional motion sensing. Upon detecting a person entering the room, the television can activate a screensaver mode or display a customizable onscreen hub. This hub can be configured to show calendar appointments, weather updates, or feeds from Nest cameras.
TCL has incorporated a feature that allows users to adjust the sensor’s range. This adjustment aims to prevent the television from activating when someone is merely passing by in an adjacent hallway. Google has presented this presence-aware hub as a method to enhance the utility of televisions during idle periods.
The acceptance of the living room display as a smart-home dashboard remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the combination of Gemini’s capabilities and TCL’s hardware could foster adoption. Pricing details for the QM9K series have not yet been disclosed by TCL. However, the 65-inch QM8K model from the previous year had a selling price of approximately $1,300. Therefore, the QM9K is expected to be priced higher. Availability is anticipated later this month at Best Buy and other retailers.
The broader rollout of Gemini across Google TV is scheduled for later this year. The TCL QM9K offers a preview of the platform’s future direction, characterized by enhanced speed, intelligence, and presence awareness capabilities.
