We already know that advertising is becoming an increasingly meaningful element of promoting brands. We’re seeing this in the advertising plans of streaming platforms, and now even operating systems are joining the trend: Android TV and Google TV are the latest to use itwith. They’re following in Amazon’s footsteps with their Fire TVs.

As an Android TV and later Google TV user, I’ve been interacting with content recommendations on the TV’s home screen for years. However, I have been facing the following situation for a few days: very interesting ads.

Your TV is a giant advertisement

This is what you can see without touching anything. This is not a fashion series

We have already seen how Google began to step into the world of advertising with Android TV and Google TV, initially betting on connections whose operation was not entirely clear. This caused confusion, which led to the company Apply QR codes as a solution.

What really stands out is The theme of these ads. The new ads stand out because they promote products that have nothing to do with television use, leaving aside app or content recommendations. I’ve even come across ham commercials lately.

These ads appear in the foreground (they take a few minutes to appear on the screen), just before content recommendations for the platforms we subscribe to appear. These recommendations can be configured in the Android TV settings to decide exactly what we want to watch.

Announcement when you move the controller control up

When size matters. Additionally, the size of the QR code in the advertisements is also a curious detail. Its size is comparable to application access windows installed on the television, only in square form. When I slide the remote up, the ad space expands to full screen. Here I show the before and after.

Advertisements Includes a small progress bar Shows the time they will remain on the screen. After this bar is completed, the usual series and movie recommendations of the platforms I subscribe to disappear and begin to be displayed.

This ad is for a medical company

But man does not live on ham alone. Moreover, a few minutes later, another advertisement for a health company appears. Unlike the previous case, the QR code is not visible, but the way it works is the same. after a while ad is playing full screen as if it were a trailer.

The ad plays full screen

Is there a way to remove these ads?

Yes, but it’s not a simple or ideal solution. Even though there is an “Apps Only” mode, Google decided to change this and now even shows banners with recommendations, so this is not a viable option. The only alternative use one starter from third parties.

This is the only way to regain what was before a clean and fluid experience. Choose to install a third-party launcher that allows you to customize the appearance of the TV and its home screen to your liking. Actually we have already seen some of the most interesting ones, but this is about youAn option that is not for everyone.

I have two TVs at home, one with Android TV and the other with Google TV, and for now only the first one shows ads. Moreover, until nowI could only see these ads and No one else appeared. No cars or games.

At Xataka SmartHome | How to turn on your TV with Google TV and Android TV directly via DTT