Google said it will soon end support for renting and buying movies and TV series within the Google Play app and shift all digital purchases to Google TV.
Starting in May 2022, Android devices users will need to use the Google TV app for buying, renting and watching movies and shows. While the Google Play app will no longer support “Movies & TV,” it will still function as the store for apps, games and books.
“On Google TV, you will find the same experience you are used to on Google Play Movies & TV with the latest new releases, rentals, deals, and great recommendations for you,” Google wrote on its website.
Google users’ purchased content will continue to be available in the Google TV app and purchases on the Google TV app will continue to be eligible for family sharing and Google Play Points. The company assured that customers will still be able to use Play credit and Play gift cards for purchasing in the Google TV app.
The shift signals a more all-in approach for Google TV, the redesigned version of Android TV that first launched in 2020.
Google earlier this year confirmed that both Android TV and Google TV are now running on 110 million active devices as of 2022. That number has increased significantly from the 80 million devices the company claimed in May of last year.
It’s unclear how much of the total is represented by Google TV but some of the platform’s early device partners have already claimed substantial sales.
During CES in Las Vegas, TCL said that it sells more than 10 million sets worldwide that run either Android TV or Google TV annually.
“TCL has also worked closely with Google to introduce the newest smart TV experience with Google TV. New features like hands-free voice control with Google Assistant, a content-first home screen and innovative ways to discover content has enriched TCL’s television lineup,” the company said in a statement.
Google’s decision to place “Movies & TV” fully within Google TV comes after Apple TV’s recent move to turn off purchases and rentals for its app on Google TV.