Google Home, Welcome to the SHIELD Family

by Brian Choi

Google Home devices can now control your SHIELD TV from anywhere in your home as long as they’re on the same network. Giving your modern, connected living room all the convenience and efficiency you can imagine with the help of the Google Assistant.

We continuously enhance your experience with new features that benefit YOU, our loyal SHIELD owners. With the Google Assistant built-in, you can quickly access entertainment, get answers and control devices around your home.

Today we’re announcing a deeper integration between your Google Home devices and SHIELD TV.

Hands-Free Voice Control with Your Google Home

“Ok Google, watch Ozark on SHIELD.”

Using just your voice, the deeper integration brings new functionality and control between your Google Home and SHIELD. You can now tell Google Home to jump into your favorite Netflix, HBO NOW, CBS, and Starz shows and movies immediately.

Not sure what you want to watch just yet? Fire up any app you have on SHIELD using just your voice, saying, “Ok Google, open Hulu on SHIELD.”

Playback and volume controls are improved as well. Play and pause from all apps. Or tell Google to change the volume, “Ok Google, set volume to 80% on SHIELD.”

And for when you’re done, “Ok Google, turn off SHIELD.

Just Say “Ok Google” To Get Started

Google Home already worked with SHIELD, providing basic controls. So if you’re bragging about your latest vacation and want to show off those sweet photos on the big screen, or if you’re on the couch under a warm blanket and want to dim the lights, you can using just your voice, with help from your Google Assistant.

It’s also great for those times you’re just being flat out lazy. You’re watching that famous line in Taken where Liam Neeson is talking about a very particular set of skills, but oh no! The remote is on the other end of the sofa and you can’t reach it. No worries, just say, “Ok Google, increase the volume on SHIELD,” and you’re set.

And when your TV is off, you can still get the same useful Google Home Mini functionality. Ask for directions and have them sent to your phone. Take control of your smart home. Get a quick weather update, a preview of your schedule, reminders, news and more, even calls!

Control SHIELD TV with Google Home Mini
Expand your connected living room
But Wait, There’s More

Here are a few hands-free commands* to get you started. Simply say, “Ok Google” or “Hey Google,” and ask away.

Google Assistant Enabled
Basic Commands

“Turn on SHIELD.”
“Turn off SHIELD.”
“Open [name of app] on SHIELD.”

Volume Control

“Set volume to 50% on SHIELD.”
“Increase/decrease volume on SHIELD.”
“Mute/unmute volume on SHIELD.”

Playback Features

“Play [name of Netflix, HBO NOW, CBS, Viki, or Starz show] on SHIELD.”
“Play [name of song] on [name of app] on SHIELD.”
“Watch [name of channel] on YouTube TV on SHIELD.”
“Play YouTube on SHIELD.”
“Pause on SHIELD.”
“Play on SHIELD.”

Photos and Smart Home

“Show me my pictures from Egypt on SHIELD.”
“Show me my pictures from last weekend on SHIELD.”
“Dim the lights.”
“Set the temperature to 72 degrees.”

These new features are rolling out to SHIELD users this month. If you are eager to try out the features, a restart of your SHIELD TV will deliver the new features within a day.

We hope you enjoy your even more advanced living room.

Don’t forget to join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter for the latest and greatest!

*The Google Assistant is not available on SHIELD TV in certain languages and countries. Requires Internet connection. Availability of services varies by country and language. Subscriptions for services may be required.

Google, Google Home, Android TV and related marks and logos are trademarks of Google LLC.