Attention Samsung TV Users: Changes Coming to Google Meet Integration
If you’re a proud owner of one of the best Samsung TVs and have been using Google Meet for video conferencing, there’s some important news you need to be aware of. According to a report by SamMobile, Google Meet, the popular video conferencing app, is set to be discontinued on Samsung Smart TVs in March 2024. This development follows the removal of the Google Play Movies app from Samsung TVs a few years ago, as well as the upcoming departure of Google Assistant from Samsung TVs on March 1, 2024.
Using Google Meet on Samsung TVs has been a seamless experience, requiring only the connection of a webcam to the TV. This allowed users to make and receive video calls directly from their television, providing a convenient and immersive video conferencing experience for both personal and professional use.
Initially known as Google Duo, Google Meet made its debut on Samsung Smart TVs in October 2022 and was included in the 2023 TV models, as well as Samsung’s Tizen smart monitors (the 7000 series and higher). However, the absence of the Google video calling app in the smart monitors and TVs launched in 2024 signals a significant change. Reports indicate that the service is set to either stop working or disappear on March 9, 2024, and Samsung has already taken down its support page for Google Meet, confirming the app’s discontinuation.
The big question on everyone’s mind is whether this move was initiated by Samsung or Google. While it’s uncertain if this signals Samsung’s decision to rid its Tizen platform of Google services, it does raise questions about Google’s strategy on Samsung’s Tizen platform going forward. The discontinuation of Google Meet, along with the upcoming departure of Google Assistant, suggests a potential shift by Google to prioritize its own ecosystems over supporting its services on third-party platforms like Samsung’s Tizen.
It’s plausible that Google aims to consolidate its efforts and focus more on its own platforms, such as Android and Google TV, where it can exercise greater control and integration. This strategic move could have implications for Samsung TV users who rely on Google Meet, as they will need to explore alternative video conferencing solutions in the near future.
As the March 2024 deadline approaches, Samsung TV users should start considering alternative options for video conferencing to ensure uninterrupted communication with loved ones and colleagues. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation.
