Google TV's AI Search Stumbles, Trapping Users in a Frustrating Loop

Google’s drive to infuse its Gemini AI into every corner of its ecosystem has hit a snag on the living room screen. Users of Google TV are reporting a baffling bug: asking the Gemini assistant to find movies or shows can trigger an endless, circular search that never delivers a result.

The problem, first spotted by Android Authority, occurs when Gemini’s response suggests performing another search instead of pointing to streaming options. Following that instruction leads to the same suggestion, trapping the viewer in a loop with no exit. On a TV interface, where seamless access is expected, this flaw is particularly aggravating. Navigating away from a broken AI feature with a remote control is a clunky, slow process, turning a promised time-saver into a time-waster.

This glitch echoes earlier stumbles for Gemini, most notably the 2024 launch of AI Overviews in Search, which famously advised users to put glue on pizza. While less dramatic, the TV loop follows a similar pattern: a feature intended to enhance the experience actively undermines it.

Google faces fierce competition in the smart TV arena from Amazon’s Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV. A reliable AI assistant could be a major advantage. A broken one risks pushing users toward rival platforms. The company has not publicly commented on the bug, typically addressing such issues through silent updates.

The incident highlights a persistent industry question: when is AI truly ready for consumers? The pressure to deploy is intense, but tolerance for malfunctioning features, especially on something as straightforward as a TV, is low. For now, the most reliable workaround for Google TV viewers might be the simplest: ignore the AI and browse the old-fashioned way.