LG TVs Just Lost a Smart Edge
Remote not listening? You’re not alone.
As of May 1, a major feature has quietly vanished from millions of LG TVs. Google made a shift, LG made a decision—and the fallout is leaving smart home users scrambling.
If you were using voice commands to control your TV, chances are you’ve already noticed something’s off.
Goodbye, Google Speakers
LG TVs no longer talk to Google Nest or Home Mini speakers. Commands like “Play YouTube on the TV” or “Turn off the TV” suddenly stopped working—no warning, no workaround.
Why? Because LG chose not to support Google’s new voice platform, Gemini. Without that bridge, the seamless connection between your TV and smart speaker is officially broken.
Google Assistant: Gone for Good
Google began phasing out Assistant earlier this year, ending a run that started back in 2016. LG was part of that wave, and when Assistant disappeared, it took all its smart home magic with it.
Google replaced it with Gemini—its shiny new AI assistant. But LG said “no thanks,” leaving TV owners without a direct replacement.
Enter Microsoft Copilot
Instead of hopping aboard the Gemini train, LG opted to roll with Microsoft’s Copilot, powered by OpenAI. It’s solid for general tasks, like weather or search—but it doesn’t play well with Google-powered homes.
That means any routines or automations tied to Google’s ecosystem just… stopped.
Smart Homes, Unsynced
If your TV was part of your broader smart home setup, you probably noticed the disruption. Voice commands for lights, thermostats, and blinds suddenly stopped syncing through the TV.
Copilot doesn’t speak Google, so your network lost a key hub. Users were left rebuilding routines—or giving up voice control entirely.
Remote Voice Still Works… Kinda
The mic button on your LG remote still does something—it now taps into LG’s own voice system. That’s fine for finding shows or apps, but it won’t connect to your smart home.
So yes, voice control is technically still there… just limited to TV basics.
Customers Weren’t Thrilled
The backlash came fast. Reddit threads and comment sections lit up with complaints. Many felt misled—after all, Google Assistant was a selling point.
Some even called for refunds, arguing that the product no longer matched what was advertised. The Assistant’s removal left TVs feeling… a little less smart.
No Gemini in Sight
If you were holding out hope that LG might eventually support Gemini—don’t. There’s no sign it’s coming.
Gemini is expanding across Android devices, apps, and services. But LG’s not on the guest list, and it looks like that door is staying shut.
Other Brands Still Play Nice
Frustrated LG users are starting to look elsewhere. Brands like Sony still support Google’s tools—and Gemini.
Switching TVs isn’t cheap, but for some, rebuilding smart home harmony is worth the cost.
There Is a Workaround
Not ready to toss your LG TV? Good news: you can still get voice control back—just not from the TV itself.
Plugging in a Chromecast or Google TV device restores the Assistant or Gemini experience. It’s not built-in, but it gets the job done without replacing your whole setup.
Copilot: Smart, But Not Smart Home
Microsoft’s Copilot is clever—great for general questions and tasks—but it’s not a home automation wizard.
It can’t manage routines, speak to Google devices, or handle complex voice chains. For smart home users, it’s a step down from the fully connected Assistant days.
Gamers Got a Surprise Win
One silver lining? LG TVs now support Xbox Cloud Gaming via the Xbox app.
No console needed—just connect a controller and stream games directly on your TV. It’s a welcome bonus, especially for casual or cloud-first gamers.
Smart Routines? Time to Rebuild
Popular voice routines like “Movie Night” or “Goodnight” were often routed through LG TVs. Without Assistant, those shortcuts vanished.
Users had to rebuild them using smart speakers, phones, or alternative devices. It was time-consuming—and not always successful.
A Reminder: Features Aren’t Forever
This update was a wake-up call. Features can vanish with a software patch, no matter how heavily they were marketed.
Going forward, smart home buyers may think twice—and look harder at which brands promise long-term support.
Can’t Install Gemini Yourself
Some users hoped to sideload or install Gemini manually. Unfortunately, that’s not an option.
Gemini requires deep system integration, and since LG chose a different path, there’s no backdoor to bring it on board.
Tech Is Always Changing
The Assistant shutdown reminds us how fast tech moves. Even reliable features can vanish with an update.
The best way to stay ahead? Stay informed, stay flexible, and watch for what’s next in the evolving world of smart homes.
Did your LG TV lose its voice? Let us know how it’s changed your setup.
Want to see what the future holds?
Check out how iOS 18 is supercharging HomeKit and reshaping the smart home landscape.
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