With the success of Google TV, the multinational tech giant has officially announced that it will be pulling the plug on Google Play Movies & TV, with its last day scheduled early next year. However, you can still view titles you’ve previously purchased with other means of access.
For those unfamiliar with its confusing history, Google TV was launched back in 2020 and was set to replace the ailing Google Play Movies & TV in areas such as mobile apps, which resulted in the latter being dropped on almost every possible platform. According to Google, the latter will officially shut down on 17 January 2024 for Android TV, but many have reported that the app has already stopped working and that opening the app will instead redirect you to the “Shop” tab. In addition, it will also cease on the aforementioned date across all remaining platforms; any cable boxes with the app integrated will also lose it.
In a support post, Google explained that this was done in order to simplify how users purchase new movies or access old ones they’ve bought through its platform. However, even though this app will no longer be available on Android TV devices or the Google Play website, you still have access to all of your previously purchased titles, including active rentals. The company notes that you can view them on your Android TVs, Google TVs, the Google TV mobile app (both for Android and iOS), and on YouTube.
As mentioned earlier, as the company moves to streamline its streaming services, you can view all your purchases on YouTube. Also, do note that web access via play.google.com/movies will also be discontinued, with youtube.com/movies serving as a replacement.
(Source: 9to5Google, Ars Technica, The Verge)
