Samsung and Google are partnering to bring Google Photos directly to Samsung TVs, ending years of workarounds for users wanting to view their digital memories on a larger screen. The integration, announced Monday, will initially launch in 2026 and will feature curated content through the Google Photos Memories feature. This marks the first official app designed for Samsung TVs, moving beyond casting or sideloading options.
The initial rollout will be exclusive to Samsung TV owners, with the Memories feature available only on their devices for the first six months. Users will need to log in to their Google accounts to access their personal photo and video libraries. The announcement signals a deepening collaboration between the two tech giants in the smart TV space.
Expanding Access to Google Photos
For years, Samsung Smart TV users have relied on workarounds to enjoy their Google Photos library on their televisions. Casting from a smartphone or tablet, or sideloading the mobile app, were the primary methods. These solutions were often clunky and lacked the seamless integration many users desired. The new dedicated app aims to resolve these issues.
According to a statement from Shimrit Ben-Yair, Vice President of Google Photos and Google One, the partnership is about making memories more accessible. “Google Photos is a home for people’s photos and videos, helping them organize and bring their memories to life. We’re excited to bring Google Photos to Samsung TVs — helping people enjoy their favorite photos on a larger screen and reconnect with their memories in new ways,” she said.
The Initial Rollout: Memories Feature
The first phase of the integration will focus on the Memories feature, a curated selection of photos and videos automatically generated by Google Photos. This feature groups photos based on events, dates, or people, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Samsung users will be the first to experience this tailored presentation directly on their TVs.
However, the exclusive six-month window for the Memories feature suggests Google and Samsung are testing the waters and gauging user engagement before a wider rollout of full Google Photos functionality. This limited release allows for focused feedback and optimization.
AI-Powered Features on the Horizon
Samsung also announced plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) features into the Google Photos experience on its TVs. These include templates powered by “Nano Banana,” a detail that remains somewhat vague, as well as image generation and editing tools. The Remix feature, which allows users to transform photos into different artistic styles, is also planned.
The inclusion of AI features aligns with both companies’ broader strategies to leverage AI in their products. Samsung has been aggressively incorporating AI into its devices, while Google is a leader in AI research and development. This integration could potentially offer unique creative tools for TV users.
The addition of AI-powered editing tools could also appeal to a wider audience, potentially attracting users who are not already invested in the Google Photos ecosystem. This could drive further adoption of the service and strengthen the partnership between Google and Samsung.
Implications for the Smart TV Landscape
This collaboration represents a significant shift in the smart TV landscape. Previously, TV manufacturers largely relied on their own photo and video apps, or partnerships with services like Amazon Photos. Bringing Google Photos directly to Samsung TVs gives users more choice and potentially a more seamless experience.
Meanwhile, the move could put pressure on other TV manufacturers to offer similar integrations with popular cloud storage services. Consumers are increasingly storing their photos and videos in the cloud, and demand for easy access to these memories on their TVs is likely to grow. The competition in the smart TV space is already fierce, and this development adds another layer of complexity.
The partnership also highlights the growing importance of content ecosystems in the smart TV market. TVs are no longer just devices for watching broadcast television; they are becoming hubs for all types of digital content. Offering access to popular services like Google Photos can be a key differentiator for TV manufacturers.
The integration of cloud storage and AI features also speaks to the evolving role of the television in the home. Smart TVs are becoming more personalized and interactive, offering users a more engaging and immersive entertainment experience. This trend is likely to continue as technology advances.
Looking ahead, the full launch in 2026 will be the next key milestone. The success of the initial Memories feature rollout will likely determine the pace and scope of future integrations. It remains to be seen how Samsung and Google will address potential privacy concerns related to accessing and displaying personal photos and videos on a TV. The companies will also need to ensure the app is optimized for a variety of Samsung TV models and screen sizes.
