TCL Unveils QM9K Flagship TVs, First to Integrate Google’s Gemini AI
TCL has announced its latest flagship television series, the QM9K. This new lineup marks a significant industry first as it will be the very first to feature the new Gemini on Google TV integration. This feature, which was initially detailed earlier this year, represents a major step forward in smart TV functionality by deeply embedding advanced AI directly into the user experience.
The core of this innovation is the Gemini AI. By using the standard Hey Google voice command, viewers will be able to interact with their television in a more natural and comprehensive way. The AI can be used to find specific movies or shows, answer general knowledge questions on any topic using natural language processing, and control compatible smart home devices that are synced through a user’s Google Home ecosystem. Furthermore, the Google TV platform on these sets will allow users to create custom, AI-generated screensavers simply by providing a text description or prompt.
A key hardware feature enabling this hands-free experience is an integrated mmWave sensor. This form of radar technology is designed to detect when a person is present in front of the television. This allows the TV to wake itself up, enabling users to engage with the Gemini AI completely hands-free without needing to first reach for a remote. Users will have control over this feature, with options to customize the activation distance and set specific hours of operation for the wake sensor.
Beyond the groundbreaking software, the QM9K series is a significant hardware achievement. The TVs feature what TCL calls a Zero Border edge-to-edge WHVA panel, aiming for a truly bezel-less design while promising excellent color accuracy. The series boasts up to 6,000 precise local dimming zones, which is an increase of 57 percent compared to the previous QM8K model, allowing for much deeper blacks and superior contrast. For high dynamic range content, the QM9K is set to deliver a peak brightness of up to 6,500 nits, which is a 30 percent boost over its predecessor.
The QM9K series will be available in a range of large screen sizes, from 65 inches up to a massive 98 inches. The premium nature of these sets is further emphasized by an audio system developed in partnership with Bang & Olufsen.
The TCL QM9K, the world’s first television with built-in Gemini AI, is scheduled to be available for purchase at Best Buy and other select retailers starting later this month.
