The TCL QM9K is the first TV to feature Google Gemini, Google’s new AI-powered assistant. Gemini brings smarter, more natural interactions to your living room — going far beyond the basics of voice commands. Below are some best practices and tips to help you get the most out of Gemini on your TV.
1. Start with Natural Conversation
Unlike Google Assistant, Gemini understands conversational language.
Instead of: “Search action movies.”
Try: “What are some fun action movies my family can watch tonight?”
You don’t need rigid phrasing — Gemini handles nuance, context, and even follow-up questions.
2. Use Follow-Up Questions
Gemini remembers the context of your last request.
Example: “Show me comedies.” → “Only ones from the 90s.” → “Are any of them on Netflix?”
This back-and-forth makes searching faster and more fluid.
3. Leverage Hands-Free Mode
The QM9K has built-in far-field microphones, so you can say “Hey Google” from across the room without using the remote.
Perfect when cooking, exercising, or if the remote is out of reach.
Pro tip: Place the TV in a room where Gemini can clearly pick up your voice (avoid loud fans or background noise).
4. Explore Multimodal Features
Gemini isn’t just voice-based — it can process visual input too.
If you screenshot or cast an image to the TV, Gemini can provide insights.
Example: “Tell me more about this landmark” while displaying a travel photo.
5. Get Smarter Recommendations
Gemini goes beyond simple search by understanding intent.
Try: “Find sci-fi shows with strong female leads.”
Or: “What’s a good educational documentary for a 12-year-old?”
These tailored suggestions make discovery easier than ever.
6. Integrate with Your Google Account
When you opt in, Gemini can access:
Gmail → reminders about upcoming trips
Calendar → showing today’s schedule on-screen
YouTube → surfacing channels you already follow
This makes your QM9K a true personal hub for entertainment and information.
7. Use Gemini as a Learning Companion
Your TV isn’t just for movies — Gemini can help you explore topics.
Example: “Explain how black holes form.”
Or: “Summarize today’s top world news.”
The TV becomes a teaching tool and conversational partner.
8. Try Smart Home Controls
Just like Assistant, Gemini still controls your connected devices:
“Dim the living room lights.”
“Lock the front door.”
“Set thermostat to 72 degrees.”
The difference? Gemini is quicker at handling multiple requests at once, like:
“Turn off the lights, pause the TV, and set the thermostat to night mode.”
9. Make Use of Presence Awareness
The QM9K televisions include proximity sensors (radar based, nothing is “filming” or “recording” you) that wake the screen when you’re nearby. Gemini can automatically show:
Weather
Calendar events
Breaking news
This makes the TV useful even when you’re not watching a show.
10. Experiment and Explore
Gemini is designed to adapt to you. The more you use it:
The better it gets at anticipating what you want
The faster and more natural interactions become
The more personalized your recommendations feel
Don’t hesitate to experiment — Gemini learns from your style.
Quick Comparison: Assistant vs Gemini on QM9K
Task | Google Assistant | Google Gemini |
---|---|---|
Search | Keyword-based | Conversational, contextual |
Follow-ups | Limited | Full multi-turn dialogue |
Recommendations | Basic lists | Personalized suggestions |
Smart Home | Simple controls | Multi-step automation |
Learning/Insights | Basic Q&A | Rich explanations, summaries |
Presence Awareness | Not available | Smart UI when you walk up |
Final Thought
With Gemini, your TCL QM9K becomes more than just a TV — it’s a conversation partner, content guide, and smart home hub all in one. The best way to master it? Talk to it naturally, explore its features, and let it adapt to your needs.