Google photos memories arrive on samsung tvs – but with a catch
Samsung Smart TV owners, brace yourselves. The long-awaited integration of Google Photos’ “Memories” feature is finally materializing, but it’s coming with a significant caveat: you’ll need a 2026 model to enjoy it. The announcement, quietly confirmed via Google’s support page, promises a seamless way to relive your cherished moments on the big screen, but leaves older sets in the dust.
The exclusive launch: why 2026 models only?
The initial rollout is decidedly exclusive, limited to Samsung’s 2026 Smart TVs. Google’s statement explicitly mentions “If you have a compatible Samsung TV from 2026,” underscoring the restriction. This isn’t entirely unexpected, given the initial announcement late last year, which earmarked 2026 for the full integration. However, the stark exclusivity is likely to frustrate users of older Samsung sets.
The feature—accessible via Daily+, the Daily+ app, and the Daily Board widget—allows users to view a curated selection of “Memories” from their Google Photos library. Think automated slideshows and nostalgic highlights, all displayed on your television. But, as noted, this privilege is currently reserved for the upcoming generation of Samsung TVs.
But it's not all bad news. Samsung has confirmed that older models will eventually receive the update via a One UI Tizen system software refresh. The timeline for this remains unclear, but it offers a glimmer of hope for those who aren't planning a TV upgrade anytime soon.
Beyond daily highlights: what's coming in 2026?
Google and Samsung aren’t stopping at simple photo displays. The plan includes two additional AI-powered features slated for release later in 2026. “Create with AI” will generate animated stories from templates, leveraging Nano Banana and Google DeepMind’s technology. Simultaneously, “Personalized Results” aims to craft bespoke photo presentations for shared albums, perfect for showcasing a trip or event. These additions promise to elevate the Google Photos experience on Samsung TVs beyond a simple slideshow.
The launch coincides with Samsung’s typical spring rollout of new television models, with previous generations debuting in May. Expect to see more details—and perhaps a glimpse of these new features in action—as we approach the unveiling. Although the exclusivity is frustrating for some, the eventual expansion to older models ensures a wider audience will eventually benefit from this integration.
The move underscores Google’s ongoing push to integrate its services across a broader range of devices, a strategy that clearly benefits from the partnership with Samsung, one of the world’s leading television manufacturers.