- Google has announced it will be shutting down the Play Movies & TV app
- From 17 January purchased content will be moved to YouTube or Android TV
In yet another service shake-up, Google is shutting down a popular app used by thousands of movie fans.
Over the next few weeks, the tech giant will begin to close down the Google Play Movies & TV app.
The service has already disappeared from smart TVs and soon will be gone for good.
From 17 January, you will no longer be able to access your purchased or rented films through Play Movies & TV.
But they won’t be lost forever – as purchased films and TV will transfer to Android TV and YouTube.
Google has been slowly trying to kill off the Play Movies & TV service since 2021 after it launched its standalone TV app.
Play Movies & TV has already been removed from all Roku devices and the majority of smart TVs but is still available on Android TV devices and the Google Play Store.
In a recent post on Android TV Help, Google confirmed that the service will soon be removed from these platforms.
In the post, Google explained: ‘We are making some changes to simplify how you purchase new movies or access the movies and TV shows you’ve purchased through Google.’
However, if you are a Google Play Movies and TV user, there is no need to panic as you will still be able to access your purchases.
‘You’ll still be able to access all of your previously purchased titles (including active rentals) on Android TV devices, Google TV devices, the Google TV mobile app (Android and iOS), and YouTube,’ Google reassured.
From 17 January, if you have a TV or streaming device powered by Android TV, you will be able to find your purchased titles under the ‘Shop’ tab under ‘Your Library’.
If you use a cable box or set-top box powered by Android TV then all your previously purchased content will now be under the YouTube app.
To find your purchases, open the YouTube app and go to the Movies & TV section where your content will be under the ‘Purchased’ tab.
For web browser users, the process will be the same – simply head to YouTube and look in the same section.
However, Google does note that not all countries have the ability to purchase and rent films through YouTube.
This will not affect the UK, US, or Australia, but users in other countries should check whether they can access these services in their country.
While 17 January is the final deadline, Google says that the update will be rolling out over the next few weeks depending on location and country.
Laura Adams is a tech enthusiast residing in the UK. Her articles cover the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets, providing readers with a glimpse into the future of technology.
