Chromecast with Google TV now automatically shows full-screen product ads on the home screen

Many users liked Chromecast with Google TV because it is a good option for watching movies and TV shows on dumb TVs. But many have also complained about the increase in advertisements that the Google TV variant of the streaming stick brings compared to its predecessors. The latest complaints about this come from users who are now being offered auto-playing video ads for food rather than the usual media recommendations.

Reddit Users the asteroid Vincent And MMD3_ posted about an auto-playing video ad (with sound) on the home screen. The ad is for Carl’s Jr. Chicken Tender Wraps. When it starts autoplaying, it blurs all other UI elements and goes almost full screen, returning to the home screen after playing a times.

Although Google TV has been serving video ads on the home screen for some time, these are generally limited to digital media content, like new TV shows and movies, delivered under the guise of “recommendations.” Advertisements for non-media content (physical products) are generally limited to static images. This appears to be the first time an ad for a physical product has appeared as a full-screen, auto-playing video directly on the home screen.

Many users have tolerated “recommendation” ads because they may serve legitimate discovery needs in some cases. But physical product ads on the home screen seem to have ruffled some feathers. To work around the issue, bored users can install the Projectivity Launcher on their Android TV streaming device for a cleaner home screen experience.

Chromecast with Google TV too received a software update recently. It’s unclear if the update enabled this new ad format and placement.