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DIRECTV’s screensaver announcement was real, but its original “next year” wording is out of date. In October 2025, DIRECTV and Glance said Glance AI would come to DIRECTV Gemini streaming devices in early 2026. Glance’s current help page describes it as available on supported devices—and gives users a way to turn it off.
It is more accurate to describe Glance as an ambient content and shopping experience that can include advertising than as AI-generated ads replacing every DIRECTV screensaver. The generative-AI features are described as optional; the broader Glance idle-screen experience may appear as part of a device update.
What DIRECTV announced—and what has changed
DIRECTV’s partner Glance announced the plan in October 2025: Glance AI would roll out to DIRECTV Gemini streaming devices in early 2026. The original headline’s “next year” meant 2026, not 2027. Glance’s current DIRECTV help page now describes the experience as available on supported Gemini devices, though availability can depend on the device, model, provider, and region. The announcement does not establish that every DIRECTV customer has received it.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchGlance says its screen can appear after about 10 minutes of inactivity. Treat that as an approximate published interval, not a guaranteed timer for every setup: device software, screensaver settings, and whether the TV itself enters standby can affect what happens.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
“AI-generated ads” is only part of the story
Glance is a content-discovery and commerce platform for the TV’s idle screen, not simply an image generator. Depending on the experience, viewers may see ambient imagery, sports or lifestyle content, news, travel ideas, product promotions, advertisements, or shoppable scenes. Its TV terms allow advertising, shopping experiences, promotional offers, and AI-generated content.
Some scenes can use generative AI, and Glance describes an option to create personalized imagery using a photo. But the user’s face is not automatically added to every screen or ad. Glance says its generative-AI feature is off by default and user-initiated; using it involves following prompts on screen, scanning a QR code, and using the Glance mobile app to provide a photo or authenticate. Its shopping explainer describes continuing product exploration or shopping on a phone.
Do not assume an AI-generated product image depicts an actual item accurately or that the pictured product is available to buy. Glance’s general terms caution that generated images may be representational and may not correspond to real products.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
How to turn Glance off—or keep a different screensaver
On a supported Gemini device, Glance publishes this path:
- Open Settings.
- Select System, then Device Preferences.
- Choose Screensaver.
- Select Screensaver Off, or choose another option such as Google Backdrop.
Labels can vary with device and software version. If you want to keep ambient imagery but do not want personalized generative-AI scenes, Glance says that mode can be disabled separately. Turning off that mode is not the same as disabling the whole Glance screensaver.
If you cannot find the setting, first check whether you are in the Gemini device’s settings rather than the television manufacturer’s menus. Look for Screensaver, Ambient mode, or Device Preferences; check for a Gemini software update and restart after changing the setting. If Glance returns after a reset or update, contact DIRECTV support. Glance says availability varies, so a missing option does not by itself mean the feature is enabled on every device.
Rank #3
- Expand your home entertainment without buying a new TV; Google Chromecast lets you stream your favorites from your phone, tablet, or laptop; no remote needed
- Chromecast is easy to set up up; just plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming to turn your TV into a smart TV; it works with almost any TV that has an HDMI port
- Works with the apps you already know and love; enjoy shows, movies, music, games, sports, photos, live TV, and more from over 2,000 streaming apps in up to 1080p
- With Chromecast, you can stream, pause, play, or adjust the volume right from your phone with just a tap; while you’re streaming, you can still use your phone as you normally do
- Mirror your laptop screen or turn your tablet into an even better entertainment system; surf the web or see your media on the big screen
What the feature means for privacy and advertising
The TV is principally a discovery and display surface; Glance describes a flow in which viewers scan a QR code and continue on a phone. Its TV privacy policy says it may collect information about ads presented, such as category, type, and serving location, as well as certain post-click activity. The policy also describes data sharing for advertising and marketing purposes.
Opting out of interest-based advertising does not necessarily remove every ad: Glance says generic ads may still appear. If your goal is to avoid Glance promotions, the documented practical choice is to disable Glance or select another screensaver, where the device permits it—not just to change ad-personalization preferences.
Photo-based personalization raises a separate consideration. Glance links its AI Looks feature to a separate AI application privacy policy. Review the applicable terms before uploading a photo, especially a child’s image. Anyone in the room may also see shopping prompts and generated imagery. The available information does not establish a dedicated DIRECTV parental-control setting for Glance.
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Which DIRECTV customers are affected?
The announcement names DIRECTV Gemini streaming devices. It does not say the feature applies to every TV running the DIRECTV app, every DIRECTV satellite receiver, or every third-party streaming platform. A television’s own screensaver may also be separate from the Gemini device’s idle-screen setting.
If Glance does not appear, possible reasons include an unsupported device, regional or staged availability, a different screensaver selection, or the TV using its own idle-screen feature. Glance’s help page says availability can depend on device, model, provider, and region. No universal device-by-device rollout list is established by the cited announcement.
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Why put a shopping and ad platform on an idle screen?
An idle screen creates time and space for content or promotions without interrupting a program. For DIRECTV and Glance, the potential value is additional discovery, shopping, and advertising inventory; for viewers, the trade-off is that an otherwise decorative screensaver can become a commercial surface. Glance says the service is free on DIRECTV devices, but that describes Glance itself—not a DIRECTV subscription or the Gemini hardware.
That does not make every screen an ad, nor does it mean the entire experience is forced in the same way. The broad ambient experience and the more personal generative-AI tools are distinct: Glance says AI personalization is off by default and user-initiated, while the ambient service may arrive as part of a device update. The clearest control for viewers who do not want Glance at all is the screensaver setting.
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