— TCL said its new QM9K QD mini‑LED flagship TVs, the first consumer panels to include Gemini on Google TV, will arrive at Best Buy and select regional retailers later this month, offering hands‑free wake, AI screensavers and higher HDR brightness.
Key Takeaways
- TCL’s QM9K series will be the first TVs to ship with Gemini on Google TV.
- Hands‑free wake uses an mmWave sensor, allowing voice interaction without touching a remote.
- Custom AI screensavers can be generated from user prompts on Google TV.
- QM9K panels use a “Zero Border” WHVA design with up to 6,000 local dimming zones.
- Peak HDR brightness reaches up to 6,500 nits—about 30% higher than the QM8K.
- Sizes range from 65″ to 98″, with audio tuned by Bang & Olufsen.
- Available later this month at Best Buy and select regional retailers; pricing and some regional availability remain unconfirmed.
Verified Facts
TCL announced the QM9K as its latest entry in the “Ultimate Series,” positioning the set as the manufacturer’s flagship for 2025. The company confirmed the series will run Google TV with Gemini integration, enabling users to search for content, ask natural‑language questions and control Google Home‑connected devices using “Hey Google” voice prompts.
The QM9K includes an mmWave presence sensor — a short‑range radar module that detects people in front of the screen. When enabled, the sensor can wake the TV and allow hands‑free interaction with Gemini. Users will be able to adjust detection distance and set operating hours for the sensor.
| Feature | QM9K |
|---|---|
| Panel | QD mini‑LED, Zero Border WHVA |
| Local dimming zones | Up to 6,000 |
| Peak HDR brightness | Up to 6,500 nits |
| Sizes | 65″–98″ |
| Audio | Bang & Olufsen tuning |
TCL says the QM9K provides roughly 57% more precise dimming zones than the QM8K and delivers about 30% greater peak HDR brightness. Those improvements target deeper contrast and brighter highlights for HDR content.
Context & Impact
Integrating Gemini directly into TVs marks another step in embedding generative AI capabilities into living‑room devices. With native Gemini support, televisions can act as conversational hubs for content discovery and smart‑home control without needing a separate phone or smart display.
Hands‑free wake via mmWave sensors removes the immediate need to press a remote for many voice interactions, which could improve convenience but raise new questions about ambient sensing and privacy settings. TCL’s option to customize sensor range and hours is a direct response to that trade‑off.
For the TV market, the QM9K’s combination of Gemini, high peak brightness and a large number of dimming zones aims to differentiate TCL against rival mini‑LED and OLED models from other brands. The AI screensaver feature also signals a push toward more personalized on‑screen experiences.
Unconfirmed
- Exact retail pricing for each QM9K size has not been announced.
- Precise regional shipping dates beyond “later this month” were not provided.
- Long‑term availability of Gemini features and any subscription requirements were not detailed by TCL.
Bottom Line
TCL’s QM9K series brings Gemini into mainstream TVs with hands‑free interaction and premium panel improvements aimed at HDR performance. Buyers should watch for pricing and regional availability, and review sensor and privacy settings if they plan to use hands‑free features.