The New Google TV Streamer

Google TV Streamer! Sounds good, don’t you think? Updates for Google’s Chromecast streaming devices are infrequent. Despite the fact that Chromecast has been around for 12 years, the firm has released new devices at a rate of about every three years. The last model I tested was the Chromecast with Google TV in 2020, in fact.

Updates to the hardware, software, and user interface of the latest Google TV Streamer make it more suitable for households with numerous smart home devices and for a future in which artificial intelligence (AI) may control all aspects of society. The opportunity to test out the new Streamer in action gave me a good idea of how it stacks up against other top streaming players. This is what I thought at first glance.

Google TV Streamer: Price and Availability

Pre-orders for the $99 Google TV Streamer began yesterday (August 6), and the device will be available for purchase on September 24 through Google and other stores. The two color options are Porcelain and Hazel. The latter is a grayish shade that will exclusively be sold in the Google Store in the United States.

Until stocks last, you can still get your hands on a Chromecast with Google TV (4K) or a Chromecast with Google TV (HD) from some merchants, says Google. All current Chromecast devices will be supported by the firm with regular updates.

Google TV Streamer Design

The new Chromecast Streamer is a wedge-shaped gadget that fits under your TV, unlike older dongle-like devices. Thus, it is more obvious than earlier generations, but its small size prevents it from standing out like the Fire TV Cube or Apple TV 4K. If you have a top-tier soundbar and wish to add the Google TV Streamer, reorganize your entertainment setup.

Like other Chromecast devices, the Google TV Streamer needs USB power. An Ethernet port, HDMI 2.1 port, and USB-C port on the back may help Wi-Fi buffering. Unfortunately, you must provide your HDMI cable.

The remote beeps when you click a little button on the rear. This is perfect for individuals who lose their remotes in the sofa cushions.

It has 32 GB of storage, four times larger than Chromecast with Google TV, so you don’t need to delete apps to make room for new ones.

Google also tweaked its remote. Due to its textured back, the new remote is more comfortable to handle than its predecessor, which has rounded edges and bottom.

Another change is the button arrangement. Volume controls on the remote have been shifted from the side to the front. The circular d-pad remains on top of the remote, but back and home buttons are now below it. Sound buttons are below: Assistant, mute, and volume rocker in one.

Below there are YouTube and Netflix buttons, but the bottom row now has a power button and a customizable button. This button can open Google Home, switch inputs, or launch an app.

AI Features

As expected, Google is also incorporating its AI to facilitate the process of finding content to watch.

In addition to tailoring material to your tastes, the interface will offer show overviews and summaries powered by Gemini, complete with ratings (hopefully without spoilers!). Each member of the family can receive a personalized list of shows that Gemini believes they would enjoy because it allows you to create numerous profiles. More detailed questions and watch-lists will also be at your fingertips.

Those moments when you’re not in front of the TV can be filled with personalized screensavers made with the help of generative AI.

Smart Home Features

Because of its larger form factor, Google was able to incorporate a Thread border router into the Google TV Streamer. This means that the device is not only Matter-compliant, but it also has the makings of a top smart home hub—particularly for those who are deeply involved in the Google ecosystem.

On top of that, there have been updates to the Google TV interface that will allow you to operate your smart home devices directly from your TV. From the right side of your TV, a panel will pull out that mimics the smart home panel on the Google Pixel Tablet. Here you can manage your smart lighting, thermostat, and security cameras and video doorbells.

You can see who’s at your door in real time when they ring your doorbell—just like with Fire TV and Apple TV—and a notification will appear on your TV.

Whether this interface will be available on other compatible devices, like the greatest Google TVs, or if it will be unique to the Google TV Streamer, Google has not said.

Outlook:

A long-overdue update to Google’s streaming devices category, the Google TV Streamer gives the tech giant a premium product to go up against Amazon’s and Apple’s more expensive offerings.

Not everyone needs or wants the additional smart home features that come with the new Streamer, so it would have been nice if Google had stuck with the current Chromecast with Google TV 4K. Additionally, if you’re looking for a smaller and more affordable Chromecast with Google TV, it’s a far better choice for supplementary TVs in your home or if you want to bring a streaming device with you when you travel.

I’m also interested to see if Gemini’s predictions hold true for my family and myself. Given that my wife and I have such different interests, I’m hoping that Gemini can recommend something that we will both enjoy because I’m having trouble making a decision with all the streaming alternatives out there.

Frequently Asked Questions On The New Google TV Streamer

Q: What is the difference between the new Google TV Streamer and previous Chromecast models?

A: The new Streamer has a larger form factor, improved AI features, integrated smart home hub capabilities, and a redesigned remote compared to previous Chromecast models.

Q: When is the Google TV Streamer available for purchase?

A: Pre-orders started on August 6, 2024, and the device will be officially released on September 24, 2024.

Q: How much does the Google TV Streamer cost?

A: It is priced at $99.

Q: Does the it require a power source?

A: Yes, the Google TV Streamer requires a USB power source.

Q: What connectivity options does the Google TV Streamer offer?

A: The device includes HDMI 2.1, USB-C, and Ethernet ports.

Q: What is the storage capacity of the new Streamer?

A: It has 32GB of storage.

Q: Does it come with a remote?

A: Yes, it includes a redesigned remote with improved button layout.

Q: What AI features does the Google TV Streamer offer?

A: It utilizes AI for personalized content recommendations, detailed show summaries, and creating family profiles.

Q: Is the Google TV Streamer compatible with smart home devices?

A: Yes, it is a Matter-compliant smart home hub and integrates with Google Assistant for controlling smart devices.

Q: Will older Chromecast models still be supported?

A: Yes, Google will continue to support existing Chromecast devices with regular updates.

Q: Can I use the Google TV Streamer with my existing soundbar?

A: Yes, you can use it with your soundbar, but you might need to adjust your entertainment setup.