The Google Chromecast has become a household name alongside options like Amazon’s Fire Stick, Apple TV, and Roku’s streaming devices. It’s a dinky little thing that connects to the back of your television and gives you access to the Google TV interface.
The Chromecast with Google TV 4K was released in 2020 though, and its small form means that there was never enough hardware in it to future-proof it to 2024. Google has acknowledged that as it has put the Chromecast to bed and birthed the brand-new Google TV Streamer.
The New Google TV Streamer Offers Much Better Hardware Than Its Predecessor
First off, the Google TV Streamer throws away the dongle form factor and chooses the media box look. This means it’ll be more conspicuous but it allows more room for Google to fit in some powerful hardware.
Compared to its predecessor, Google says you get a better processor, twice as much RAM, and 32GB of storage. Needless to say, this means that apps and interfaces load quicker and run smoother. Just like the Chromecast before it, it also supports 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Confirming leaks, it allows you to connect not just wirelessly, but wired through an ethernet port as well, in case you’re allergic to buffering.
The Google TV Streamer Is Part Of Your Smart Home
One very exciting thing is that the Google TV Streamer supports the Matter connectivity standard and has a Thread router, which allows you to make it a hub for your smart home devices.
On top of that, it comes with a Google Home interface built into the UI. This means you’ll be able to check your Nest Doorbell or any other smart home camera, adjust smart lights, switch up the temperature on your Nest Thermostat, and so much more. You’ll be able to do this all from your TV.
We’re in the age of AI, so there is very little shock when you realize that Google TV on the new Google TV streamer sticks in as much Google AI and Gemini as it can. The good thing is that this is one use case where it actually makes things much better.
Google AI will be able to give you content suggestions based on what you watch across all your subscriptions, and you’ll be able to access these from one central location. No more worrying about what to watch. And with Gemini, you can get up to speed real quick with summaries, reviews, and breakdowns of episodes of seasons.
The Google TV Streamer Isn’t Too Expensive For What It Offers
The Google Chromecast with Google TV 4K costs $49.99, which is certainly affordable. However, you’ll need to pay exactly double for the Google TV Streamer, at $99.99. Considering you’re getting a more powerful media box along with a smart home hub, some might argue that you get what you pay for.
Either way, you can pre-order the Google TV Streamer starting today, in Porcelain and Hazel colorways, though it will only be available starting September 24th.
