After nearly four long years, Google has finally released a successor to the popular Chromecast with Google TV. This new device, aptly named Google TV Streamer, is available for preorder now at a price of $100 and is set to ship on September 24th. The price is twice that of its predecessor, hinting at a significant upgrade beyond a simple dongle. Gone is the familiar stick or puck design; instead, we have a larger, sleek device that Google claims blends seamlessly with home decor. However, its distinctive design, with two cables protruding from the back – one for power and data via USB-C, and the other for HDMI (provided by the user) – will undoubtedly stand out. Adding to its unique appearance is an optional Ethernet port, which Google doesn’t showcase in promotional images. Notably, this port supports gigabit Ethernet, offering a significant speed boost for local playback, such as watching movies on a home network. For wireless connections, the device features dual-band radios with Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) support, providing reliable performance even in wireless-only environments.
Google boasts that the Google TV Streamer is a ‘faster, more premium version’ of the Chromecast. It retains the same 4K resolution support and compatibility with Dolby Vision, HDR 10, HDR 10+, and HLG. On the audio front, it continues to support Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos. But the most significant upgrade is in the hardware itself, which Google claims is 22% faster than its predecessor. This performance boost addresses one of the major complaints about the Chromecast: its occasional sluggishness. The Google TV Streamer also boasts 4GB of RAM and a generous 32GB of storage, quadrupling the storage capacity of the previous model.
Google has also redesigned the voice remote. While visually similar to the previous remote, Google emphasizes that it’s more comfortable to hold, thanks to the textured back. Similar to the Onn 4K Pro, the remote has a customizable button that can be programmed to launch apps, switch TV inputs, or control smart home devices. A valuable addition is a button on the back of the Google TV Streamer that triggers a ring on the remote, making it easier to locate when misplaced.
In terms of smart home integration, the Google TV Streamer serves as a hub for the Matter smart home protocol and Thread. This means faster and more responsive smart home commands, eliminating the delay associated with routing commands through the internet.
Overall, the Google TV Streamer appears to be a substantial upgrade over the Chromecast with Google TV. Its improved performance, increased storage, redesigned remote, and enhanced smart home capabilities justify the higher price point. Available in ‘porcelain’ and ‘hazel’ colors, the Google TV Streamer promises a premium streaming experience with a touch of style.
