Google’s announcement of the new Google TV Streamer, a name that doesn’t quite roll off the tongue like its predecessor, has left me with one clear takeaway: my trusty Chromecast with Google TV isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. This is especially true considering Google’s decision to discontinue production of the older model. Despite Google’s claims of a superior device with enhanced features, I’m not entirely convinced.
The new streamer boasts impressive specs, including a faster processor, four times the storage, and support for the latest smart home standards like Thread and Matter. It also comes equipped with Ethernet connectivity, an improved remote, and support for Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and spatial audio when used with Pixel Buds. All of these features are undeniably impressive, especially considering the $100 price tag, which undercuts Apple TV 4K, a device we’ve long regarded as the gold standard for streaming.
However, one crucial element sets the new Google TV Streamer apart from its predecessor: size. It’s significantly larger than the Chromecast with Google TV, making it less travel-friendly. While Google likely intended this design choice, it presents a practical issue for frequent travelers like myself. The streamer’s larger footprint means it’s no longer a simple dongle that can discreetly hang behind a television. It requires dedicated space, a challenge in hotel rooms where I typically utilize my Chromecast with Google TV.
Then there’s the matter of price. While $100 feels reasonable for a home-based device, it’s double the cost of my previous Chromecast with Google TV, which I often found myself accidentally leaving behind in hotel rooms during my hurried packing routines. A $50 dongle is one thing to forget, but a $100 streaming surfboard (as I still envision it) is a different story entirely. Additionally, on the road, I don’t require support for Thread and Matter, which are primarily smart home functionalities. The same applies to Ethernet connectivity, which is unlikely to reach a wall-mounted TV in a hotel room.
For the foreseeable future, the original Chromecast with Google TV will remain a permanent fixture in my travel kit. While the new Google TV Streamer offers undeniable improvements, its size and price make it less practical for my nomadic lifestyle.
