Google has made a significant foray into the realm of streaming video and smart home platforms. This move puts Google in direct competition with major players like Amazon, Roku, and Apple. The battle is now centered around keeping customers within a single ecosystem while supporting a wide range of accessories and devices used in daily life.
Introducing Google TV Streamer – a new era for Google’s streaming device lineup. Unlike its predecessors, Google TV Streamer is a full-fledged streaming device with enhanced capabilities and performance. If you want to delve deeper into its features, we recommend checking out our comprehensive Google TV Streamer review.
What is Google TV Streamer?
Google TV Streamer is the successor to Chromecast with Google TV and represents Google’s comeback in the realm of a full Android TV/Google TV device. Positioned as a direct competitor to Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, Google TV Streamer offers a more robust streaming experience.
Unlike previous Chromecast models, Google TV Streamer is not a discreet dongle but a more substantial device designed for better network connectivity and seamless integration with smart home devices.
Google TV Streamer Price
Google TV Streamer is priced at $99, positioning it in the mid-range category among other leading streaming devices. While slightly more expensive than its predecessor, the enhanced features and performance justify the price point. Keep an eye out for potential sales in the future.
What’s New with Google TV Streamer?
Google TV Streamer retains the familiar Google TV interface while offering improved speed and performance. The device now serves as a smart home hub, supporting Matter and Thread standards for seamless integration with various smart home devices. A new Google Home panel allows users to control their smart home devices directly from the TV screen.
The redesigned remote control enhances user experience with its intuitive layout and extra features like a remote-finder chirp for easy retrieval.
Google TV or Android TV?
Google TV is the branding for the platform, while the underlying software is called Android TV. For most users, the distinction is not significant, as both terms refer to the same experience on Google TV Streamer.
What’s in the Box?
Upon unboxing, you’ll find the Google TV Streamer base, Voice Remote with batteries, power adapter, USB cable, quick-start guide, and other documentation. Note that an HDMI cable is not included in the package.
Google TV Streamer Specs
Google TV Streamer boasts a MediaTek MT 8696 processor, 32GB storage, 4GB RAM, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, gigabit Ethernet, 4K resolution, and support for various HDR formats. Its design features a compact form factor of 6.4 x 3.0 x 1.0 inches, weighing 5.7 ounces.
Comparisons to Nvidia Shield
While Google TV Streamer offers a compelling streaming experience, it may not match the performance and features of Nvidia Shield, a premium streaming device in its own league.
