Google officially announced today the latest addition to its streaming device lineup, the Google TV Streamer.
Priced at $99.99, the next-generation 4K streaming device has 32GB of storage and 4GB of RAM. It supports HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision. On the audio front, there is support for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos.
Other notable features include ports for Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps), USB-C (power/data), and HDMI 2.1 (Type A).
The voice remote is supported with a “Find My Remote” button on the Google TV Streamer. If these specs sound familiar, that’s because you can find some of them on Walmart’s Onn 4K Pro, which was released in May for $50.
The Streamer follows the Chromecast with Google TV, released in 2020, and will replace the Chromecast lineup, according to a blog post from Google. The news comes after months of leaks about the next-generation 4K streaming device.
Like its predecessor, the Google TV Streamer operates on Google TV. It’s one of my favorite media hubs for its versatile integration of streaming services, YouTube, and even over-the-air TV tuners such as HDHomeRun and Tablo.
You can expect it to run all the major streaming apps such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. The Google TV Streamer will also use the company’s Gemini AI technology to supply recommendations and summaries of shows with season-by-season breakdowns.
Design and Usability Enhancements
Unlike the Chromecast, the Google TV Streamer is designed as a set-top streaming box instead of a dongle hidden behind a television.
The company says it also operates as a smart home hub for devices such as Google Nest. The Google TV Streamer has a low-profile, oblong-shaped design.
The Streamer measures 6.4 inches long, three inches wide, and stands one inch tall. It is available in two neutral colors: Porcelain and Hazel (the latter being exclusive to the U.S. Google Store).
The redesigned remote features a textured back for better grip, an optimized button layout, and a new customizable button for quick access to favorite apps or smart home controls, according to Google.
There is no official word on whether the new Google TV Streamer will support hands-free features on its own. In Tuesday’s announcement, Google said that “users can locate misplaced remotes using voice commands through Google Assistant-enabled devices.”
That includes Pixel and Android devices, which support casting media from Google Photos and controlling music throughout their home. The device also supports Matter and includes a built-in Thread border router, enhancing connectivity and response times for smart home devices.
Availability
The Google TV Streamer is available for pre-order starting today, August 6, and will be released on September 24. Consumers can purchase the device from the Google Store and other third-party retailers for $99.99.
