Vidita Chandra | 6 Aug 2024 09:55 PM
Google’s stepping up its game in your media room with a new TV streaming device to replace the old Chromecast dongle. The Google TV Streamer—a 4K set-top box that promises to upgrade the Chromecast experience. It not only serves as a smart home hub but also sports a fresh design and uses AI to recommend content you’ll want to watch.
Just like with Chromecast, you can link your Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, and other subscriptions to the new Google TV Streamer. It also offers access to over 800 channels, according to Google. The AI features, powered by Gemini, will let you see summaries and reviews of shows as you browse. Gemini will also curate content from all your subscriptions based on your viewing habits and help you build watchlists with personalised AI recommendations.
The new Google TV Streamer is also noticeably larger than its Chromecast predecessor. While the old Chromecast used to hang behind the TV, this new model is designed to sit on your TV stand, blending in with your entertainment setup. The increase in size comes with upgraded specs, including 4GB of memory, 32GB of storage, HDMI 2.1, a 22% faster processor, and an Ethernet port for better connectivity.
Google says the new TV Streamer is set to enhance your smart home experience too. It supports the Matter standard and includes a Thread border router, making it easier to connect and manage smart devices from different brands. Google promises this will lead to quicker response times and better reliability.
A major upgrade from Chromecast is the new Google Home panel. Now, if you have a video doorbell, you can view its feed directly on your TV, control your lights, or adjust the temperature in your home. The Home panel also features improved Nest Aware capabilities for even more convenience.
The Streamer also comes with a revamped voice remote. It sports a sleek, slim design with a textured back for better grip. It includes a programmable button for quick access to your favourite app and has a chime feature to help locate it if misplaced. You can activate this chime either through a button on the back of the Streamer or by asking another Assistant-enabled device. The Google TV Streamer will hit the Google Store on September 24th, priced at $99.99.