What Buyers of Streaming Media Devices Need to Know About the New Google TV Streamer

What Buyers of Streaming Media Devices Need to Know About the New Google TV Streamer

Google's new streaming device offers top-tier entertainment and smart home integration.

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The streaming media landscape continues to evolve, and Google's latest offering, the Google TV Streamer, represents a significant step forward. As an upgrade to the seventh generation of the Google Chromecast, the new Google TV Streamer is designed to be more than just a streaming device; it's a comprehensive smart home controller. Here's what buyers need to know about this innovative new device.

A Comprehensive Smart Home and Streaming Solution

The Google TV Streamer is poised to transform your home entertainment and smart home experience. By integrating Google AI into the Google Home ecosystem, this device unifies all your streaming and smart devices, creating a seamless and intelligent home environment. The explosion of streaming content and the proliferation of smart devices in modern homes necessitate a centralized hub, and the Google TV Streamer delivers just that.

a screenshot of the home page in Google TV Use Google TV Streamer to control your Google TV channels and content.Google

Unmatched Streaming Experience

One of the standout features of the Google TV Streamer is its ability to provide the best Google TV experience yet. Boasting 4K video resolution, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, this device ensures top-tier visual and audio quality. The new processor guarantees smooth and efficient performance with a 22% faster CPU, double the RAM, and four times more storage than its predecessor (32 gigabytes).


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Sleek and Stylish Design

The Google TV Streamer is not just powerful but also aesthetically pleasing. Its premium design is stylish and compact, making it easy to hide wires and blend into any home decor. The device is currently exclusive to the US market and is available in two neutral colors: porcelain and hazel.

a photo of a person holding the Google TV Streamer remote.Google TV Streamer in Hazel with its sleek design and new customizable button.Google

Enhanced Remote Control

The remote control for the Google TV Streamer has undergone a significant redesign. It's longer, with buttons relocated for optimized use, including a new customizable button that allows users to change inputs and open the panel on their TV. The "Find My Remote" feature ensures you never lose track of it, and control can be managed via a voice app or push button.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Google TV Streamer is equipped with a built-in Ethernet port, a USB-C port, and an HDMI 2.1 port, enhancing connectivity options. These ports ensure stable and high-speed connections for all your streaming needs. Additionally, the device includes a Thread radio, making it compatible with a wide range of smart home devices.

a photo of Google TV Streamer and smart home hub on a cradenza.Google TV Streamer comes in two colors: porcelain and hazelGoogle

Free Channels and AI-powered recommendations

The Google TV Streamer, which comes with over 800 free channels, offers abundant entertainment options. Google's AI-powered recommendations and watchlists make content discovery easier and more personalized. The Gemini-powered AI on Google TV further enhances the content discovery process, ensuring you always have something to watch that suits your preferences.

Ambient Mode

The ambient mode is another unique feature that turns your TV into a piece of artwork when not in use. This adds aesthetic value to your home and transforms your TV into a dynamic part of your home decor.

a screenshot of the smart home controls on your Google TVControl your smart devices in Google TVGoogle

Integrated Smart Home Hub

One of Google TV Streamer's most significant advancements is its smart home hub. Matter-compatible and acting as a Matter controller, the hub works with the Thread border router built into the device. This means it can connect locally with all your smart devices without additional hubs, even those that might not be compatible with Google TV or Google Assistant.

The Google TV home dashboard provides remote control capabilities, allowing you to see video from compatible Google Assistant cameras and control any Google Assistant-enabled devices or other compatible devices. You can manage this through the dashboard on your TV, the Google Home app, or even by voice.

Pricing and Availability

The Google TV Streamer is priced at $99.99, making it a competitive option in the streaming media device market. As of September 24th, it is available for purchase on the Google Store and for pre-order at various retail outlets.

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Summary

The new Google TV Streamer is more than just an upgrade to the Google Chromecast; it's a significant leap forward in smart home integration and streaming technology. Its powerful specs, sleek design, advanced AI features, and comprehensive smart home hub capabilities offer exceptional value for entertainment enthusiasts and smart home fans. At $99.99, it's a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their home's streaming and smart capabilities.

Check out The GearBrain, our compatibility product find engine, to see the other streaming media devices that work with your smartphone, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.

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