Preview: Google TV Streamer 4K

Resistance is futile. Unless you are still using an old pair of rabbit ears or a rather fancy OTA antenna mounted on the roof to pull in local stations — streaming rules the galaxy.

On the TV/movie side of the equation, almost all TVs made and sold are Smart TVs, which allow TV buyers to access content from the internet right out of the box. Also, for those who own TVs that don’t include smart features, or perhaps your smart TV doesn’t provide all of the streaming services that you want to access, there are plug-in alternatives such as streaming sticks (Roku, Fire TV) and boxes such as Apple TV that can fill the bill.

Google TV Streamer 4K

Chromecast has been one of the popular plug-in streaming devices, and in late 2020 the first Chromecast with Google TV was introduced. However, with the introduction of the new Google TV Streamer 4K, Google is ending its popular Chromecast line. 

Access to Streaming Services

Although designed to replace Chromecast devices, the Google TV Streamer 4K carries over many Chromecast features into the new platform. 

For example, the Google TV Streamer provides access to 700,000+ movies and shows through streaming apps like YouTube TV, Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and more, in addition to live TV with 800+ free channels. 

Support for 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, is also provided when streaming compatible content, providing a more cinematic viewing experience.

Casting

Just like Chromecast, the Google TV Streamer allows you to cast media from your phone, add it to speaker groups, and control music in your house directly from your TV.

Set-top Box vs Dongle

Instead of a direct plug-in dongle device, the Google TV Streamer 4K is a very compact set-top box, similar to an Apple TV box, but with a slimmer and more streamlined appearance.

AI

The Google TV Streamer uses Google AI (Gemini System) to curate content suggestions across all of your subscriptions, organized conveniently in one place. You can even build watchlists with recommendations for every member of your home. Gemini technology on Google TV also provides access to full summaries, reviews, and season-by-season breakdowns of content.

Ambient Mode

With ambient mode, you can turn an idle TV into a work of art (in other words you don’t have to necessarily buy a fancy Art TV, like the TCL NXTFRAME, Hisense Canvas, or Samsung Frame). Via the Google TV Streamer voice remote users can display favorite memories from Google Photos,  last family vacation, or create one-of-a-kind screensaver art with generative AI.

Smart Home

Google TV Streamer has connectivity support for Matter, along with a built-in Thread border router, a technology that allows you to quickly and safely connect smart home devices like locks and motion sensors. Together, this allows your smart home devices to work as a team with faster response times and improved reliability.

The Google Home panel is also provided. This feature lets users check cameras, adjust the lights and temperature, close the blinds, and more — without leaving your couch. It automatically syncs with the Google Home app, so it works with millions of devices, like the new Nest Learning Thermostat.

Processor and Memory

Google TV Streamer offers an improved processor, has double the memory, and 32GB of storage for faster app load times and smoother navigation than the Chromecast. 

Connect to your Network

You can connect a Google TV Streamer to a Wi-Fi network or via an Ethernet port.

Initial Impressions

This is an interesting move for Google. They are giving up their popular Chromecast form factor for something more like a Roku or Apple TV box. In addition, on the inside, there is beefed-up processing power for easier feature/app navigation as well as more storage room for apps. AI also takes the Google TV streamer up a notch. It also carries a higher $99 price tag. 

However, on the audio side, it has been pointed out by our Editor-at-Large Chris Boylan that DTS support is not indicated.

The concern is that not having DTS support might be a lost opportunity, not just with its 5.1 channel core option, but DTS:X is becoming more prominent due to its inclusion in IMAX Enhanced content that is becoming available via streaming.

That being said, PCM support is also not listed but is most likely included, so perhaps DTS:X is on the way via a future firmware update.

Price & Availability

Google TV Streamer is available for pre-order for $99.99 at Amazon, the Google Store and other third-party retailers, but won’t start shipping until September 24, 2024.

Related Reading

• Google Ends Support For The Original Chromecast

• Walmart’s ONN 4K Google TV Box Is Only $20

• Roku Announces OS 13.0 For Its TVs and Streaming Devices

• Does Cutting the Cord Make Sense Financially?