Google recently announced the launch of its newest product, the Google TV Streamer. This announcement marks the end of an era for the beloved Chromecast, first introduced in 2013.
While the Chromecast becomes the 296th product to join Google’s graveyard, the new Google TV Streamer promises to usher in a new age of smart home entertainment.
Here’s what you need to know about Google’s new streaming device.
Google TV Streamer: Pricing and Availability
The Google TV Streamer is set to hit the market at $99 (approximately KES 12,795). Pre-orders are currently open, with the official release date scheduled for September 24.
The device will be available through Google and various other retailers. Two color options are on offer: Porcelain and Hazel, with the latter being a grayish hue exclusive to the U.S. Google Store.
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It’s worth noting that while supplies last, the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) and Chromecast with Google TV (HD) will remain available at select retailers.
However, as is often the case with Google products, the Google TV Streamer won’t be officially available in Kenya or other African countries. Eager tech enthusiasts in these regions will need to resort to importing the device from international retailers like Amazon or Best Buy.
Google TV Streamer: Design and Features
The Google TV Streamer represents a significant departure from the familiar dongle-like design of its predecessors.
Instead, it adopts a compact, wedge-shaped form factor designed to sit discreetly beneath your TV. While no longer as inconspicuous as earlier models, its low profile ensures it won’t be an eyesore in your entertainment setup.
Connectivity-wise, the device sports a USB-C port for power, an HDMI 2.1 port for display output, and an Ethernet port for those preferring a wired connection. One minor drawback is the absence of an included HDMI cable, which users will need to provide separately.
A standout feature is the remote-finding button on the device’s rear. When pressed, it triggers a beeping sound from the remote – a godsend for those prone to misplacing it among couch cushions.
The Google TV Streamer also boasts an impressive 32GB of internal storage, quadrupling that of the Chromecast with Google TV and eliminating concerns about running out of space for apps.
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The remote control for the Google TV Streamer has undergone a thoughtful redesign. While retaining the rounded bottom and sides of its predecessor, it now features a textured back for improved grip and comfort. The button layout has been optimized, with volume controls now conveniently located on the front rather than the side.
The remote’s top section houses a circular d-pad, followed by back and Home buttons. Below these are audio-related controls: a Google Assistant button, mute function, and volume rocker.
The familiar YouTube and Netflix shortcut buttons remain, while a new customizable button joins the mix, allowing users to configure it for app launching, input switching, or accessing the Google Home panel.
Google TV Streamer: AI Integration
In line with current tech trends, Google has integrated its AI capabilities into the Google TV Streamer, aiming to revolutionize content discovery.
The interface will feature Gemini-powered summaries and show overviews, complete with ratings, to help users make informed viewing decisions. The AI will also curate content based on individual preferences, with support for multiple user profiles ensuring personalized recommendations for each family member.
Beyond content suggestions, users can engage in more in-depth conversations with the AI, creating watchlists and exploring their entertainment options in greater detail.
For those moments between viewing sessions, the Google TV Streamer offers the ability to create custom screensavers using generative AI, adding a personal touch to your TV when it’s not in use.
The Future of Chromecast Support
With the introduction of the Google TV Streamer, many Chromecast owners may be wondering about the future of their devices.
Well, Google has assured us that for most current Chromecast models, it’s business as usual. As stated in their blog post:
The time has now come to evolve the smart TV streaming device category — primed for the new area of AI, entertainment and smart homes. With this, there are no changes to our support policy for existing Chromecast devices, with continued software and security updates to the latest devices.
This statement suggests that most current Chromecast models will continue to receive updates and support for the foreseeable future.
However, it’s important to note that support for the first-generation Chromecast (released in 2013) has already ended. Users of this model may experience degraded performance over time and will not receive new features or security updates.
