Google TV Streamer (4K): Say Goodbye to Chromecast and Hello to the New Premium Set-Top Box With Google TV

It’s time to say goodbye to the Chromecast. Google is abandoning the classic name to present its most advanced and complete device to date. The company’s new media player is called Google TV Streamer. The new device moves away from the HDMI dongle format and adopts a complete set-top box style, similar to the Apple TV or the Amazon Fire TV Cube.

In this post, we’ll break down the features of the new Google TV Streamer 4K. The device retains the same aesthetics as the Chromecast 4K with Google TV but has seen significant internal quality improvements. Additionally, Google has updated its remote control, now allowing control of more devices.

Google TV Streamer (4K) Specs

Twice the Memory and a Renewed Remote Control

The new Google TV Streamer features a redesigned device with a remote control and a slim base with connectors. This redesign has enabled Google to incorporate an upgraded processor that is 22% more powerful than the previous generation. The company also doubled the RAM (up to 4 GB) and offers 32 GB of storage.

Google said these enhancements result in faster loading times and smoother app performance compared to the Chromecast.

Regarding picture and sound quality, the Google TV Streamer (4K) offers 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

To make the most of these features, the Google TV Streamer now includes an Ethernet port.

The new device also supports the Matter standard and comes with an integrated Thread border router for quick synchronization with security devices like smart locks, motion sensors, and other Google Home devices.

As mentioned earlier, Google has updated the remote as well. It now comes with a better grip on the back, repositioned buttons, and a customizable button for the first time. This allows users to open a specific app or perform a selected action, such as switching inputs or accessing the settings panel.

By using voice control, users can say “Hey Google, find the remote” from their smartphone. If you don’t have any connected device at hand, the Google TV Streamer itself has a button on the back. Pressing this button will make the remote emit a sound.

At the operating system level, Google, as the name implies, provides the software for the player. It offers access to a wide range of apps and content, including platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, HBO, and Amazon Prime Video.

In this case, Google’s AI is also integrated into the Google TV Streamer. It uses AI to suggest content from the user’s subscriptions and provides full summaries, reviews, and season breakdowns.

Google TV Streamer (4K) Price and Availability

In the U.S., the new Google TV Streamer (4K) will be available in the colors hazel and porcelain beginning on Sept. 24 for $99.99.

This article was written by Enrique Pérez and originally published in Spanish on Xataka.

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