Google doesn't often update its Chromecast streaming devices. In the 12 years since the launch of the first Chromecast, the company has come out with a new device only every three or so years. In fact, I reviewed the last model, which was the Chromecast with Google TV in 2020.
The new Google TV Streamer is a completely reimagined device with a new design, remote, and capabilities that make it more suited for homes with more smart home devices, as well as a world where AI might soon dominate everything. I had a chance to go hands on with the Google TV Streamer to see how it will compete against the best streaming devices. Here are my first impressions.
Google TV Streamer: Price and availability
The Google TV Streamer costs $99, and is available for preorder today (Aug. 6) and will go on sale on September 24 at Google and other retailers. It comes in two colors: Porcelain and Hazel, the latter of which is a grayish color, which will be only available in the U.S. Google Store.
Both the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) and Chromecast with Google TV (HD) will still be available at select retailers while supplies last, according to Google. The company will continue to support all existing Chromecast devices with ongoing updates.
Google TV Streamer: Design
Size: 6.4 x 3 x 1 inches
Weight: 5.7 ounces
Resolution: 4K, 60 fps
Supported video: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Supported audio: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos
Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.1, Thread
Storage: 32GB
Ports: USB-C, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps)
Instead of a dongle-like design used with all previous Chromecast devices, the Google TV Streamer is a small wedge-shaped box that's designed to sit below your TV. As a result, it's no longer as inconspicuous as earlier generations, but its low profile means it won't protrude as much as, say, the Fire TV Cube, or even the Apple TV 4K. Still, if you have one of the best soundbars sitting in front of your TV, you're going to have to find space for the Google TV Streamer.
As with other Chromecast devices, the Google TV Streamer needs USB power to work. On the back of the device is a USB-C port, along with one HDMI 2.1 port and an Ethernet port, a nice addition for those who have issues with buffering on their Wi-Fi network. Sadly, you'll need to provide your own HDMI cable.
Also on the rear of the device is a small button that will cause the remote to start beeping. This feature is super-handy if you're prone to losing remotes in your couch cushions.
Inside, the Google TV Streamer has 32GB of storage, four times that of the Chromecast with Google TV, so you shouldn't have to worry about deleting apps to make room for new ones.
Google also gave its remote a little bit of a redesign. While it still has the rounded bottom and sides as its current remote, the rear now has a textured back, so it feels a bit more comfortable to hold.
The button layout has also changed. Instead of putting the volume controls on the side of the remote, they're now on the front — where they should be. The top of the remote still has a circular d-pad, but below it are now the back and Home buttons. Below them are the audio-related buttons: One to summon Google Assistant, Mute, and a volume rocker.
Beneath those are buttons to pull up YouTube and Netflix — the same as before — but the bottom row now has a power button and a customizable button, which can be configured to either launch an app, switch inputs or bring up the Google Home panel.
Google TV Streamer: AI features
Unsurprisingly, Google is also integrating its AI, with the aim of helping make it easier for you to find something to watch.
The interface will provide Gemini-powered summaries and overviews of shows with ratings — hopefully it won't spoil anything — and will also curate content based on your preferences. Because you can set up multiple profiles, each family member can also get a customized list of what Gemini thinks they'd like to watch. Additionally, you'll be able to ask more in-depth questions and create watchlists.
For those times when you're not watching TV, you'll be able to use generative AI to create custom screensavers for your TV.
Google TV Streamer: Smart home features
The larger size of the Google TV Streamer allowed the company to add a Thread border router into the device, so not only is it Matter-compliant, but it also has the potential to be one of the best smart home hubs, especially if you're invested in the Google ecosystem.
In addition, the Google TV interface is being updated so that you can control your smart home devices right from your TV. A panel that's modeled on the smart home panel on the Google Pixel Tablet will slide out from the right side of your TV, where you can then turn your smart lights on and off, change your smart thermostat temperature, and view feeds from your home security cameras and video doorbells.
Similar to what's already available with the Fire TV and Apple TV, if someone rings your doorbell, a notification will pop up on your TV, and you'll be able to see a live view of whoever's at your door.
Google would not confirm if this interface would be exclusive to the Google TV Streamer, or if it would roll out to other compatible devices, such as the best Google TVs.
Google TV Streamer: Outlook
The Google TV Streamer is a much-needed refresh for Google's streaming devices category, and now gives the company a premium offering to compete with the pricier devices from Amazon and Apple.
I wish that Google would have kept the current Chromecast with Google TV 4K in its lineup, as not everyone will need or want the extra smart home features that come with the Google TV Streamer. Plus, the smaller (and cheaper) Chromecast with Google TV is much better suited for secondary TVs in your home, or if you want to take a streaming device with you while you're traveling.
I'm also curious to see how accurate Gemini's recommendations will be for me and the rest of my family. Decision paralysis is a real thing with so many streaming options today, and, given my and my wife's wildly divergent tastes, I'm hoping that Gemini might be able to suggest something we both like.
