Resistance is futile. Unless you’re still using an old pair of rabbit ears or a pretty fancy rooftop OTA antenna to receive local channels – streaming rules the galaxy.

As for TV/cinema, almost all TVs manufactured and sold are smart TVs, allowing buyers to access content from the internet right out of the box. Even for those whose TVs don’t offer smart features, or whose smart TV may not provide all the streaming services they want to access, there are plug-in alternatives such as streaming sticks (Roku, Fire TV) and boxes like Apple TV that can be the solution.

Google TV Streamer 4K

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

Access to streaming services

Although the Google TV Streamer 4K was designed as a replacement for Chromecast devices, it brings many Chromecast features to the new platform.

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

When streaming compatible content, 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos is also supported, providing an even more cinematic viewing experience.

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Just like Chromecast, the Google TV Streamer lets you cast media from your phone, add it to speaker groups, and control the music in your home right 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 that resembles an Apple TV box but looks sleeker and more streamlined.

AI

The Google TV streamer uses Google AI (Gemini System) to curate content suggestions for all your subscriptions and organize them conveniently in one place. You can even create watchlists with recommendations for each member of your household. The Gemini technology on Google TV also provides access to full summaries, reviews, and breakdowns of content by season.

Ambient mode

Ambient Mode lets you turn an unused TV into a work of art (in other words, you don’t necessarily have to buy a fancy art TV like the TCL NXTFRAME, Hisense Canvas, or Samsung Frame). Using the Google TV Streamer’s voice remote, users can display their favorite memories from Google Photos or the last family vacation, or use generative AI to create unique screensaver artwork.

Smart home

Google TV Streamer offers connectivity support for Matter as well as built-in Thread border router, a technology that lets you quickly and securely 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.

There’s also the Google Home panel, which allows users to check cameras, adjust lights and temperature, close blinds, and more – all without leaving the 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 twice the memory and 32GB of storage for faster app loading times and smoother navigation than Chromecast.

Connect to your network

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

First impressions

This is an interesting move for Google. They’re abandoning their popular Chromecast form factor for something more like a Roku or Apple TV box. Plus, there’s improved processing power inside for easier feature/app navigation, as well as more storage for apps. AI also takes the Google TV streamer to a new level. However, it also comes with a higher price tag at $99.

However, on the audio side, our editor-in-chief Chris Boylan pointed out that DTS support is not displayed.

The concern is that dropping DTS support could be a missed opportunity, not only in terms of the core 5.1-channel option, but also because DTS:X is becoming increasingly important due to its inclusion in IMAX Enhanced content that becomes available via streaming.

However, PCM support is also not listed, but is most likely included, so DTS:X may be available with a future firmware update.

Price & Availability

Google TV Streamer can be pre-ordered for 99,99 € on Amazon, the Google Store, and other third-party sellers, but shipping will not begin until September 24, 2024.

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