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Google has unveiled its next-generation streaming device, the Google TV Streamer, which comes with AI integration and a remote control for $100.
While the Chromecast’s successor costs more than your average streaming device, it also does more: The Streamer is both an entertainment device and a smart home hub for devices like lights, window treatments, thermostats, and home security cameras. The Streamer also has Gemini-enhanced search capabilities, which can also curate recommended titles for watch lists.
Smart Home and Environment Mode Features
Compatible with Google Home and Matter devices, the Google TV Streamer can control a wide range of devices directly from your TV’s menu, and you can program routines for it.
The device can also display your Google Photos in a slideshow, which serves as an ambient mode when not directly in use. Users can verbally ask the device, via the remote control or a separate Google Home device, to show photos from a specific time period or location to recall specific images.
Recommendations for entertainment with Gemini support
The Streamer is 4K HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos-enabled. It is more powerful than the most recent Chromecast with Google TV and offers more storage capacity at 32GB. It also runs on Google TV.
Google’s Gemini AI search eliminates the need to search for content via specific apps. It displays titles based on your streaming subscriptions and preferences.
The competition
At $100, the Google TV Streamer now competes with other premium devices, including the Roku Ultra ($100), AppleTV 4K ($129) and the Nvidia Shield TV ($150). The Google TV Streamer’s feature set is on par with the competition in terms of video capabilities, smart home integration and its remote finder. Still, the device doesn’t seem to have as much appeal for the gaming market as Apple’s and Nvidia’s streamers.
The Google TV Streamer is available for pre-order online. It will be available in stores from September 24.
