One week before its next big product event, Google has lifted the lid on its next-generation entertainment device: the Google TV Streamer .
Streaming sticks and dongles have dominated the media industry for many years, with tech companies touting the benefits of devices that can plug into the back of your telly – out of sight, out of mind.
However, Google is taking a different tack, moving back towards the traditional set-top box style of devices that aren’t as common as they used to be.
This new set-top box will feature new port support and other elements currently not available on Google’s current Chromecast device, making it a serious competitor to the Apple TV 4K.
But when can you get your hands on the Google TV Streamer? We’ve answered all your burning questions below.
When will the Google TV Streamer be released?
Despite leaking just a few weeks ago, the Google TV Streamer is available to pre-order from today, 6 August . It will go on sale on 24 September 2024 .
This makes sense, considering that it’s been four years since the last model.
Interestingly, Google has not waited until the ‘Made by Google’ event on 13 August to unveil this new set-top box, which was launched alongside the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen).
Next week, Google is expected to reveal the new Pixel 9 series , including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold , and possibly other hardware such as the Pixel Watch 3 , Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Tablet 2 .
Watch the Pixel 9 launch event live .
How much does the Google TV Streamer cost?
Google has confirmed that the Google TV Streamer will cost $99 in the US , and £99 price tag in the UK .
Here are the launch prices of past media devices from the brand for reference:
- Chromecast 1st-gen (2013) – £30/$35
- Chromecast 2nd-gen (2015) – £30/$35
- Chromecast 3rd-gen (2018) – £30/$35
- Chromecast Ultra – £69/$70
- Chromecast with Google TV – £59/$49
This is, therefore, the most expensive Google streaming model yet, but that’s due to the number of new features included. Plus, you can get the previous generation model, Chromecast with Google TV , for almost half price at the time of writing.
What are the specs and features of the Google TV Streamer?
Design
The Google TV Streamer is a set-top box, with a slanted pill-shape. The reveal video only showcases the white version, but Google has confirmed that it will also be available in Hazel – a shade that the Pixel phone series is known for (you can find that colour here ).
The flattish shape should mean that it will fit under most TVs that have a gap underneath, or in a unit that your TV stands on. So, it won’t be completely inconspicuous – but that doesn’t seem to be a concern for Google.
The rear of the box will feature a USB-C port for power, an Ethernet port for a wired internet connection, and an HDMI 2.1 port for connecting to your TV. There’s also a button that you can click to ping your remote, should you lose it.
Speaking of which, the new Google streaming device features a longer remote, rather than the circular one seen on past models. The volume rocker has been moved from the side to the front, with an extra magic/star shortcut button that can be customised to be assigned to a specific service.
TechRadar reports that this remote is heavier than the previous one for a more comfortable experience, and the shape has been redesigned to be more ergonomic.
You’ll also get the usual power button, home button (which is now greyed out) and a microphone, which now has a generic icon, rather than the dots that signify Google Assistant – though no hands-free voice control is supported. There are also shortcuts for Netflix and YouTube.
According to The Verge , no HDMI cable is included, so you’ll have to supply your own.
Features
The higher price tag of Google’s latest streaming device is reflected in the number of new features on offer.
Arguably the biggest addition is that it can double as a smart home device for Matter, thanks to the Thread Border router that’s built into the device. That means you can control any devices via the Google Home panel such as lights, doorbell cameras and thermostats, as it will sync with your smartphone app.
On the entertainment front, it can stream in 4K up to 60fps – providing you have a TV that supports that resolution, of course. It also has support for HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos audio.
While Google did not disclose the name of the processor in the box, it’s allegedly 22% faster than the Amlogic S905X3 CPU in the latest Chromecast with Google TV.
This chip is paired with 4GB RAM (double the amount in the current model), and 32GB of onboard storage. Finally, it supports Bluetooth 5.1 and Wi-Fi 5GHz 802.11a/n/ac.
Software
As this is a Google device, it will run on the latest version of Google TV OS.
Google has confirmed that the TV Streamer will use its Gemini AI software to generate “full summaries, reviews and season-by-season breakdowns of content”. Plus, it will provide recommendations of what to watch based on your history and interests, similar to Netflix.
Users will also be able to build watchlists, making catching up on all the shows and films you’ve been waiting to binge much easier.
Based on previous devices, the interface is clean and syncs with other Google accounts, and there is a wide range of streaming and entertainment apps supported, including Netflix , Disney+ , Apple TV, Twitch, and YouTube .
There is an ambient mode for when your TV is idle, which you can use to pull up images from Google Photos, or generate pieces of art for screensavers via voice control. You’ll also be able to cast videos and photos to the device.
Is Google ditching the Chromecast?
Google has not announced another Chromecast model alongside the Google TV Streamer, so this will be the default streaming device from the tech brand going forward.
In a separate blog post the firm said “After 11 years and over 100 million devices sold, we’re ending production of Chromecast”
At the time of writing, the Chromecast with Google TV is still available to buy on Google’s store so you can get one while stocks last. You may also find it via third-party retailers.
This obviously may not be ideal for anyone short on space – if that’s you, then take a look at our chart of the best streaming sticks for more alternatives . UK readers can find out the latest on Sky’s streaming service Now , which has started to offer Ultra Boost.
Author: Hannah Cowton-Barnes, Entertainment Editor, Tech Advisor
As Tech Advisor’s Entertainment Editor, Hannah is the resident expert in all things streaming, film and TV. Before joining Tech Advisor in 2019, she studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Leeds and created a website dedicated to geek culture and lifestyle. She’s also reviewed a whole range of gadgets including flagship smartphones, wearables and styling tools. Outside of Foundry, she’s written freelance pieces for Polygon, Metro and Den of Geek, and is proud to be a Women Techmakers Ambassador for Google.
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