Price, specs, news, features, and release date

Like Android smartphones, streaming devices span a wide price range. At the affordable end, you’ll find options like the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, while premium offerings include devices like the Apple TV 4K. Until this year, Google didn’t have a high-end streaming device, but that changed with the launch of the Google TV Streamer. Here’s everything you need to know about Google’s most expensive streaming device.

Google TV Streamer: Design and specs

The new Google TV streamer looks good and packs the essentials

From the get-go, you’ll notice that the Google TV Streamer looks different from past Chromecasts. The new device marks a significant departure from the traditional dongle design, opting for a wedge-shaped set-top box form factor that sits neatly below your TV instead of hiding behind the screen. It’s available in Porcelain and Hazel finishes, though the Hazel option is exclusive to the Google Store.

The design is minimal and compact, ensuring it fits almost anywhere. Around the back, you’ll find a USB-C port, an HDMI 2.1 port, and an Ethernet port for wired internet connectivity. However, the TV Streamer does not include an HDMI cable in the box, so you must purchase one separately. However, it includes a USB-A to USB-C cable and a power adapter in the box.

The remote was upgraded. While it retains its familiar shape and battery-powered design, it now includes dedicated volume controls, though the Google Assistant button was removed. Alongside the usual Netflix and YouTube shortcut buttons, there’s a new customizable star button that you can map to your favorite app, most-used input, or the smart home control panel.

However, the standout feature is that the remote supports Google’s Find My Device network, so you can locate it using the Find My Device app on your Android phone.

Under the hood, the Google TV Streamer is powered by the MediaTek MT8696 chipset (though not officially confirmed by Google). This chipset delivers 22% faster performance compared to its predecessor. The TV Streamer has 4GB of RAM and 32GB of built-in storage, ensuring fast and smooth performance. For wireless connectivity, you’ll find Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 onboard.

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Google TV Streamer: Software

Familiar interface with smart upgrades

The Google TV Streamer runs on Android TV OS out of the box, delivering a familiar and user-friendly interface. Google TV aggregates content from numerous streaming services, offering personalized recommendations based on your viewing history and subscriptions. Additionally, you can access thousands of apps using the Play Store and tune into free channels via Google TV Freeplay on the TV Streamer.

Being a 2024 Google product, AI features are built into the TV Streamer. Gemini provides quick content summaries, reviews, and season breakdowns, and you can create custom screensavers using generative AI.

Additionally, Google turned the TV Streamer into a smart home hub. It acts as a central hub for Matter and Thread-compatible devices and features a dedicated Google Home panel. This allows you to adjust lights, control the thermostat, or check security cameras from the comfort of your couch.

Google TV Streamer: Audio and video quality

Best-in-class audio and video with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos

Being Google’s most premium streaming device, the Google TV Streamer delivers impressive audiovisual performance, supporting 4K HDR resolution at 60 fps. It’s compatible with various HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, ensuring it’s future-proof for your next smart TV.

On the audio front, the device supports Dolby Atmos, offering three-dimensional sound. This feature is especially useful when paired with compatible sound systems, delivering cinema-like audio quality at home. Moreover, if you own a pair of Pixel Buds Pro 2, you can pair them with the TV Streamer to enjoy spatial audio wirelessly.

Google TV Streamer: Price and release date

Slightly pricier but still a strong contender

Google announced the TV Streamer on August 6, 2024, with pre-orders starting immediately after the announcement. However, the device didn’t officially go on sale until September 24, 2024, over a month and a half after its announcement.

The Google TV Streamer costs $100, which is double the price of its predecessor, the Chromecast with Google TV, though occasional discounts are available during sales. You can purchase the device online or in-store through major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and the Google Store. You can choose between Porcelain and Hazel color options when you order through Google’s online store.

The best Google TV streaming box yet

While Google may no longer be making Chromecasts (the company officially ended its production), the Google TV Streamer is an excellent alternative for those looking for a fast-performing Android TV box with top-notch audiovisual quality and built-in AI features.

Although it costs more than its predecessor, the TV Streamer packs enough power to last years. For users who prefer sticking to the Google ecosystem, this device delivers strong competition to rival streaming boxes.

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Google TV Streamer

The new Google TV Streamer (2024) offers 4K streaming with support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. It features an upgraded processor, 32GB of storage, 4GB of RAM, and Matter support for seamless smart device integration. You can even customize the remote to match your preferences and control smart home devices directly from the TV Streamer — all for just $99.

Dimensions

6.4 x 3 x 1 inches

Brand

Google

Integrations

Google Assistant, Google Home, Alexa, Matter, Thread

Bluetooth codecs

Bluetooth 5.1

Wi-Fi

2.4GHz and 5GHz

Ethernet

Up to 1000Mbps

Storage

32GB

RAM

4GB

Ports

HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, USB-C (power + data)

Operating System

Google TV

Resolution

Up to 4K/60fps

HDR Support

HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG

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