Along with a long-awaited update to the Nest Learning Thermostat, Google unveiled its latest set-top streaming box on Tuesday ahead of the company’s Made by Google 2024 event next week. Google TV Streamer’s arrival marks the end of the Chromecast line. With more than 100 million sold over an 11-year life, it was a good run.
Google New Design and Functionality
Along with a new, more straightforward name, the line gets additional functionality warranting a redesign. Whereas the Chromecast plugs directly into the back of a TV via HDMI, the Google TV Streamer is larger and designed to sit on top of an entertainment console below the set.
Dual Functionality as a Smart Home Hub
The $100 device doubles as a smart home hub, part of Google’s bid to revive excitement around the Nest line. The new functionality allows users to control Google Home and Matter-enabled accessories more directly. Think of it as a large-screen Nest Display or Pixel Tablet.
Google Design Considerations
The additional functionality requires an additional radio, which, in turn, requires a larger design. Attempting to pack all of that into a dongle on the back of a set would likely be a recipe for disaster.
Enhanced Connectivity and Smart Home Integration
Along with Matter support, the system features a built-in Thread border router for improved connectivity with home devices. Adding a Home panel to the UI makes it possible to check Nest cameras remotely (there are no third-party cameras yet) and adjust the temperature, along with various other Matter-enabled smart home device functions.
Google Gemini Integration
As with the new Thermostat, Gemini is the big driver here. Unlike Pixel and Android, the Home line isn’t jumping from Assistant, however. Rather, the models built in-house will power this latest version. Along with conversational capabilities, Gemini will curate the TV experience.
Google AI-Powered Content Curation
“To make it easier to find what to watch, TV Streamer uses Google AI and your preferences to curate content suggestions across all of your subscriptions, organized conveniently in one place,” says in a post. “You can even build watchlists with recommendations for every member of your home.”
Additional Features and Performance Upgrades
Gemini will also be used to summarize reviews and even seasons of TV; in that sense, it will fill a role similar to the one it has been playing in Search over the past year. Like Chromecast, the system supports 4K playback. Inside, the company has upgraded the processor and bumped up memory to 32GB for faster performance.
Remote Control and Availability
The system includes a devoted remote with dedicated buttons for Netflix and the Google Home panel. There’s also a button built directly into the TV Streamer that will send out a chime from the remote when it inevitably gets lost.
Google TV Streamer is up for preorder starting Tuesday, but won’t actually ship until September 26.
