So, there’s a new 4K Google streaming device on the block and it’s being launched into the consumer market next month and the Chromecast is going to be stepped down. Many people are excited about this new offering from the tech giant but what does the Google TV Streamer have to offer? We’re here to give you the rundown on everything you need to know.
- Resolution: Up to 4K, HDR10+, Dolby Vision 2
- Storage: 32GB
- Memory: 4GB
- OS: Android TV OS
- AI-first Design
- Supports Dolby Vision 2 and HDR10+
- 4K resolution
- One of the more expensive streaming options
Google TV Streamer release date and pre orders now live
The Google TV Streamer is set for a September 24 release date and is available to preorder right now for $99.99 in Porcelain (white) and Hazel (only available from the U.S. Google Store). That’s quite a step up from the current Chromecast’s price of $44.99 and means it’s going to be towards the more expensive end of the streaming device market, although it’s still quite a bit cheaper than the Apple TV.
Google TV Streamer pricing confirmed
Alongside pre orders and a release date, Google has also released the pricing for the 4K TV Streamer that’s set to launch in September. At the time of writing this, the device will be available for $99.99, making it one of the more expensive streaming devices on the market.
That said, Google seems confident with the pricing, even if it is over double of the Chromecast alternative.
What features does the Google TV Streamer have to offer?
Here is a quick breakdown of the features that the new Google TV Streamer has to offer:
- Performance: When compared to the older Chromecast the Google Streamer TV features a new operating system Android 14 for TV, an improved processor, twice as much memory, and 32GB of onboard storage. This will make for much-improved multitasking as well as ensuring you have plenty of space for all the apps you need and its capable of 4K.
- Connectivity: The Google TV Streamer features an HDMI 2.1 port (gone is the attached HDMI cable of the Chromecast) as well as a 1Gb ethernet port for a super speedy connection and a USB C power port. Google has confirmed that this could be used with a splitter cable to expand on the device’s native storage.
- Sleek Design: Google’s new device boasts a sleek minimalist design with its ports in the back for discrete cable management.
- Gemini: Gemini is Google’s own large language model and is built into the device as standard and promises to be a helpful assistant. Gemini will enable users to view AI-generated review summaries and season-by-season breakdowns of films and TV shows that are available on the device making picking what to watch much simpler. You’ll also be able to create your own AI-generated screen savers with your own prompts, allowing you to match the vibes of your room.
Chromecast to receive ongoing support
All this buzz around the new Google TV Streamer and the news that Google is discontinuing the Chromecast might have you worried if you already own the older device, but worry not!
Google has stated that it will continue to offer update support to the Chromecast for at least a year and 3 years for the HD model. This includes an over-the-air update to the new operating system, Android 14 for TV, that is arriving with the new device.
This means that your old Chromecast should be good for the foreseeable future even if it won’t have all of the snazzy features that the TV Streamer boasts.
