Google has officially released its new Google TV Streamer, marking a significant evolution from the previous Chromecast design. This latest streaming device, priced at $100, brings a host of new features and integrations to enhance the home entertainment experience.
A New Look and Smart Home Hub
Unlike its dongle-shaped predecessor, the Google TV Streamer adopts a tabletop design reminiscent of Nest products. This aesthetic shift isn't just for show – the device doubles as a smart home hub, supporting Matter and functioning as a Thread border router.
Freeplay and Sports: Enhanced Content Discovery
The launch comes with major updates to the Google TV platform:
- Google TV Freeplay : Now offers 150 free, ad-supported channels in the US. A redesigned app makes it easier to browse content by genre and topic.
- New Sports Page : Located in the 'For You' tab, it provides personalized updates, live and scheduled games, YouTube highlights, and sports commentary.
Technical Specifications
The Google TV Streamer boasts:
- 4K resolution support
- Android TV OS
- USB-C power and data port
- HDMI 2.1 and Ethernet ports
Expanding Ecosystem
Google is broadening its TV platform reach:
- New partner devices: Art TVs from Hisense and TCL, smart monitors from Asus, and projectors from Epson, XGIMI, Vankyo, and Hisense.
- Geographic expansion: Google TV is launching in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
AI-Powered Features
While not exclusive to the new Streamer, Google TV is incorporating AI across its platform:
- Content curation and suggestions based on viewing habits
- AI-generated summaries of shows and reviews
- Custom AI-generated screensavers
The Google TV Streamer represents a significant step in Google's vision for the future of home entertainment, blending streaming, smart home control, and AI-driven experiences into a single, stylish device.