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True to rumors, Google has introduced the TV Streamer as its newest streaming device — and it’s officially retiring the Chromecast in the process.
The newly launched $100 Google TV device gets rid of the dongle design in favor of a set-top box. A new processor, twice the memory, and 32GB of storage promise quicker overall performance as well as more room for apps. It’s capable of 4K Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio.
The remote has also been redesigned for a better grip and a programmable button that can handle tasks like opening an app or changing inputs. If you lose it, you can ask any Assistant-enabled speaker or Pixel phone (or tap a button on the back of the Streamer) to find it.
The device is also a proper smart home hub with Matter support and a built-in Thread router to help connect smart home devices. Ethernet is available alongside Wi-Fi, so you don’t necessarily have to go wireless. The Google Home panel is also available on a TV for the first time, helping you check security cameras and sensors without turning to your phone.
Google is unsurprisingly leaning on Gemini for the TV Streamer. You now get AI-generated summaries, reviews, and season breakdowns, along with curated suggestions. You can have Gemini create unique screensaver art through either a voice description or a walkthrough “experience.”
The TV Streamer is up for pre-orders today from the Google Store, although it’s not slated to ship until September 24th.
In some ways, the hardware marks the end of an era. Google introduced the first Chromecast in 2013 as a dongle, and early models were really intended as gateways for streaming content from phones, tablets, and computers. While it eventually became a stand-alone media player, Google had always kept to the dongle concept (aside from the short-lived Nexus Q from 2012) until now.
The TV Streamer gives Google more flexibility in design and capabilities. It also serves as a kind of promotional tool for the company. Like the Apple TV and Roku players, the dedicated box is a reminder of who’s providing the platform.
