The Google TV Streamer Could Be Landing Soon – Everything We Know About the Apple TV Rival and What We Want to See
The 4K Chromecast with Google TV launched back in September 2020, adding more features like a remote control and local apps to the Chromecasts that came before it. An HD-only model followed in 2022, but now it looks like Google is ready to launch a big new device in the streaming space, called the Google TV Streamer.
While that’s not a confirmed name just yet, it’s the name that leaks and FCC filings have pointed to – so that’s how we’ll be referring to it in this guide. Below, we’ve collected all the leaks and rumors we’ve heard so far about this intriguing Apple TV 4K rival, as well as listed some of the features we’re interested in seeing too.
With Google’s hardware launch event fast approaching on Tuesday, August 13, it’s possible we’ll see this new gadget unveiled then. That would mean it will be unveiled alongside the Google Pixel 9 phone series, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold (or Google Pixel Fold 2), and the Google Pixel Watch 3 in two sizes.
For streaming fans looking for an affordable set-top box, this could be Google’s biggest launch yet…
Google TV Streamer: Get straight to the point
- What is it? A new media streamer from Google.
- When will it be launched? Possibly August 2024
- What will it cost? Probably more than $50/£60/AU$100
Google TV Streamer: Expected Launch Date and Pricing
Google has a launch event scheduled for Tuesday, August 13th, and while the focus will clearly be on the Pixel 9 series, there’s a good chance we’ll also see this Google TV Streamer device. After all, it’s been a few years since we’ve seen new hardware in this category from Google.
If it doesn’t release on August 13, then it’s expected to release sometime in 2024. The flood of leaks and rumors we’ve seen over the past few weeks are evidence that a launch is imminent, with one source even saying the device will be unveiled soon.
As for pricing, we’ve had no clues so far. We do know that the 4K Chromecast with Google TV originally retailed for $49.99 / £59.99 / AU$99.99 – if this is a higher-end device then we could expect a higher price, perhaps somewhere between that and the $129 / £149 / AU$219 price of the Apple TV 4K.
Google wants to keep its streaming box as affordable as possible, so we’re hoping for a price tag of under $100 / £100.
Google TV Streamer: Leaks and Rumors
Rumors of a successor to Chromecast with Google TV have been circulating for months. For example, references to a new device are made in the Google Home app for Android.
Hidden code within the Android TV software suggests that the new Google TV Streamer will come with a redesigned remote. It will have the same shape as the current version, but some of the buttons may move, and there may be a new button that you can configure with your own customizable shortcut.
We now even have a picture of what the Google TV Streamer is going to look like. You can see that we have a wedge-shaped set-top box here instead of a dongle that plugs into the back of your TV, so it will definitely be easier to reach. The two cables coming out of the box are, we assume, power and HDMI.
A recent specs leak suggests the box will also have Ethernet and USB ports, but there will be no Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 support – suggesting a cheaper device. If you can connect this device directly to a router, that would certainly help with streaming speeds and stability.
More recently, leaked specs have been picked up by 9to5google suggest that the Google TV streamer will get Thread radio support, just like the upcoming Google Pixel 9 phones. This means the box should be compatible with Thread-compatible smart home kit, without the need for a separate hub.
In theory, you could control smart home accessories using voice control on the Google TV Streamer remote. That would be an added bonus to the TV streaming capabilities.
Google TV Streamer: What We Want to See
As you can read in our Chromecast with Google TV review , this dongle is a great device. We gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars, so there’s not much room for improvement.
However, a new form factor does offer Google a number of possibilities, and these are the features we’d like to see on the new Google TV Streamer.
1. Gaming capabilities
It’s pretty old and outdated by now, but the Nvidia Shield is one of the best Android-based streaming devices we’ve ever seen – thanks in part to its cloud gaming capabilities.
While Google Stadia is no more, we’d like to see other services and maybe even Android games supported on this new box, in the same way that the Apple TV supports 4K gaming.
Speaking of which, the Nvidia Shield box can also function as a Plex media server, letting you stream locally stored videos, music, and photos throughout your home.
As long as there is more storage on board, this would be a fantastic upgrade for the Google TV Streamer. It would give the streamer a few more capabilities beyond streaming audio and video feeds from the internet.
3. A smart home hub
Google doesn’t have to stop at a media hub. How about a smart home hub?
With a little Google Home magic, we could have a gadget that lets you check your security camera feeds, change your smart light bulbs, and more. Here are the first features already available on the Google Nest Hub.
4. Seamless app switching
On the software front, streaming devices still fall short when it comes to building an intuitive interface that lets you seamlessly switch between multiple streaming services and search across them.
Google TV already does this pretty well, but we’re hoping it can get even better – with some help from the best streaming services.
5. Improved specifications
The 4K version of the Chromecast with Google TV has 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. That’s fine, but there’s definitely room for improvement.
Add to that a faster processor compared to the Amlogic S905X3 CPU in the current model, for quicker interface operation, and this could easily be one of the best streaming devices on the market.