Google’s upcoming streaming device releases in a month, and new details are still emerging. For one, Android Authority has reported that the new product will use a MT8696 MediaTek chip instead of the assumed Amlogic chip. This is surprising news, especially since the MT8696 is the same chip used in 2021 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. The Google TV Streamer, however, comes with double the RAM and storage of Amazon’s 2023 model, which makes its performance more in-line with what Google is claiming.
Additionally, 9to5Google has confirmed that the streamer will run on Android 14 software (as opposed to the Chromecast’s Android 12), giving it access to energy modes, a find-my-remote feature, and more. While the Google TV Streamer will ship with 32G of onboard storage, Google has clarified to 9to5Google that the device’s USB-C port will allow for additional storage if desired via a flash drive or other compatible storage hub.
The following was originally published August 8, 2024:
Just a few weeks after being leaked, Google has officially revealed its replacement for Chromecast. The company is calling the Google TV Streamer an “entertainment and smart home hub,” which makes sense given the devices axes the dongle cable of yesterday in favor of a tabletop box that is compatible with modern smart home functionality .
“It replaces Chromecast, bringing its best features to our next-generation 4K TV streaming device — but as a faster, more premium version,” said Christina Cao, Product Manager, Google Nest. “Complete with the best of Google TV, Google TV Streamer doubles as a smart home hub for your Google Home and Matter devices. It also has a sleek design that fits right into your home’s decor without standing out.”
Google says the new streamer features “an improved processor, double the memory and 32GB of storage for faster app load times and smoother navigation than previous generation Chromecast.” 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos comes standard with the Google TV Streamer, and connectivity is available via Wi-Fi or an included ethernet port.
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Smart home connectivity means users will be able to monitor and control their smart locks, doorbells, cameras, and more via the Google Home Panel on the TV. The device also supports the Matter protocol, and automatically syncs with the Google Home app.
The Google TV Streamer is currently available for pre-order for $99.99, with availability beginning September 24.
The following was originally published July 25, 2024:
A year after retiring the original Chromecast, it looks like Google is moving on from their flagship streaming device altogether. 9to5Google has reported on an upcoming device that will replace the Chromecast series, called the Google TV Streamer.
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The Google TV Streamer ditches the familiar dongle formfactor of the Chromecast for a sleek, tabletop design that, while still taking up space beneath a TV, looks like it will have a small footprint overall. The streamer’s appearance is a slanted, oblong white device that, to me, looks like it would fit right in at an Apple store. In the photos released, two cables are visible, which are assumed to be a standard power and HDMI cable, but this has not been confirmed.
The remote control should be familiar to those who have used a Chromecast, but small redesigns include added length and dropping the “Google” branding for a more minimalistic look. 9to5Google notes that earlier this year, Google dropped the “Chromecast built-in” labels for its line of TVs with “Google Cast,” pointing to a permanent retirement of the Chromecast moniker.
