Quick Links
-
Packs More Storage and Memory
-
Includes an Ethernet and USB-C Port
Google’s upgrade to the 2020 Chromecast with Google TV, dubbed the Google TV Streamer, has been officially unveiled. Despite the $50 price increase compared to its predecessor, I’ll be upgrading to the Google TV Streamer without hesitation.
1 Packs More Storage and Memory
The Google TV Streamer has 32GB of storage and 4GB of memory, an upgrade from the outgoing Chromecast. Compared with the 4K Chromecast with Google TV, Google TV Streamer doubles the memory and quadruples the storage.
It makes the new streaming device a better option for me and anyone who wants ample storage for downloading apps without running out of storage. The additional memory is also a win performance, but the new processor makes the whole setup tick.
2 Has a Better Processor
Another hardware upgrade that has me excited about the Google TV Streamer is the included processor. Although Google hasn’t specified which specific processor powers the device, it says the new processor is 22% faster than what is available in the Chromecast with Google TV.
The upgraded process will ensure the Google TV Streamer is more responsive than its predecessor, with smooth navigation and the ability to launch and switch apps much faster.
3 Improved Remote
The new streaming device’s remote picks up where the previous one left off, adding key features and enhancements. First, the design has been slightly tweaked for better ergonomics and handling, with the remote back surface now textured for better grip. The volume adjustment button has also been moved from the side to the front to live alongside other buttons.
Other slight changes have been made, but the key feature of the new remote is the lost remote finder functionality. With this new feature, uttering “Hey Google, find my remote” to any of your Google Assistant-enabled speakers or Pixel phone is all you need to find your remote if it’s misplaced. Alternatively, there’s a button on the Google TV Streamer that you can press to find the remote.
Since Google TV only includes two dedicated buttons for opening YouTube and Netflix, there’s a customizable button that you can customize to open any of your favorite streaming apps. It can also be customized to switch inputs or launch the Google Home panel.
4 Smart Home Functionality
Google TV Streamer supports the open-source Matter smart home standard. Matter is a technology standard that aims to enable compatibility across different smart home ecosystems.
Support for the standard plus a built-in Thread border router enables faster and more seamless communication between Matter and Thread standard devices. (You can read more about the Thread smart home standard for more information.)
With these new smart home capabilities, the device can be used as a central hub for controlling and managing your smart home ecosystem devices. To make this possible, Google has added the Google Home panel to enable you to achieve this.
5 Includes an Ethernet and USB-C Port
Like the Chromecast with Google TV, the new device has Wi-Fi support. However, Wi-Fi may not always be the best option. Ethernet is better than Wi-Fi since it has higher reliability and low latency, especially if you live in a congested area. Due to this, Google TV Streamer includes an Ethernet port capable of up to 1Gbps.
Another handy port on the new device is the USB-C port, which can be used for data and power.
6 Better Sound Quality
The Google TV Streamer supports Dolby Atmos for better sound quality. Dolby Atmos support means a better sound experience if you have compatible devices and content. Many streaming services support Dolby Atmos, so content shouldn’t be an issue. And if you’re invested in Google’s ecosystem, spatial audio is available on supported content when paired with the Pixel Buds Pro.
The Google TV Streamer is a significant change from the Chromecast lineup, with the rebrand coupled with fundamental design, hardware changes, and new features. While the price has been bumped, the Google TV Streamer offers a bang for your buck, making it a worthy upgrade. It will be available starting September 24, 2024, but you can pre-order the device right now.
