Google TV Streamer: release date, price and everything you need to know
Google’s most powerful streaming device so far has landed
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The newGoogleTV Streamer is a major shake-up of the tech giant’s TV streaming hardware. It replaces the Chromecast series and takes on boxes likeApple TV 4Kwith a mix of Gemini-powered AI smarts and integration with other Google services likeGoogle PhotosandGoogle Home.
While dongles like theChromecast with Google TV 4K, which launched way back in September 2020, were designed to be cheap and largely invisible, the Google TV Streamer takes a different route. At $99 / £99 / AU$159, it’s still relatively affordable, but costs twice as much as a Chromecast.
For that price bump, though, you’re getting a much more powerful streaming box than a Chromecast dongle, with a better processor, twice as much memory and, finally, 32GB of storage for an overall smoother experience.
But what other streaming powers does the Google TV Streamer bring and when can you buy one? Here’s everything you need to know about Google’s surprise reboot of its TV streaming hardware in one handy place…
Google TV Streamer: cut to the chase
Google TV Streamer: release date and pricing
The Google TV Streamer was announced on August 6 when it became available to pre-order, but it won’t be shipping immediately. Google says that the TV Streamer will be available from theGoogle Storeand retailers from September 24, so let’s hope there aren’t any delays.
The Google TV Streamer costs $99 / £99 / AU$159. UnlikeAppleTV4K, there are no alternative storage options. That’s a significant hike from the latestChromecast with Google TV, which landed for $49 / £59 / AU$99 when it launched back in 2020.
Google also says that the TV Streamer “replaces Chromecast”, with both models of that dongle (theChromecast with Google TV 4Kand theChromecast with Google TV HD) being “available at select retailers while supplies last”. Google says that it “will continue to support all existing Chromecast devices with ongoing updates”.
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While the TV Streamer is pricier than a Chromecast, it is also cheaper than some rivals like the Apple TV 4K. The latter costs $129 / £149 / AU$219 (for the base model with 64GB storage), so Google is pitching its new streamer as a middle ground between streaming dongles and higher-end boxes.
Google TV Streamer: specs and features
The Google TV Streamer is effectively a beefed-up Chromecast with some new Gemini-powered AI tricks and deeper integration with most of Google’s services. If you use of a lot of Google apps, it could well be thebest streaming devicefor you.
On the TV front, the TV Streamer supports all the usual apps (like Netflix, Disney Plus and Apple TV Plus) alongside anever-growing list of free channelsthat Google says now stands at over 800 channels.
You certainly won’t be short of things to watch, then – in fact, your problem will more likely be finding the show you’re looking for. To that end, Google has baked someGoogle Geminismarts into the box, which promises to give you show summaries, reviews and season breakdowns.
Dimensions:161.6mm x 75.6mm x 26.7mm (L X W X H)Weight:160.7gResolution:Up to 4K HDR, 60 FPS. Supports resolutions up to 4K and high dynamic range (HDR)Video formats:Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLGPorts:HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, USB Type-C powerConnectivity:Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.1Dimensions (remote):137 mm x 38mm x 16mm (L X W X H)Weight (remote):40gConnectivity (remote):Bluetooth IR to control TV, soundbar or receiverPower (remote):2 x AAA batteries included
While we haven’t tried the TV Streamer yet, it should be a smoother and more responsive experience than Google’s Chromecast dongles. It has a more powerful processor (that’s apparently 22% speedier than Chromecasts), twice as much memory and 32GB of storage on board, which should all boost app load times and navigation.
Like theChromecast with Google TV 4K, the Google TV Streamer can deliver 4KHDRwith Dolby Vision and also supports Dolby Atmos sound. Unfortunately, there’s no Wi-Fi 6 or 7 onboard, so if wireless speeds are a little sluggish there’s an Ethernet port on the back (which supports up to 1000Mbps speeds), alongside HDMI 2.1 and USB-C ports.
Google’s new streaming box also comes with a slightly designed remote control. This has a customizable button, which you can either map to your favorite app, your most used input or the home panel for controlling smart home tech. This remote is apparently also now more comfortable to hold and, when it inevitably gets lost, you can make it ring by talking to it.
Beyond TV, Google is clearly pitching the TV Streamer as a do-everything ‘Google box’. That means you get support forMatterplus a built-in Thread border router, which means it should be the ideal hub for your Google Home tech (either now, or in the future).
The TV Streamer has a Google Home panel, which (in theory) means that you can quickly tweak your lights or check security cameras (like those made by Google Nest, of course) from the box’s home screen. Like a Chromecast, you can obviously also cast media to it from your Android phone.
Google also wants the TV Streamer to be a kind ofGoogle Photoshub, letting you use its remote control’s voice controls to bring up vacation memories. There’s also an ‘ambient mode’ that lets you choose a work of art to act as your ‘screensaver’ or, inevitably, make one using generative AI.
Own a pair of Pixel Buds Pro earphones? You’ll also be able to pair those to the TV Streamer box to enjoy spatial audio, while your family or roommates sleep. We wouldn’t be a big rush to buy a new pair, though, as thePixel Buds Pro 2are expected to launch very soon at Google’s eventon Tuesday, August 13, alongside theGoogle Pixel 9series,Pixel 9 Pro Fold(or the Google Pixel Fold 2), and aGoogle Pixel Watch 3.
Google TV Streamer: what does this mean for Chromecasts?
It wouldn’t be a Google launch without some reference to theGoogle Graveyard, and this time it’s the Chromecast’s turn to head to the famous burial grounds.
Google has stated that the TV Streamer “replaces Chromecast”, which means the end is nigh for the current incarnations of that streaming dongle – theChromecast with Google TV 4Kand theChromecast with Google TV HD.
If you fancy buying one of those cheaper streaming devices, you might need to hurry – Google says that they’ll be “available at select retailers while supplies last”.
Existing owners shouldn’t have to worry about longevity, because Google promises it “will continue to support all existing Chromecast devices with ongoing updates”. Although how long that will continue for isn’t yet clear.
Mark is TechRadar’s Senior news editor. Having worked in tech journalism for a ludicrous 17 years, Mark is now attempting to break the world record for the number of camera bags hoarded by one person. He was previously Cameras Editor at both TechRadar and Trusted Reviews, Acting editor on Stuff.tv, as well as Features editor and Reviews editor on Stuff magazine. As a freelancer, he’s contributed to titles including The Sunday Times, FourFourTwo and Arena. And in a former life, he also won The Daily Telegraph’s Young Sportswriter of the Year. But that was before he discovered the strange joys of getting up at 4am for a photo shoot in London’s Square Mile.
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