Past the Alphabet
Past the Alphabet is a weekly column that focuses on the tech world each inside and outside of the confines of Mountain View.
On August 2, 2021, Google’s efforts within the shopper market have been modified eternally. That is when the Pixel 6 was formally confirmed, as Google seemingly grew bored with seeing its personal telephone being leaked over and over. After a little bit over two months handed, the Pixel 6 and 6 Professional have been introduced, with a subsequent launch every week and a half later.
Quick ahead to at present, and Google’s most up-to-date Pixel lineup consists of 4 slab telephones, a foldable telephone, a pill, and a watch. All of which mix to offer the cohesive expertise we used to lengthy for. Extra lately, the Google TV Streamer was thrown into the combo, coming as a substitute for the long-standing Chromecast collection.
I do not suppose Google’s fairly executed but both, as the present Nest Hub might be 4 years previous in March 2025, whereas the Nest Hub Max will have a good time its sixth birthday in Could 2025. I am nonetheless of the mindset that the Pixel Pill is quietly working as Google’s substitute for the Nest Hub Max, however I am nonetheless longing for a Gemini-powered Nest revamp.
So why is it that the Google TV Streamer is extra necessary than simply being a substitute for a Chromecast? As a result of it is proof, to me at the least, that Google is dedicated to offering a premium expertise throughout its whole product lineup. It is no completely different than what Apple has been doing for years, however simply at a little bit little bit of a slower tempo.
Not solely does the TV Streamer serve up a brand new option to watch your favourite motion pictures and reveals, nevertheless it additionally operates because the central hub for the whole lot in your house. That is because of the built-in Thread border router, along with supporting the Matter sensible dwelling commonplace. Talking of which, this additionally means that you may join the Streamer to Apple HomeKit, nevertheless it’s not one thing I like to recommend.
That is not all, although, because the TV Streamer additionally launched a brand new Sensible Residence Panel. Basically, it is the identical interface that you just get when opening the Residence app in your telephone, lending extra credence to the entire cohesive ecosystem concept from earlier than. In fact, it isn’t some revolutionary concept or something of the kind, however it’s a new (and welcome) addition to the Google playbook.
No, the TV Streamer is not as highly effective as the most recent Apple TV, and sure, it is most likely utilizing a processor that is about as previous because the Nest Hub Max. However so long as Google would not totally embrace the Amazon route, implementing advertisements at each flip, then we needs to be tremendous for the following few years. Taking part in into Google’s favor is that the TV Streamer affords twice as a lot RAM and storage in comparison with the Hearth TV Stick 4K Max.
We have reached the purpose the place I really feel extra comfy than ever recommending Google’s ecosystem to those that are attempting to determine the place to begin. Amazon would most likely be a detailed second, not due to the Hearth TV or Hearth Tablets, however due to the variety of sensible dwelling corporations that function below its umbrella.
However with the TV Streamer offering Matter and Thread assist, it is best to (ultimately) have the ability to tie these merchandise into Google Residence anyway. Higher but, you do not have to attend for sensible accent makers to implement Matter or Thread assist, as you may simply use Residence Assistant on a Raspberry Pi. That is a narrative for one more day.
The entire concept of offering a premium expertise extends past even the TV Streamer and Nest Thermostat. I surmise it is also a part of the explanation why the Chromebook Plus moniker was born. This alone supplies separation between low cost Chromebooks and people which are extra performant because of Google’s minimal spec necessities.Â
Main the pack on this regard is a well-known face, because the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus will quickly present a premium expertise on the excessive finish of the area. Google and Samsung labored intently collectively throughout the improvement course of. Whereas that is one thing we have heard earlier than (HP), Samsung and Google’s relationship is only a bit completely different from the remainder.Â
What I am actually hoping for is the Galaxy Chromebook Plus to cleared the path for a brand new Pixelbook. Sorry, however that is a drum that I am going to by no means cease beating till it lastly occurs. Within the meantime, I am going to simply sit again and end watching the remainder of this soccer recreation on the TV Streamer.Â
On the coronary heart of your house
The brand new Google TV Streamer is the whole lot you can need from a premium TV streaming machine. It may not be probably the most highly effective machine on the block, nevertheless it’s positively one of many extra feature-rich options.