Pour one out for Google Chromecast: the long-running streaming stick sequence has formally been retired – however you gained’t have to attend lengthy for its successor. Google has pulled again the curtain on an all-new streaming set-top field, which turns your TV into a sensible dwelling hub in addition to a one-stop store for leisure.
Slightly than debut as a footnote in the course of the Pixel 9 sequence smartphone launch, Google introduced the The Google TV Streamer every week earlier, alongside a cleverer Nest Studying Thermostat. It’s a sleek-looking set-top field in porcelain and hazel color choices, which ought to let your different furnishings stay within the highlight.
Why not do one other dongle? As a result of there’s a Thread border router inside, together with help for Matter good dwelling devices. Which means you’ll have to produce your personal HDMI cable, however with the ability to management your good devices out of your TV display ought to greater than make up for it. The Google Residence panel pops up along with no matter you’re watching, relatively than taking up all the display.
There’s additionally Gemini AI on board, for present summaries and consumer opinions that’ll cease you from losing your valuable downtime on a dud streaming sequence. Generative ambient mode screensavers are an choice, too, for those who’re not a fan of Google Pictures surfacing embarrassing moments out of your previous each time you go to make a cuppa.
A chipset with 22% extra processing oomph and twice as a lot RAM as a Chromecast with Google TV ought to assure the brand new mannequin feels speedy when scrolling by the Google TV UI – although an Apple TV 4K will doubtless nonetheless have the sting on gaming grunt.
There’s HDMI 2.1a on the rear, together with gigabit Ethernet for buffer-free streaming, and USB-C energy supply. Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 really feel a bit behind the instances, however will cope simply wonderful with Chromecast streaming out of your different Android devices.
Google has overhauled the distant management, shifting the quantity buttons to the entrance relatively than hidden away on the aspect, and including a user-customisable button. It’ll default to opening the Google Residence panel for controlling your good dwelling, however will be swapped to launch a selected streaming app for those who’re nonetheless reaching for a bodily swap to show your lights off. A button on the again of the streamer additionally makes the distant beep, in case you ever misplace it.
The Google TV Streamer is about to go on sale within the US on 24 September for $100. There’s no phrase but on a extra worldwide launch.