We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Google TV has ditched the dongle and introduced a sleek look for their all-new streaming box.
Google TV Streamer was announced in August at the 2024 Made By Google event. But you'd be forgiven if you missed it, since Google announced a slew of exciting products and features, and this one was just a bit eclipsed.
Now that the product has launched in Canada, it's time to give it some attention. While it has many similar features to smart TV streaming options of competitors like Amazon and Apple, where it differs, it does so in thoughtful places that improve the user experience.
Pros
- Excellent upgrades to remote control
- Ethernet port
- AI enhancements
Cons
- Doesn't include HDMI cable
- No dark colour option
What does the Google TV Streamer do?
If you've used a TV with Google TV build in, or owned a Chromecast with Google TV built in (the streaming option that this product is likely going to phase out) then this interface will look quite familiar.
If you're brand new to the world of Google TV, this is a smart system for finding and viewing shows and movies across the streaming services you subscribe to. Apps for all of the paid major services (Disney+, Prime Video, Netflix, Crave, Apple TV+ and more) as well as the free services (PlutoTV, Tubi, etc.) are available to add to the Google TV Streamer's 32 GB of storage.
The simple explanation: Google TV Streamer can turn any TV into a smart TV. This is great if you invested in a nice big screen TV right before TVs all became "smart." Or you bought a smart TV, but just aren't a fan of the operating system that's built into it.
Is the Google TV Streamer different from Chromecast?
The most recent generation of Chromecast came pre-loaded with Google TV. But the new Google TV Streamer will allow you to do more.
Instead of a dongle that is plugged into the back of your TV, this is a sleek, simple box that sits near your TV. On the back, you'll find and HDMI 2.1 port (which supports higher quality video signals), an ethernet port (to hardwire right into your router for all the streaming speed you can muster) a USB port (which is where you plug in the power cable) AND an amazingly handy button which can be pushed to help you find the remote if it goes missing (more on this in a second).
Smart home controls
From within this new Google streaming box, you can also tap into your smart home devices.
From dimming the lights to doorbell notifications, you can monitor and control your smart home right from your TV. There's a dedicated Google Home menu where you can see detailed features of your various smart devices (similar to the version of Google Home on your phone).
Whether you want to control home features by navigating using the newly-redesigned Google remote, or voice commands through the remote's built-in microphone, you have options.
In my testing experience, it's been most helpful for dimming the lights for movie time, adjusting the thermostat temperature, and taking a quick peek at the Nest cams around the house if we're expecting a delivery or hear a noise and don't want to get off the couch.
If you're thinking to the future and being mindful of devices that are Matter and Thread enabled, the great news is that this Google TV streamer IS compatible, so it can support an ease of setup and connection between smart home devices, and also potentially improve their range.
Possibly the best smart TV remote
I was ecstatic about the redesigned remote - mostly because of the built in speaker.
While nothing is impossible, it would be VERY difficult to lose your remote for a long period of time if you own a Google TV Streamer.
There are so many options now for finding a missing remote! First, and simplest, is using the physical button on the back fo the streaming box. Just press and hold and it will play a chirping noise through the remote control's built-in speaker.
Alternatively, you can activate the remote's speaker through the Google Home app OR you can ask a nearby Nest device to find your remote.
Aside from being easy to track down, the buttons have been redesigned to be larger. They feel like they have a deeper travel distance. And all around this is a comfortable remote to use.
Plus there's now an assignable button so you can choose to fire up a particular app or TV function that you use most often. Also the Google TV Streamer remote can be used to power on and control the volume of your TV.
Can you use the Google TV Streamer for gaming?
My impressions are that this streaming box was meant to be an entertainment hub first and foremost. But streaming games is possible.
The Play store has the PlayStation Remote app, which allows you to tap into your PlayStation 5 or PS4 to stream games from your console. This feature has worked very well in my testing, and adding a PS5 controller to the box was no problem.
I also downloaded a web browser to the Google Streamer so I could login to my Xbox Game Pass library and choose some titles to play from there. With Goldeneye I felt just the tiniest bit of lag, but maybe that is a game that I have such strong muscle memory in from the N64 days that it could have just been miniscule (or my skills have diminished over the years and I want to blame that on my poor accuracy with the PP7).
You can also stream games from your computer through Steam Link, so there are quite a few options for streaming games on this device. It's not console quality, but it's definitely not trying to be. Particularly with PS5, this is a nice option to allow you to play your games in a different room or on a different TV.
What do the AI features do on Google TV Streamer?
Google's Pixel product lineup has gotten an AI overhaul. And unlike other companies who are just relying on the buzzwordness of AI, Google is actually making good use cases where AI is helpful to real people's ordinary, everyday tasks.
When it comes to their Streamer, the AI is used in a few different ways.
When you're deciding whether to watch a movie or show, an AI-generated synopsis as well as a collection of reviews from critics is displayed to help you get a sense about the content.
After you've used the Streamer a bit, AI will flag that it is noticing you use certain apps more often so will prioritize suggesting content from those apps.
Before getting to try this out first hand, I was expecting more of a deep AI integration. But considering the price being relatively low, having a more capable chip for handling AI likely would've increased the price, so I suppose it makes sense for this lighter AI touch, compared to a Gemini Live-style experience where you could more conversationally talk to the device to help find really specific movies and shows based on your mood in the exact moment.
At this point, the AI experience is present on this device, but not an integral part of the user experience. And if you didn't know where to look for it, you'd probably wouldn't even know there was AI at work in the background. Which is maybe the point?
Is the Google TV Streamer worth it?
In Canada the Google TV Streamer costs $129. This is slightly less than double the price of the Chromecast with Google TV, a bit more than a FireStick or a Roku Box, but less than an Apple TV (all of which do similar things).
If you only need a smart solution to collect a few streaming apps together in a nice interface, the currently-available Chromecast will be sufficient. But the extras with the Google TV Streamer, I think, make it worthwhile.
Google TV Streamer
The Google TV interface is a convenient way to navigate all your streaming services. By integrating smart home controls and light AI touches throughout the experience (and a fantastic remote control upgrade) the Google TV Streamer will be a welcome addition to any TV.
While you could stream games with the previous Chromecast model, the fact that you have the wired ethernet port option makes this a little more appealing for gaming. The extra storage space (32GB) compared to the most recent Chromecast's 8 makes it that much better. The assignable button on the remote is just a little more convenient.
But all those small things add up.
Plus, never losing your freakin' remote again, is very appealing. I live in a house with twin toddlers. Half of my TV watching time is spent trying to find the remote control.
Chromecast with Google TV
For a lower-cost option consider Chromecast with Google TV. You don't get the same bells and whistles or any of the AI integration, but if you're just looking for an inexpensive way to bring Google TV to your screen and don't need anything extra, this will do the job.
With a nice interface and integration for your smart home, a well-organized navigational system for your favourite shows and movies, and the possibility for AI features to develop further, for anyone in the market for a quality smart streaming device that is versatile and won't feel dated in the next few years, the new Google TV Streamer is a solid choice with a GREAT remote control!
Read more
Sleek and Smart: Nest Learning Thermostat Review
A smart thermostat is a device you’re not planning on upgrading year-to-year like some other tech. So when the time comes to pick one, you really want to choose right since you’ll be living with this decision for years!
Best Buds Yet! Pixel Buds Pro 2 Review
Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 are now available. The company has redesigned the fit and integrated AI to create a near-perfect premium earbud.
You Can Now Get Amazon Stuff Delivered INSIDE Your Garage!
Amazon's in-garage delivery service is now available in Canada! The company announced the new delivery option is available in 1,700 cities and neighbourhoods across the country.
It's getting old, but the EpiqVision Mini EF12 is still great!
For home movie nights, wall-filling gaming sessions, or even a family slideshow, there's one portable projector that I recommend above all others. While it's getting old, Epson's Mini EF12 is great value for your money.