NEW: Google TV Streamer Hands-on review + what's new

Google has been dabbling a bit inconsistently in the TV steaming box game… I’ve reviewed both previous devices: the Original Chromecast released over 6 years ago, and the Chromecast with Google TV which is about 3-4 years old. Today the new generation has arrived with the launch of the Google TV Streamer.

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What is Google TV Streamer?
Google TV Streamer is a device that connects to any TV, and using a Wi-Fi connection, it can open up streaming access for nearly any device, whether a smart TV or an older non-connected set. Once you have it connected, it gives you access to all the streaming channels on the market. With an included remote, it’s got instant control, of you can use a phone to run it too.
In this review I'm going to try the TV streamer out here in my home for a few days and I'll take a look at what's new and improved in this iteration, what it can do, what the user interface is like and I'll assess the other special features it has. I'll wrap things up with the pros and the cons of this device and let you know if I think it's a good TV streaming system for you. I would like to thank Google for gifting me a pre-release version so I could do my review ahead of its public launch. Well the company did provide the streamer to me at no cost, it did not ask for nor receive permission to have any input into this review. So you can consider these thoughts my own.
Google packed the device with hardware upgrades, like the ethernet port, AI smarts, and other neat goodies too, meaning it’s a solid competitor for something like Apple TV and Roku Ultra.

Unboxing and set up
In the package you’re getting the TV box… although you probably can’t call this a box. The design leans heavily towards Google’s preference for more natural, pebbly shapes and textures, and features mega-curves and round edges.
A power cable and plug adapter, plus two colour-coordinated batteries round out the necessities, and there’s also the new remote control. Yes while batteries are included an HDMI cable is not, so make sure you’ve got your own. (Just remember to buy an HDMI 2.1 cable if you don’t have a spare to enjoy the full 4K HDR benefits .)

Bigger than a Chromecast

Those who were big fans of the palm-sized, pebble shaped Chromecast dongle will find this device more challenging to place or hide, since it’s not going to dangle behind your TV, but I think Google actually did an incredible job at making this something that you won't mind having sitting out in the open. I placed mine on top of my Sonos Sound bar, below the Samsung Frame TV and I think it disappears nicely int the room; it’s sculptural yet unobtrusive.
The New Voice Remote
Google redesigned the remote, making it slightly larger and altering the button layout, and apparently improved the ergonomics but the improvements are subtle at best and aren’t going to rock your Chromecast world
The YouTube and Netflix buttons remain, but the smaller button with the star icon is now customizable allowing you to bind the button to any Google TV app or function you want. The built-in microphone allows you to give the streamer Google Assistant smart home commands as expected.

To get the Google TV Streamer set up, you’ll plug in the power and connect the HDMI cable to the streamer and your TV.
While we’re back here, let’s take a look at the ports: there’s the single HDMI connection, an Ethernet port, and USB-C power. A multipurpose button on the far left will reset the device or find your lost remote.
Once it boots up, the screen will begin to walk you though…
The first thing you will do is pair the remote.

As a quick aside if you prefer to use your televisions remote to control your Google TV streamer, you can. I didn't even have to do anything to get this working; instantly my Samsung TV remote was connected and functioning too.

Apps
When it comes to apps and streaming services, pretty much every platform is available here and you can personalize what you see, and how easy it is to access. The interface is incredibly easy to use and understand, and you'll also find things like free streaming TV options as well as live television too.
Google Home
One of the features I liked is the integration of Google Home into the streamer. You can set up a shortcut button to access this, or simply find it through settings. Either way it gives you access to your full suite of Google home and smart home devices. It's incredibly easy to make adjustments to Lighting, or even call up any of your cameras onto the big screen and take a look around.

[TheCooIBlackGuy]

Great review! Thank you for specifically mentioning how any Bluetooth headphones can be added to the device—no other YouTube reviewer has covered this! Wishing you a pleasant day ahead ❤

[MrRogermash]

I bought the new google streamer as my 2nd streaming device with apple tv.Love them both.Thanks for a great video

[BigJuice]

Awesome video. I'll wait for Black Friday when it hits $75.00

[RaySpillane]

I don't have the new streamer yet, but with the older Chromecast with Google TV a double press of the back button at the top of the remote would immediately bring up the relevant Ambient/Screensaver display chosen in system settings.

[LukeVesty]

If you just press the home button to get yourself back to the "for you" section, you then just press "back" and that will launch ambient mode manually.

[sebahoy]

Nice review! I also heard that you can still cast from your phone or tablet which i think is great that they have kept like the old Chromecast! ☺️

[leogodreau]

Got mine yesterday to replace the 2017 Nvidia Shield. Set it up and watched shows last night. I, and even the wife, was very impressed at the video quality. Very fast too. Took some time to get the volume working with the Samsung/Sonos setup but finally figured it out. So now I can sell my Sheild and Sofabaton remote. Remote is slippery like the Chromecast so I'll get a cover for it when available.

[JRx]

Great review and thank you! You’re one of the first reviewers to showcase this new product and always a solid review.

[perriconemdbeauty]

Nice video Erin 😊😊. I ordered the TV Streamer this morning. It will replace my Chromecast device.
Thanks for a great review ❤.
Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪.

[OFOFBORG]

Very nice! Only con with any steammer devices are no sport. Cheers Erin! ☕️☕️

[curbsidetech]

Great review too bad they didnt add an extra type c port, but this seems like a nice upgrade

[csmoran]

I am not sure if you put up a video of the wrong chromecast, but the one you showed when you said you have been using them from the beginning was not the first edition. first one looked like a USB thumb drive

[robhingston]

Call that an upgrade? when its using MediaTek MT8696 chip, the same SoC that the 2021 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max runs on
nearly a 4 year old processor?

[sams]

good review, they definitely can do better with the ambient mode

[creatorbydefault]

Quite odd how an HDMI cable isn't included but as an additional purchase if you want to keep it white. Great review as alwsys Erin. Cheers!

[garyshekleton]

Not sure if you're aware but if you hit the "back button" while on the home screen on the default "for you" section it will activate the ambient mode straight away.

Nice review of rhe new device by the way. 👌

[TheDrCarpy]

Great review as always Erin! Very informative. It does matter to me. Liked the pun, it was witty!

[Velvet_Mystique]

Very eloquent and in depth review. Keep it up Erin. New Subscriber!

[glitch_]

My goodness that packaging. 😁Where art thou Google corporate colors? 😂

Design looks great though. Surprised with the AI art features. Might be fun for parties!

Thanks for the review Erin and great takes! Learned some new things other reviewers seemed to have missed.

[FlubFlubber]

I have it yesterday. For now i used Kodi with my nassystem, i watched few movies/serie and also few hours youtube, a tv app with football and everthing works so good. For me on this moment? It is worth the money. I have also a nvidia shield pro, great device, 220 euro pqyed for. But now i ginna use more the google streamer. Netflix gonna test it in a few days, maybe next week, we will see.

It is a good device.
I use utp cable.