Chromecast Died For This: My Google TV Streamer 4k Review

Google boldly moved to eliminate its Chromecast line and replace it with the new Google TV Streamer with AI for the living room. Gimmick or Gamechanger?

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CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Death to Chromecast
0:43 - Design notes
1:16 - Hardware I/O
1:38 - Find My Remote button
1:52 - Internal hardware
2:42 - Codecs and Bluetooth
2:52 - Matter and Thread support
3:40 - Remote control
4:15 - Directional pad
4:34 - Multifunction button
5:17 - Google TV software
5:47 - Google TV home screen
7:12 - Assistant AI
7:45 - Gemini Summaries
8:09 - Generative AI screensaver
9:41 - Google Home controls
10:22 - Verdict

#Google #GoogleTV #AppleTV

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[CChristianScott]

We have a Hisense TV with the Google TV system built into it. It's nice, but definitely under-powered, but more it's an issue with storage.

I'd think by now one of these systems, be it Google, Fire TV, Roku, would figure out how to create an upgrade port. Then every couple of years, you can get the latest set top box add-in, so you get the newer Google TV box, it connects to a USB port on the set, and it integrates completely and seamlessly. The TV's remote works for it, and it just basically enhances or upgrades what was already there. It also would keep you in their ecosystem. TVs should give you a good 5-10 years, easily, but the smart functions start choking up way before then. This could be a real selling point.

Anyway, great review, Jason! Glad to see more of this kind of content from you.

[AndyFordham-sf]

I would have preferred a competitor in The Apple TV/FireTV cube category. This is going to another underpowered stick competitor

[Marinalin]

Nice for double the ram and storage, and the little performance increase but you actually get less for more. no adapter, no hdmi cable, no batteries for 50€ more...

[tofu_golem]

I don't care about the AI features. I bought one (arriving later today) to get Ethernet without a hub. I suspect that hub was the cause of those frequent lockups I've been getting.

[Jflux]

I'm single, and I don't need guard rails.

[jrazrjjb]

The free channels won't work behind my pi – hole, which is fine by me. I'm not about to whitelist it for doubleclick and amplitude just for free channels.. but loving the hardware so far

[richardvacanti]

I do not think they should’ve discontinue Chromecast with Google TV just for the sake of launching Google TV screamer maybe some people cannot afford $100 in Chromecast with Google TV was getting a big upgrade getting a big update.
So no, they should not have discontinued it

[jamesderrick]

Currently useless in the UK - Not certified by the BBC for iPlayer (our national broadcaster's streaming platform).

[RacrLife]

I ordered the new streamer for $10 because of leftover Google Store credit from my Pixel 9 Pro and PBP2 pre-orders. I am excited to upgrade my living room TV from the Chromecast w Google TV, but if I had to pay full price, I probably wouldn't have bought it. Unfortunately, Google is having a hard time shipping them out. My order has an estimated delivery of Oct 23.

Thanks for the review! I'm rooting for you now that you have gone independent!

[Byte_J]

Solid review. Google took what is a good idea (focusing on content instead of apps) and took it to an ad ridden extreme.

[chrisad]

Despite a mediocre chip and the price hike, it seems to work well and I'll be waiting for a discount next month. But I suspect the Onn 4k Pro is going to woo many would-be buyers

[perriconemdbeauty]

I have the TV Streamer. Nice device. Used the Chromecast before.
Works great with my Pixel 9 Pro and buds pro 2 together.
Nice video from you ❤.

[SpawnWaveMedia]

Excellent video Jason 👍 Thank you for listing not just the pros but the cons 🙏 I personally am going to stick with my Google TV with Chromecast from a few years ok…it just does what I need.

[tvcaptioner]

I had to buy a third party silicone cover for my Chromecast remote. It was WAY too slippery. Hope someone makes it for this one.

[curbsidetech]

Interesting i might get it i do want some smart home features.

[aliaselchore]

Not a big deal but I think at this point we're missing a rechargeable remote. Maybe some connecting points with magnetic alignment on top or in the front of the new media player since it's meant to be displayed.

[webgenius]

Thanks Jason, I wondered why I might want one, now I know.

[whoever_]

Tough sell Google...The bare minimum "upgrades". This Mediatek CPU is unacceptable. Happy with my Google TV 4K dongle although I never really use it.

[flexor]

I'm more shocked they actually included a power brick...

[alex.hansford]

I'm really underwhelmed by the latest Google streaming offering.
I'll keep hoping for an updated Nvidia Shield TV - otherwise it might be time to look at an Apple TV *gulp*