Google TV Streamer announced as Apple TV 4K rival, Chromecast replacement
Google TV Streamer announced as Apple TV 4K rival, Chromecast replacement
Google is introducing a new 4KTV streaming box for $99.99 while saying goodbye to Chromecast for good
🆕 Google TV Streamer is a new set-top box for 4K content
📆 It’s available to preorder now for $99 and releases on September 24
🪦 It replaces Google’s long-running Chromecast brand after 11 years
👊 It’s stern competition for Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra
🤖 Like all new Google products, it’ll use Gemini AI in its menus
The Google TV Streamer is a fully-featured streaming box that will aim to topple the Apple TV 4K and the Roku Ultra in a fight for living room dominance. It was revealed on the same day that the Google Nest 4th-gen Thermostat was announced.
Google’s new streaming box also spells the end of Google Chromecast, which has been around for 11 years. The diminutive device that sat behind many a TV won’t be sold once stock runs out, as Google kills off yet another one of its products – albeit one that has been tremendously successful in this case.
Google TV Streamer price and features
The Google TV Streamer costs $99.99 and plugs into your TV via an HDMI port. There are three ports on the back: a USB-C port for power, an Ethernet port, and an HDMI 2.1 port. You’ll be able to stream shows at a 4K resolution at 60fps (though the vast majority of shows will run at the standard 24fps, and all the latest standards are supported, including HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for audio.
The Google TV Streamer will be up to 22% faster than the outgoing Chromecast with Google TV, which means it should run the company’s interface smoothly and without issue. It’s also paired with 4GB of RAM and includes 32GB of onboard storage.
Unsurprisingly, Google will utilize its Gemini AI to provide summaries of the latest movies and TV shows, which should make finding your next favorite show easier. The remote also contains a built-in microphone for voice commands. The remote will also support Find My Device in case you misplace it (and you almost definitely will).
The Google TV Streamer begins shipping on September 24 and is available to preorder now. If you’re already invested in Google’s ecosystem (or thinking about buying the Google Pixel 9 Pro or Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold on August 13), the Google TV Streamer could be a great alternative to the Apple TV 4K or Roku Ultra.
Up next: Google Pixel 9 Pro colors: see the four new colors for yourself
Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.