As a long-time smart home enthusiast and tech junkie, I must admit that the Google TV Streamer 4K has certainly piqued my interest. The integration of Android 14 for TV OS and the innovative AI-powered Gemini feature are undeniably intriguing. However, as someone who’s been through numerous iterations of streaming devices, I can’t help but feel a bit skeptical about its ability to stand out in the crowded market.
Despite Smart TVs providing smoother 4K streaming, standalone media players continue to be sought-after. These viewers gain optimal performance and access to the newest features through Google, Amazon, and Apple streaming devices. However, not every buyer is keen on spending additional money on these players following a substantial investment in a high-end flat panel.
With much anticipation, Google unveiled the TV Streamer 4K, priced at double that of the Chromecast with Google TV 4K. The primary goal of the TV Streamer 4K is to address the occasional streaming lag issues experienced by its dongle predecessor. Although it’s larger, Google’s latest streaming device boasts greater power, connectivity options, and an enhanced remote. Now that it has hit the market, let’s explore how the newly launched Google TV Streamer 4K compares to its rivals in a fiercely competitive landscape.
Design
One of the main points of interest when it comes to the upcoming Google media player is its design. Previously, devices such as the Chromecast with Google TV and its 4K variant have stuck with the dongle format. Although these are convenient for travel, they can suffer from connectivity issues due to being attached to HDMI ports on televisions.
The Google TV Streamer 4K represents a balanced choice between compact dongles and larger media boxes. Notably, its base sports a sleek fabric finish to shield your TV stand from scratches. However, it seems that Google remains resolute in not embracing the dark side, as this device is only offered in Porcelain and Hazel, with the latter being exclusive to the Google Store.
With a width of approximately six and a half inches, a depth of three inches, and a height of only an inch, users can expect a significant advantage from its larger base. The Google TV Streamer 4K has made some sacrifices in terms of portability, but these adjustments are expected to enhance the viewing experience. One notable improvement is the inclusion of a Gigabit internet port, a feature that was missing in previous Google players and Fire TV Cubes. Amazon’s latest streaming box, the third generation, boasts Ethernet connectivity, but its Wi-Fi 6E performance frequently surpasses the wired 100 Mbps standard. Thankfully, the Google TV Streamer 4K is compatible with faster Ethernet connections, ensuring smooth playback of 4K media without any buffering issues.
A dongle is primarily built to save space, yet to fully utilize its features, users frequently rely on USB flash drives and Ethernet adapters. This setup often leads to a series of devices protruding from the side of a TV, with fortunate owners having the option to conceal them in cabinets. However, the Google TV Streamer 4K streamlines this tangled web of cables by offering a USB-C port for extra storage, should the device’s 32 GB internal memory prove insufficient.
Instead of focusing on the Gigabit Ethernet port, it’s possible that Google is doing so because the media player hasn’t yet moved past the Wi-Fi 802.11ac standard, while the latest Apple TV 4K and Fire TV Cube offer Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e. The Bluetooth 5.1 on the Google TV Streamer 4K isn’t particularly groundbreaking, but it does make pairing with game controllers and wireless headsets a breeze.
The new Google TV Streamer 4K remote won’t appear drastically changed to its previous version to buyers. However, you’ll notice that the latest model (depicted on the left) is taller and thinner, with a slightly rearranged button layout compared to its predecessor. Users often had trouble locating the volume buttons on Chromecast, as the remote was tucked into the side of the accessory. The updated remote now places these controls on the front for easy access, while also introducing a customizable share button.
Although it might not appear significant at first glance, Google is emphasizing the usefulness of their new player’s built-in remote finder. Given that the redesigned remote is small and easily misplaced in couch cushions, this accessory will now emit an alarm, either through the Google TV Streamer’s menu options or a physical button on the device itself, helping users locate it more easily.
Other Connectivity and Processor
The Ethernet connection is a valuable feature on the Google TV Streamer 4K, but other capabilities may not be immediately apparent. Notably, this media player includes an advanced HDMI 2.1 (Type A) port, which enables higher frame rates at 4K resolution and supports features such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Dynamic HDR. It’s important to note that users will require a compatible HDMI cable, as one is not provided with the Google TV Streamer 4K when it’s purchased.
In 2021, I, as a gamer and tech enthusiast, experienced firsthand when Google upgraded our beloved Google TV Streamer 4K with Dolby Vision through a software update. This feature was supposed to bring a mind-blowing, expansive color spectrum to compatible media, but many viewers, including myself, ran into issues with it. Fingers crossed that this time around, the seamless integration of Dolby Vision in the latest Google media player will mean better harmony with 4K TVs, enhancing our viewing experiences!
A significant worry for numerous device buyers when it comes to streaming is the compatibility with Dolby Atmos. While some devices, such as the older Chromecast with Google TV 4K, can stream Atmos but necessitate a compatible surround sound speaker system or soundbar, the Google TV Streamer 4K aims to make things easier by offering native Atmos connectivity directly.
The specific processor within the Google TV Streamer 4K isn’t entirely clear, but some sellers have pointed towards a MediaTek MT8696 CPU. This chipset is suggested to provide around a 22% speed boost, which could be beneficial given concerns about the Chromecast with Google TV becoming sluggish over time. However, this processor would still fall short of the Tegra X1+ that powers the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro, which has been maintaining swift performance since its initial launch in 2017, allowing users to navigate menus at astonishing speeds.
Among other top-tier media players, the Apple TV 4K boasts greater performance than competitors like Google, Amazon, and Roku. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, previously used in certain iPhones, this advantage translates to a nearly lag-free interface and swift loading of 4K films for Apple TV users. This enhanced power also contributes to smoother gameplay from local apps or cloud gaming platforms.
When pitting the Google TV Streamer 4K against these competitors, it’s also critical to consider cost. Google’s new streaming contender has a $100 asking price, which is $30-40 less than the cheapest Apple TV 4K or 3rd-Gen Fire TV Cube. The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is even more expensive at $200 and without any discounts. Buyers won’t feel shortchanged if the Google TV Streamer operates more smoothly than the preceding Chromecast player. Nevertheless, Google should consider building a higher-end device that won’t break a sweat with any challenge thrown at it.
Making Smart TVs Smarter
Nowadays, numerous homeowners find themselves with multiple smart devices in various rooms. The Google TV Streamer 4K is designed to streamline the management of these gadgets and lessen the annoyance that comes with integrating new smart equipment. A persistent issue users often encounter is locating a user-friendly method to view a comprehensive summary of a home’s lighting or security cameras. While smartphones and hubs like the Google Nest Hub are logical solutions, they may disrupt the viewing experience when watching a movie. Google’s latest media player offers a home panel on the side of the screen, which can be easily accessed, providing a complete overview of a connected smart home system.
Despite not being groundbreaking, many smart TVs and players lack an interactive control panel. This panel allows viewers who dislike voice commands to switch devices on or off directly from the interface. For those prioritizing a view of both indoor and outdoor environments, the Google TV Streamer offers a multi-camera perspective. However, some security features involving cameras and locks may still necessitate using a specific app for full functionality.
As a tech enthusiast, I’m particularly excited about the Google TV Streamer 4K’s integration with smart homes, specifically its compatibility with Matter and Thread technologies. With Matter, it allows various smart devices from diverse brands to interact seamlessly within a single application. In essence, it serves as a Thread Border router, managing these devices on a high-performance mesh network that ensures minimal latency. This means that each new device added to the network strengthens it, making it less susceptible to dead zones or disruptions.
The Google TV Streamer is bound to experience the same common growing pains with these new protocols. Nevertheless, its ability to replicate the functionality of smaller hubs on a giant screen may quickly make it the focal point of a smart home.
Users might have observed Google’s Gemini making an appearance on their smartphones recently. Leveraging cutting-edge A.I. technologies, its purpose is to simplify the process of locating specific information, which undeniably enhances the functionality of a media player for TV. For quite some time now, televisions have been capable of reacting to voice or text commands to discover content. The Google TV Streamer, on the other hand, broadens the scope of these searches, providing comprehensive overviews of shows and movies instead of repetitive generic descriptions. The possibilities for Gemini to adapt and suggest content based on viewing patterns are virtually endless.
Additionally, Gemini affects less essential applications that contribute to the room’s atmosphere. Users have the ability to create custom images for use as backdrops when not interacting with the Google TV Streamer’s interface. Furthermore, it is recommended to configure location-based weather data and predictions.
Could Google Lose the Streaming War?
The Google TV Streamer 4K boasts several attractive features, including hardware upgrades and better smart home integration. However, potential buyers should note a few limitations compared to popular devices like Roku or Fire TV. This innovative streaming device from Google is the first to employ Android TV OS version 14, offering advantages such as reduced power consumption and Picture-in-Picture (PIP) functionality for seamless multi-tasking or simultaneous viewing of content.
One significant benefit of Android-based media players such as the Google TV Streamer 4K over devices like Fire TV is their extensive app compatibility. Users can enjoy popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video on this device. However, it’s important to note that not every app downloaded onto smartphones or tablets running Android 14 will be accessible on Android TV versions. In certain instances, viewers might need to manually install their preferred apps using a process called side-loading.
As a gamer, I might consider that the enhancements in the Google TV Streamer don’t necessarily outweigh its price increase compared to Chromecast for Google TV 4K. The slight processor upgrade has left some of us feeling underwhelmed, especially considering the larger size it comes in. However, the addition of a Gigabit Ethernet port could potentially revolutionize my streaming experience, particularly when dealing with wireless routers that don’t deliver optimal performance.
For those who favor Android media players, the selection of premium alternatives, other than the NVIDIA Shield, is relatively limited. The standard Shield model is less powerful compared to its Pro counterpart, and both versions are priced higher than the Google TV Streamer 4K. However, the Apple TV 4K, with its superior processor, can be considered a formidable competitor, although the model featuring an Ethernet port carries a higher price tag. On the other hand, Roku offers some budget-friendly media players that boast uncluttered home screens.
Smart TVs are increasingly functioning like individual media players, offering smoother operation, and many run on Android for TV operating system. However, the Google TV Streamer 4K takes on additional responsibilities as it acts as a Thread router, managing an entire household’s smart devices. Moreover, Gemini’s AI capabilities could help it stand out from the competition in content discovery. In simpler terms, the Google TV Streamer 4K not only streams videos but also coordinates other smart devices within your home, and its advanced AI technology might help you discover more content easily, setting it apart from similar devices.
FAQ
Q: Is there a monthly fee for Google TV?
With Google TV Live, you won’t find any monthly fees. Instead, it offers access to more than 800 free channels on compatible media players and smart televisions. Yet, for those who wish, they can incorporate additional paid streaming services and local over-the-air (OTA) channels into the application as well.
Q: Is Chromecast 4K discontinued?
With the launch of Google’s Google TV Streamer Player 4K, production on the Chromecast with Google TV models has come to an end. However, these cost-effective media player dongles are still available for purchase from various retailers as long as stocks remain.
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2024-09-29 02:36