Google has officially announced the end of the era by discontinuing its iconic Chromecast line of streaming devices. After more than a decade of serving as a popular and affordable solution for turning any TV into a smart TV, Google is shifting its focus to a new device: the Google TV Streamer, a more powerful and feature-rich set-top box.

A decade of Chromecast: The end of an era

The original Chromecast, launched in 2013, quickly became a staple in households around the world, offering a simple and affordable way to stream content directly to TVs. Priced at just US$29.99, Chromecast was a basic solution for users who wanted to upgrade to smart TVs without breaking the bank. However, as the technology rapidly evolved, Google saw the need for a more powerful device capable of meeting today’s streaming demands.

Introducing the Google TV Streamer

Chromecast, first launched in 2013, was a breakthrough in the world of streaming devices. It was compact, easy to use, and affordable, making it a favourite among consumers who wanted to upgrade their non-intelligent TVs. Over the years, the Chromecast has evolved with new features and capabilities, culminating in the 2022 Chromecast with Google TV, which integrated Google TV software for a more comprehensive streaming experience.

However, as technology has evolved, consumer expectations have also changed. Google acknowledges this change, stating that the industry has evolved dramatically since the debut of the original Chromecast. As a result, Google has decided to stop manufacturing Chromecast devices, although it will continue to support existing devices through software and security updates.

Enter the Google TV Streamer 

In place of Chromecast, Google has introduced the Google TV Streamer, a $99.99 set-top box that will be available starting September 24th. This new device is designed to be a major upgrade over the Chromecast with Google TV, offering a range of enhancements that position it as a worthy competitor to high-end streaming devices like the Apple TV 4K. 

The Google TV Streamer features a 22% faster processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage—significantly more than the Chromecast’s 8GB. It also supports the latest in audio and video technology, including 4K resolution, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos. Additionally, it comes equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a newly added Ethernet port for more stable internet connections. 

A new design and enhanced features

Unlike the dongle-style Chromecast, the Google TV Streamer is a box that sits underneath the TV, making it a more visible part of the home entertainment experience. This design change reflects the device’s expanded capabilities, particularly its role in smart home integration. Google TV Streamer supports Matter and Thread, making it a central hub for controlling smart home devices directly from the TV screen.

The new remote control that comes with the Streamer also brings some thoughtful improvements. The volume buttons have been moved to the front for easier access, and a customisable button has been added, which users can program to open specific apps or perform certain functions. Moreover, a remote finder feature has been introduced, allowing users to locate their misplaced remote with ease.

Google TV Streamer: a better Chromecast?

Google has incorporated AI-powered features into the Google TV Streamer to enhance the user experience. With the help of Google’s Gemini AI, the device can offer personalised content recommendations based on viewing habits. It also supports ambient mode, which can display custom screensavers or Google Photos albums when the device is not in use.

The Google TV interface remains familiar but with added smart home integration. With just a press of a button, users can access a Google Home panel on the TV screen, giving them control over their smart home devices, such as lights and cameras, from the comfort of their couch.

Users can still cast content from their mobile devices to the TV, and the device continues to offer access to over 700,000 movies and shows through various streaming apps, alongside live TV channels.

Conclusion

Google TV Streamer is undoubtedly a more powerful and feature-rich device than its predecessor. It offers increased performance, more memory, and better connectivity options, making it an ideal choice for users who demand more from their streaming devices. However, its price tag is higher – $99.99 compared to $29.99 for the Chromecast – which raises the question of whether the additional features justify the cost.

For users who are happy with their current Chromecast, there may be little incentive to upgrade, especially as Google has pledged to continue supporting the software for existing devices. Nevertheless, Google TV Streamer is an attractive option for those looking for a more robust streaming experience with smart home integration and improved performance.