Even if it can’t be seen in the picture: an adapter with a USB-A port is also included in the scope of delivery.
Google’s Chromecast is history, the last models are still online sold off. But from now on, the new Google TV streamer with 4K support is set to take over that device category and there is a reason for that. Nowadays, many of the available TVs on the market are already reasonably smart and have the most commonly used streaming apps pre-installed. Televisions without internet access are unlikely to be purchased any more, if they are still available in stores at all. Google apparently wanted to rethink this in good time and instead of dongles that make stupid TV devices smarter, they would rather offer their own streaming boxes that can compete with Apple TV, Fire TV and Co. And that is exactly the concept behind the new Google TV streamer, which I was able to take a closer look at.
As already mentioned, instead of a stick you get a small box, more in the form of a small platform, which is currently only offered in the color porcelain in Germany. The price is 119 euros and I still don’t understand why Google doesn’t offer the other color variants directly in this country. After all, it is now a device that is placed visibly, so to speak, unlike dongles that were still hung behind the TV. Depending on your personal furnishings, you could definitely be bothered by the bright porcelain white, even though the device looks minimal.
On the back there are the ports for USB-C (power supply only), Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbit), HDMI 2.1 and a button that not only allows you to search for the remote control and find it again with a beep, but also the device can also carry out the factory reset. Of course, the streamer doesn’t just do this; you will also be notified about this fact to be on the safe side.
If you take a look at the remote control, you will notice many parallels to the remote control of the current 4K Chromecast with Google TV. The buttons for regulating the volume are no longer on the side, but on the button panel and the button for input selection has given way to a favorite button, the assignment of which you can choose freely. Certainly not that great for owners of the predecessor: the home button and the button for voice input have swapped places with each other, which will certainly cause incorrect entries for a while. The bottom of the new remote control is a little easier to grip than the previous model. And if you don’t feel like using it at all, you can use your Android smartphone instead.
The setup is extremely quick and, above all, simple. You connect the device to the TV and power socket, connect the remote control according to the instructions on the screen and then use your smartphone for further setup via the Google Home app. Of course, you can also set it up manually using the remote control, but then your login details and the like have to be entered using the few buttons on the control panel – it’s up to you.
The device is also a smart home hub with support for the Matter standard. You can then also control and use the corresponding devices in your home via Thread, Bluetooth and WLAN. As with many other devices, it works quickly and smoothly.
Google not only gave the new streamer 32 GB of internal memory, but also increased its RAM to 4 GB and installed a faster processor. This means you can navigate through the system menu noticeably faster than with previous solutions. In my opinion, everything feels absolutely valuable and doesn’t have to hide behind an expensive television with Google TV. Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision is supported (max. 60 fps, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG). To hear true 3D sound, users can also connect Dolby Atmos-capable speakers. The casting of content to the new Google TV streamer will of course continue, after all you don’t want to scare off Chromecast owners.
The Google TV interface itself shouldn’t be unfamiliar to anyone who’s been reading here for a while. It seems quite tidy, basically offers many functions that are otherwise known from Fire TV and others, and for the most part lets you install and use all the streaming services and apps that you are familiar with. As already mentioned, you can also assign other functions and services to the favorites button on the remote control:
However, if you already have a current Apple TV or a similar box, for example, you will not find the need to record the Google TV streamer at home. For users who like to use the Google device universe anyway or for those who are looking for a reliable and fast streaming box, it offers an absolutely serious option for what I think is still a fair price.
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