The Chromecast 4K with Google TV launched in September 2020, adding more features (like a remote and local apps) to previous Chromecasts. An HD-only model was released in 2022, but now it looks like Google is ready to launch a major new device in the streaming space called the Google TV Streamer.
While that's not a confirmed name yet, it's the one that leaks and FCC filings have pointed to, so that's what we'll be calling it in this guide. Below, we've rounded up all the leaks and rumors we've heard so far about this intriguing Apple TV 4K rival, and also listed some of the features we want to see.
Google's hardware launch is on Tuesday, August 13, so it's possible we could see this new device then. That would mean it would be unveiled alongside the Google Pixel 9 series of phones, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold (or the Google Pixel Fold 2), and the Google Pixel Watch 3 in two sizes.
For streaming fans looking for an affordable set-top box, however, this could be Google's biggest launch yet…
Google TV Streamer: Let's Get Down to Business
- What is it? A new media streamer from Google.
- When will it be released? Possibly August 2024
- How much will it cost? Probably more than $50/£60/AU$100
Google TV Streamer: Expected Release Date and Price
Google has a launch event scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, and while the focus will clearly be on the Pixel 9 range, there's also a good chance we'll see this Google TV Streamer device unveiled too – after all, it's been a couple of years since we've seen any new hardware in this category from Google.
If it doesn't appear on August 13, it should do so before the end of 2024. The wave of leaks and rumors we've seen in recent weeks are evidence that the launch is imminent, and in fact, one source has said that the device will be revealed in the near future.
As for pricing, we haven't had any clues on that so far. We know that the Chromecast 4K with Google TV originally went on sale for $49.99 / £59.99 / AU$99.99 – if it's a more advanced device, we can expect a higher price than that, perhaps somewhere between that price and the Apple TV 4K's $129 / £149 / AU$219 price tag.
Google will want to keep its streaming box as affordable as possible, so we expect it to be priced under $100 / £100.
Google TV Streamer: Leaks and Rumors
Rumors about a successor to the Chromecast with Google TV have been circulating for months, with references to a new device appearing in the Google Home app for Android, for example.
Hidden code in the Android TV software suggests that the new Google TV Streamer will come with a redesigned remote: it will have the same sort of shape as the current version, but some of the buttons are rumored to have moved around, and there could be a new button that you can configure with your own customizable shortcut.
We now even have an image of what the Google TV Streamer will look like. You can see that we have a wedge-shaped set-top box rather than an adapter that plugs into the back of the TV, so it will no doubt be easier to access. The two cables coming out of the box are, we assume, the power cable and the HDMI cable.
A recent spec leak suggests the device will also have Ethernet and USB ports, but won't support Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7, suggesting it'll be a more affordable device. Being able to plug it directly into a router would certainly help with streaming speeds and stability.
More recently, leaked specs picked up by 9to5google suggest that the Google TV streamer will have support for Thread radio, just like the upcoming Google Pixel 9 phones. This means the device should be compatible with Thread-compatible smart home kit, without the need for a separate hub.
In theory, then, you could control smart home accessories with voice controls on the Google TV Streamer's remote, which would be another achievement alongside its TV streaming powers.
Google TV Streamer: What we want to see
As our Chromecast with Google TV review shows, that device is a great device (we gave it 4.5 stars out of 5), so there's not much room for improvement.
However, a new format gives Google some opportunities, and these are the features we'd like to see in the new Google TV Streamer.
1. Game capabilities
It's pretty old and outdated, but the Nvidia Shield is one of the best Android-based streaming devices we've seen, in part due to its cloud gaming capabilities.
While Google Stadia is no more, we'd love to see other services and maybe even Android games supported on this new device, much in the same way that the Apple TV 4K supports gaming.
Speaking of the Nvidia Shield box, it can also act as a Plex media server, streaming locally stored videos, music, and photos throughout your home.
As long as it has more built-in storage, this would be a fantastic upgrade to the Google TV Streamer, giving it a few extra tricks beyond streaming audio and video streams from the internet.
3. A smart home hub
Google doesn't have to stop at just a media center: how about building a smart home hub, too?
With a little Google Home magic, we could have a device that lets you view your security camera feeds, switch smart lights, and more. These are the first features that are already available on the Google Nest Hub.
4. Seamless app switching
On the software side, streaming devices still lack the ability to create an intuitive interface that allows seamless switching between and searching across multiple streaming services.
Google TV already does a good job in this regard, but we hope it can continue to improve, with some help from the best streaming services.
5. Improved specifications
The 4K version of the Chromecast with Google TV comes with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage—that's fine, but there's definitely room for improvement.
Couple that with a faster processor compared to the current model's Amlogic S905X3 CPU, for quicker navigation through the interface, and this could very well be one of the best streaming devices out there.
