Along with a long-awaited update to the Nest Learning Thermostat, Google on Tuesday unveiled its latest set-top streaming box. Google TV Streamer’s arrival marks the end of the Chromecast line. With more than a 100 million sold over an 11-year life, it was a good run.
Along with a new, more straightforward name, the line is getting additional functionality warranting a redesign. Whereas the Chromecast plugged directly into the back of a TV via HDMI, Google TV Streamer is larger, designed to sit on top of an entertainment console below the set.
The $100 device doubles as a smart home hub, as part of Google’s bid to revive excitement around the Nest line. The new functionality allows users to more directly control both Google Home and Matter-enabled accessories. You can think of it as a large-screen Nest Display or Pixel Tablet.
The additional functionality requires an additional radio, which, in turn, requires a larger design. Attempting to pack all of that into a dongle on the back of a set would likely be a recipe for disaster.
Along with Matter support, the system features a built-in Thread border router, for improved connectivity with home devices. The addition of a Google Home panel to the UI makes it possible to check Nest cameras remotely (no third-party cameras yet) and adjust the temperature, along with various other Matter-enabled smart home device functions.
As with the new Thermostat, Gemini is the big driver here. Unlike Pixel and Android, the Home line isn’t making the jump from Assistant, however. Rather, the models built in-house will be used to power this latest version. Along with conversational capabilities, Gemini will be used to curate the TV experience.
“To make it easier to find what to watch, Google TV Streamer uses Google AI and your preferences to curate content suggestions across all of your subscriptions, organized conveniently in one place,” Google says in a post. “You can even build watchlists with recommendations for every member of your home.”
Gemini will also be used to summarize reviews and even seasons of TV; in that sense, it will fill a role similar to the one it has been playing in Search over the past year. Like Chromecast, the system supports 4K playback. Inside, the company has upgraded the processor and bumped memory up to 32GB for faster performance.
The system includes a devoted remote with devoted buttons for Netflix and the Google Home panel. There’s also a button built directly into the TV Streamer that will send out a chime from the remote when it inevitably gets lost.
Google TV Streamer is up for preorder starting Tuesday, but won’t actually ship until September 26.