Following over a decade of service, Google is dropping the Chromecast in favor of the new Google TV Streamer . It makes sense as Google’s bespoke TV interface faces more competition against some of the best streaming devices from Roku, Apple, and Fire TV. Beyond its name change, what are the major upgrades that make the Google TV Streamer stand out against its long-lived ancestor in the Google Chromecast ? AI is at the forefront of most innovations these days, and the new $99 Google TV Streamer is no different, plus a refreshed redesign gives it a slight edge (literally) against the competition.
Fans of the beloved Chromecast don’t have to fret, as Google did confirm it will continue to support those existing devices with security and software updates, though for how long exactly isn’t clear. That being said, let’s take a peek at all the things the Google TV Streamer now does and if an upgrade might be worth it. Design Google is taking a similar approach with its TV Streamer to that of the Roku Ultra or Fire TV Cube in dropping the dongle design for a small set-top box chic.
It comes in a slanted form that looks almost like a Wi-Fi router and will be available in Porcelain and Hazel, the latter of which will only be available in the U.S. The remote is also getting a full redesign, which will be felt most prominently in the change in button layout as well in a new textured back for further ergonomics and comfort.
The back and home buttons are now found directly next to.