Google TV Streamer 4K and Nest Thermostat 4th Gen redefine smart home tech

Google TV Streamer 4K, the latest addition to Google’s home entertainment lineup, has made its grand entrance into the market. This new device marks a significant shift in Google’s approach to streaming, effectively replacing the long-standing Chromecast series.

The Google TV Streamer 4K brings a host of new features and capabilities, setting it apart from its predecessor and positioning it as a central hub for both entertainment and smart home control.

The introduction of the Google TV Streamer 4K comes alongside an update to the Nest Learning Thermostat, showcasing Google’s commitment to enhancing its smart home ecosystem.

This new streaming device is more than just a simple upgrade; it represents a complete reimagining of how users interact with their televisions and smart home devices.

Chromecast discontinued, long live the Google TV Streamer 4K

Unlike the compact Chromecast that plugged directly into a TV’s HDMI port, the Google TV Streamer 4K sports a larger form factor. This design change is not merely aesthetic but functional, allowing the device to house additional components necessary for its expanded capabilities. The Google TV Streamer 4K is designed to sit atop an entertainment console, rather than hidden behind the TV.

This larger design accommodates the extra radio components required for its smart home hub functionality. By increasing the size, Google has been able to pack in more features without compromising on performance or risking overheating issues that might occur with a smaller dongle-style device.

Smart home integration at its core

One of the most notable advancements of the Google TV Streamer 4K is its role as a smart home hub. This device now allows users to control both Google Home and Matter-enabled accessories directly from their TV screen. In essence, it functions similarly to a large-screen Nest Display or Pixel Tablet, bringing smart home control to the biggest screen in the house.

The Google TV Streamer 4K includes Matter support and a built-in Thread border router, enhancing connectivity with various smart home devices. These additions improve response times and reliability across the smart home network. Users can now access a Google Home panel directly on their TV, enabling them to check Nest cameras, adjust thermostats, and control other Matter-enabled devices without leaving their couch.

Gemini-powered entertainment experience

What powers Google TV Streamer 4K’s enhanced capabilities is Gemini, Google’s advanced AI model. While not replacing Google Assistant for voice commands, Gemini plays a crucial role in curating and enhancing the entertainment experience. The AI uses user preferences to suggest content across various streaming subscriptions, organizing recommendations in one convenient place.

Gemini‘s capabilities extend beyond simple recommendations. It can provide summaries of reviews and even break down seasons of TV shows, offering users a more informed viewing experience. This feature mirrors the role Gemini has been playing in Google Search, bringing that level of AI-powered insight to the realm of home entertainment.

Enhanced hardware for smoother performance

The Google TV Streamer 4K doesn’t just bring new features; it also packs improved hardware for better performance. The device supports 4K playback, continuing the high-quality video output that users enjoyed with Chromecast. Inside, Google has upgraded the processor and increased the memory to 32GB, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother navigation through the user interface.

A remote designed for convenience

Accompanying the Google TV Streamer 4K is a dedicated remote control. These remote features dedicated buttons for popular services like Netflix, as well as a button for quick access to the Google Home panel.

The included remote control has dedicated buttons for services like Netflix (Image credit)

In a nod to user convenience, both the Streamer itself and the remote have been designed with findability in mind. A button on the Streamer can trigger a chime from the remote, helping users locate it when misplaced.

Quick Google TV Streamer 4K specs rundown

Video output:

• 4K HDR support
• Dolby Vision compatibility
• Dolby Atmos audio

Connectivity:

• Wi-Fi enabled
• Ethernet port for wired connection
• Built-in Thread border router
• Matter support

Storage and memory:

• 32GB internal storage
• Improved processor (specific details not provided)
• Increased RAM (exact amount not specified)

Smart home features:

• Google Home panel integration
• Control for Google Home and Matter-enabled devices
• Nest camera viewing capability

Remote control:

• Voice-enabled remote
• Dedicated buttons for Netflix and Google Home panel
• Customizable button
• Remote finder feature

Software:

• Google TV operating system
• Gemini AI integration for content curation and summaries

Design:

• Larger form factor compared to Chromecast
• Designed to sit on entertainment console
• Available in Porcelain and Hazel colors (Hazel exclusive to U.S. Google Store)

How much is the new Google TV Streamer 4K?

The Google TV Streamer 4K is priced at $99.99, positioning it as a competitive option in the streaming device market.

While preorders for the device began on the day of its announcement, the actual shipping date is set for September 26.

A unified smart home ecosystem with Nest Thermostat 4th generation

Alongside the Google TV Streamer 4K, the new Nest Thermostat 4th generation brings significant updates to one of Google’s most popular smart home devices. This latest iteration of the Nest Thermostat continues to focus on energy efficiency and user comfort, now with added AI capabilities.

The Nest Thermostat 4th generation likely incorporates Gemini AI to offer more advanced temperature control and energy-saving features. While specific details are limited, it’s reasonable to expect improvements in learning user preferences, predicting optimal temperature settings, and integrating with other smart home devices for a more holistic approach to home climate management.

The simultaneous release of the Google TV Streamer 4K and the Nest Thermostat 4th generation shows Google’s commitment to creating a more integrated and intelligent smart home ecosystem. These devices work together to offer users a seamless experience, from entertainment to climate control, all manageable from a single interface on the TV screen.

Featured image credit: Google