Google TV Streamer review: A literal Chromecast killer – Gadgetguy.com.au
For years, the Chromecast has been a popular and affordable way to stream content to your TV. But with the release of the Google TV streamer, Google has finally created a device that truly competes with the best streaming boxes on the market. And at $79, this streamer is arguably the best deal going.
In this review, we’ll explore the pros and cons of the Google TV streamer and why we think it is a serious contender to replace your old Chromecast. We will cover topics like:
- Design and Features
- Performance and User Interface
- Remote control and voice search
- Apps and Streaming Services
- Overall impressions
Design and Features
The Google TV streamer is a small, compact device that is easily hidden behind your TV. The streamer measures 6.4 cm square by 1.3 cm deep and has a white circular shape with the Google “G” printed on the top. The cable for the Google TV streamer is fairly long at just over a meter, allowing it to be used comfortably even if you are plugging it into the back of your TV. There’s a small LED on the device that lights up when the streamer is powered on.
As the Google TV streamer uses the standard HDMI plug, this device should be able to be used by anyone. The small form factor makes it incredibly unobtrusive, as it could potentially be slotted behind your TV so that you can’t see it from your vantage point on the couch. It’s nice to have a TV streaming box that is as discreet as the Google TV streamer. Of course, if you prefer it on show, that is up to you and won’t be a problem.
Inside the Google TV streamer is a quad-core ARM processor, 2GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage. These specifications are adequate enough to deliver a smooth and responsive streaming experience. There’s also Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11ac Wi-Fi for connectivity to your network.
Performance and User Interface
The Google TV streamer is incredibly responsive and smooth in terms of performance. The menus are easy to navigate, and apps launch quickly. Google’s proprietary Android TV is at the helm, but as it is in its latest version 12, we get Google Assistant on top. The experience is remarkably fast. All of this, even if you are using apps or content that need a faster connection, can be handled easily.
If you are someone who enjoys streaming movies and TV shows in high quality, the Google TV streamer supports 4K resolution and HDR (High Dynamic Range). The streaming quality can also be adjusted via the user interface if you wish, and depending on the speed of your connection, you can toggle through the choices ranging from SD (480p) up to 4K. We have not had any issues streaming Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime Video or Disney+ in the highest resolution. In fact, some services have automatic detection of this resolution to get the most from their streaming experience. And while you don’t need a massive, lightning fast internet connection to enjoy what the streamer offers, a speed of 10 Mbps would help to maintain a very smooth performance with content streaming.
What makes the Google TV streamer stand out from its competition is its powerful Google Assistant voice search capability. Simply press the microphone button on the remote, and speak your request, whether that’s looking for a movie, controlling playback, or finding the answer to a question.
Remote Control and Voice Search
The remote is comfortable and feels sturdy, much like an Amazon Fire TV remote. The top has a dedicated microphone button for Google Assistant as well as a few navigation keys that have the common arrows. Further down, there are shortcuts for Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video as well as power, home, and back buttons.
For Google TV users, there are a few additional menu features that make the Google TV streamer stand out and offer advantages over competitors. Using the Google Assistant feature on the remote, you can not only control your playback of content but also open specific apps on the TV.
However, unlike some other devices, this Google TV remote cannot also be used to adjust volume and select input for your TV. We found that you still have to use the buttons on your television set for volume and input adjustments. We wish it did have this functionality for ease of use, but with that omission aside, the remote is highly functional. Its performance and navigation for menus are solid.
Apps and Streaming Services
Google TV streamer offers a vast library of apps and streaming services. The biggest strength is in its ease of integration. All of the major players, like Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ are all readily available via the Google Play Store on the streamer. This means there is little chance of missing out on your favorites. On top of the common streaming services, Google TV comes with a lot of other popular services installed such as YouTube, Google Music and Twitch.
Overall Impressions
The Google TV streamer offers excellent value for the money. While it may lack some advanced features that you might find in more premium streamers, it does deliver everything that a user would expect from a solid and versatile streaming box. If you are after a well-designed and easy-to-use streaming box with a rich app library and exceptional performance, the Google TV streamer should be your top consideration.
Key Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable Price
- Strong Google Assistant Integration
- Fast and Smooth Performance
- Comprehensive App Selection
- Sleek and Compact Design
Cons:
- Remote lacks TV power, volume, and input controls
- Lack of 4K Dolby Vision Support
- Some minor limitations in user interface compared to premium options
Final Thoughts
The Google TV streamer has many reasons to be a winner among competing devices. With its competitive pricing, reliable performance and well-organized library, it is a solid option for those who want the most comprehensive and powerful streaming box on the market without a price tag to match. For those seeking the latest technology and a streamer packed with extra features, consider the pricier Google TV Chromecast Ultra 4K (reviewed previously), or if you don’t require the high end processing and want a streaming device for casual users, the standard Chromecast with Google TV could be the right choice.
