Everything You Should Know About the Google TV Streamer

Note: this article has been reposted from its original version on the Fugo blog. You can find it, and other articles by the Fugo team here.

There’s a brand-new Google device on the market — and it’s called the Google TV Streamer. Whether you’re a small business owner or a digital signage aficionado, there's a lot to love about this new generation of Google streaming devices.

But is this streaming device worth all the hype?

And what does it have to offer?

Let's take a look at everything you should know, starting with a brief run down of just what it is exactly.

What is the Google TV Streamer?

The Google TV Streamer is a new streaming device designed to replace the Google Chromecast. This is Google's next generation of smart home devices, which means they are compatible with the Google TV interface, YouTube TV, and more.

With a Google TV Streamer, you can cast content from almost any device — be it a tablet, laptop, mobile phone, or desktop — to any TV screen with an HDMI port. You can also stream content in up to 4K so you don’t have to worry about low-quality video.

The Google TV Streamer also doubles as a smart home device so you can complete short tasks without leaving the couch. For example, you can use voice commands to access Google Assistant or generate custom AI screensavers for your TV.

You could also use your Google TV Streamer to:

• Open and display your Google Photos on one screen
• Create speaker groups to control music and volume at a distance
• Control other smart home devices (think Google Nest, for example)

Google TV Streamer features

It's clear that the Google TV Streamer is a direct replacement for Google Chromecast. They don’t appear to be killing off it off just yet, but they're ultimately planning to sunset the Chromecast soon.

No need to panic, however — the new Google TV Streamer offers many similar features (plus some major upgrades). For example, each device offers:

• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
• Voice control (voice remote)
• A customizable button for accessing your favorite apps
• Google AI (like home automation scripts)
• An ambient mode
• Access to your favorite apps on the Google Store
• 32 GB of storage
• And more

You can pre-order the Chromecast until September 24, after which the device will be available for purchase online and at physical retailers.

How much does the Google TV Streamer cost?

The Google TV Streamer is priced at $99.99 USD. This is fairly affordable compared to other competing devices such as Apple TV 4K ($129 USD) and Roku Ultra ($99.99 USD).

That said, the Google TV Streamer is far more expensive than its older Chromecast counterparts. The third-generation Chromecast is priced at $29.99. For the 4K version, you'll pay around $49.99. And if you want a six-month bundle with a streamer like Netflix, be prepared to pay $89.99 USD.

What do I get with a Google TV Streamer?

Every bundle comes with:

• A voice-activated remote control
• The streaming box (constructed with 65% recycled plastic materials)
• Integration with the Google Home app
• 1 USB-C port
• 1 HDMI 2.1 port (not cable)
• 1 Ethernet port (perfect for those with weak WiFi networks)

You'll have two neutral colors to choose from — hazel or porcelain — although there will likely be additional options available in the future.

And keep in mind you may need to purchase separate devices to take advantage of everything the Google TV Streamer has to offer.

For example, you may also need:

• Pixel Buds Pro to access spatial audio
• A smart home device to access the Google Home Panel
• Streaming apps or subscriptions to access specific content

Limitations of the Google TV Streamer

While the Google TV Streamer offers access to several features, it's by no means a perfect device.

A few of its biggest limitations include:

• No ability to broadcast audio to multiple headphones: Pushing audio to more than one set of headphones requires Bluetooth 5.2.
• No included HDMI cables The Google TV Streamer doesn't come with an HDMI 2.1 cable, which means if you don't already own one, you'll need to purchase it separately.
• Limited External Storage: You can only use USB-C devices for extra storage, and there's no USB-A port at all.

How does the Google TV Streamer compare to the Chromecast with Google TV?

The Google TV Streamer offers many quality-of-life upgrades over Chromecast with Google TV.

The Google TV Streamer offers:

• 4x the storage of Google Chromecast
• A larger streaming box and remote
• Better video support (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG)
• Better audio support (Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos)
• A device with improved performance and speed (22% faster processor than Chromecast)
• Newer Bluetooth connectivity support (Bluetooth 5.1)
• Built-in Thread border router (for smart home devices)

You should also know that the Google TV Streamer is the first streaming device to run Android 14. For comparison, the latest Chromecast with Google TV runs Android 12, and the NVIDIA Shield runs Android 11 (as do many Android set-top boxes).

How the Google TV Streamer could shine in digital signage

The Google TV Streamer hasn’t hit the shelves yet, so we haven’t had the chance to put it through its paces as a digital signage device. However, based on what we’ve heard so far, it’s shaping up to be a strong contender.

What makes it promising?

• Boosted performance: The upgraded hardware in the Google TV Streamer, including a faster processor and more RAM, could make all the difference in how well it renders content. We expect smoother playback of high-resolution content, faster load times, and the ability to juggle multiple content streams—key factors for a seamless digital signage experience.
• Extended software support: Since it’s a new release, the Google TV Streamer will likely enjoy a longer lifespan in terms of software and security updates. This means it’ll stay up-to-date and compatible with the latest apps, like Fugo, for years to come.
• Solid connectivity options: While it’s true that Wi-Fi 6 support isn’t on the table, the device still packs a punch with robust Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) capabilities and the option for a wired Ethernet connection. Reliable connectivity is crucial for keeping your digital signage content streaming smoothly.

Let’s not forget that many consumer streaming devices have found second lives as budget-friendly digital signage players—think the NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast with Google TV, and (though we no longer recommend it) the Amazon Fire TV Stick.

So, what’s the final verdict? While we can’t give a definitive answer just yet, the combination of improved performance and the ability to run Android 14 suggests that the Google TV Streamer could be a standout option for digital signage on a budget.

The future of digital signage and the Google TV Streamer

There's no question that the Google TV Streamer will be one of the most innovative streaming devices on the market. There's a lot to love for traditional consumers — and exciting possibilities for digital signage projects.

Here at Fugo, we’re eager to get our hands on it and see how it performs with our app. We’re pretty optimistic about what’s in store and can’t wait to share our insights with you.

In the meantime, why not learn more about Google and digital signage?

Check out some of these resources:

• How To Set Up Your Chromecast With Google TV For Digital Signage
• Why We Love ChromeOS for Digital Signage
• Using Google Chromecast for Digital Signage