The Chromecast, Google’s small, affordable multimedia box, is giving way to a new, larger, more ambitious version, boosted with artificial intelligence but also much more expensive.
The Chromecast has been around for 11 years now. This little box from Google, which initially looked like an HDMI key, has continued to evolve throughout the last decade. Designed to enjoy content from a smartphone on the big TV screen using the Wi-Fi network, it has over time transformed into a small, discreet pebble and has been enhanced with quite a few functions. In 2020, it welcomed the Google TV interface and also came with a remote control, allowing you to transform any TV with an HDMI socket into a Smart TV, all for a really attractive price (starting at 40 euros for a Chromecast HD with Google TV). In the summer of 2024, Google decided to rethink its Chromecast, rename it and enhance it with new functions to the point of making it a digital hub for the home and a multimedia box. Say goodbye to Chromecast and make way for Google TV Streamer.
First of all, the design of the device has been completely revised. While the Chromecast was relatively discreet, generally remaining hidden behind the TV by hanging at the end of its short HDMI cable, the TV Streamer wants to assert its presence. The device has an oblong shape of 16 cm long and 7.5 cm wide. It looks like a wireless charger for a smartphone placed flat. It is mounted on a slightly inclined base. It is therefore much more imposing than the current Chromecasts and will have to take its place on the furniture, near the TV.
At the back, of course, there is an HDMI cable for connecting to the TV, a power socket and an Ethernet port for connecting to the wired network. The device can of course connect via Wi-Fi according to the Wi-Fi 5 standard. The TV Streamer is therefore two trains behind the standard, surprisingly. Also at the back is a small button. It allows you to locate the remote control that comes with it if it ever gets lost between the cushions of the sofa.
The remote control, in fact, has also evolved compared to that of the current Chromecast with Google TV. The volume control buttons have migrated from the edge (where they were not always practical to locate) to the upper face. A new configurable button also appears at the bottom of the remote. It allows you to launch the application of your choice, change the source or open the home panel.
Google TV Streamer: Gemini AI takes control
Under the hood, the device is also evolving. It has a processor that is 22% more powerful than the current Chromecast and 32 GB of storage space to store more apps. It can display images up to 4K and is compatible with HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. The Google TV interface is also enriched and offers digital hub functions. For example, it allows you to display images captured by home surveillance cameras (the device is compatible with the Matter and Thread protocols) and of course integrates Gemini.
It will be possible to ask him questions but also to use his abilities to analyze what is filmed by the surveillance cameras. A kind of benevolent Big Brother in some ways. Google gives as an example a situation where Gemini is asked to check if the children have left their bikes in the driveway. Gemini analyzes the images, identifies the bikes and does not hesitate to reveal that this situation has already occurred three times in the last two days.
A bunch of interesting new features but they come at a high price. While it was possible to get a Chromecast with Google TV for 40 euros (or 70 euros for the 4K version), the TV streamer is now sold at 119 euros. For anyone who doesn’t have surveillance cameras to manage, multimedia boxes (starting at around fifty euros) are much more affordable.