# **Google’s TV Streamer Bypasses Crowded APAC Markets: A Tactical Choice?**
Google’s recent streaming device, the **Google TV Streamer**, has generated buzz since its debut in August of last year. Nonetheless, recent findings indicate that the tech titan has opted to bypass several significant markets in the **Asia-Pacific (APAC) region**, citing fierce competition as the main factor.
## **Google’s Choice to Evade Certain Markets**
As per **Mike Abary**, Google’s **VP of Devices and Services for APAC**, the company has no intention of launching the **Google TV Streamer** in **Taiwan, Malaysia, India, or Singapore**. The rationale? These regions already experience a **high concentration of smart TV devices**, complicating the process for a new offering to gain a foothold.
Google has been diligently observing the **competitive landscape** in these areas and concluded that rolling out a new streaming device may not yield profitable outcomes. Instead, the company will persist in providing its existing **Chromecast dongle** in these markets.
## **Reasons Behind Google’s Market Avoidance**
Google’s choice to **bypass certain APAC countries** is grounded in several pivotal factors:
1. **Fierce Competition**
Regions like India and Singapore are already home to a **variety of smart TV devices** from brands such as **Amazon (Fire TV Stick), Xiaomi, Apple TV, and Roku**. This situation renders it difficult for Google to secure a solid foothold.
2. **Market Saturation**
Numerous consumers in these areas possess **smart TVs equipped with built-in streaming functionalities**, diminishing the demand for external streaming gadgets.
3. **Price Sensitivity**
In price-sensitive markets like India and Malaysia, consumers frequently lean towards **cost-effective streaming options**. Competing with economical choices from local and international brands would necessitate assertive pricing strategies.
4. **Availability of Existing Chromecast**
Google perceives its **Chromecast dongle** as a still viable alternative for these markets. However, it’s important to note that the Chromecast is no longer accessible in **India or Singapore** through the **Google Store**, compelling consumers to depend on third-party vendors.
## **What Sets the Google TV Streamer Apart?**
The **Google TV Streamer** represents a notable enhancement over the Chromecast dongle, providing:
– **32GB of storage** (twice the capacity of the Chromecast)
– **4K HDR compatibility**
– **Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support**
– **Smart home integration**
– **AI-driven content suggestions (via Gemini AI)**
Since its release, the device has been updated several times, introducing **improved audio settings** and the removal of **Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio codecs**.
## **Implications for Consumers**
For users in **Taiwan, Malaysia, India, and Singapore**, Google’s choice signifies that they will need to **adhere to existing streaming alternatives** like Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or Apple TV. While the **Google TV Streamer** presents a superior experience, its unavailability in these regions implies that Google is focusing on markets where it perceives **greater growth opportunities**.
## **Concluding Thoughts**
Google’s decision to **bypass heavily congested APAC markets** is a tactical move aimed at **preventing unwarranted competition**. While this might disappoint some users, it underscores Google’s emphasis on **selective market growth** over **aggressive global expansions**.
For the time being, consumers in these regions will have to **depend on third-party sellers** if they wish to acquire the **Google TV Streamer**—or simply wait to see if Google revises its position in the future.
