### Google TV Streamer Review: Impressive, Yet Flawed
The market for streaming devices has grown more competitive, with key contenders such as Amazon, Roku, and Google all competing for the lead. After a four-year absence following the launch of the Chromecast with Google TV (4K), Google is back with a fresh option: the **Google TV Streamer**. Retailing at $99.99, this device seeks to offer a top-tier streaming experience while also functioning as a smart home controller. But does it meet expectations? Let’s explore the advantages, disadvantages, and overall functioning of this new gadget.
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### **Android Central Rating: 4/5**
The Google TV Streamer is a commendable successor to the Chromecast with Google TV (4K), featuring an elegant design, smart home compatibility, and a more robust processor. Nevertheless, it does have its shortcomings, including some performance issues and absent features. Regardless of these imperfections, it delivers one of the finest Google TV experiences accessible today, albeit at a slightly elevated price than some may prefer.
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### **Pros:**
– **Chic and Contemporary Redesign:** The Google TV Streamer boasts a soft-touch surface and a color-coordinated voice remote, adding a touch of elegance to any entertainment setup.
– **Smart Home Capability:** The device serves as a Thread border router and is compatible with Matter, making it a flexible hub for smart home gadgets.
– **Enhanced Remote:** The updated remote features a “Find My Remote” option, which is invaluable for users who often misplace it.
– **Expandable Storage:** Although the device has 32GB of built-in storage, you can increase it via a USB-C hub, a perk for advanced users.
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### **Cons:**
– **HDMI Cable Not Included:** Google has omitted an HDMI cable from the package, which is a surprising oversight for a device priced this way.
– **Performance Limitations:** Although the device is more capable than its predecessor, it still has some constraints, especially in gaming and app compatibility.
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### **Price & Availability**
The Google TV Streamer was unveiled on August 6 and became available on September 24, 2023. It is offered in two shades—Hazel and Porcelain—and retails for $99.99 from major outlets such as Best Buy, Target, and directly from Google. While the pricing is competitive, it is noteworthy that an HDMI cable is not included in the box, which may pose an inconvenience for certain users.
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### **What You’ll Appreciate**
#### **Design and Build Quality**
The Google TV Streamer breaks away from the plug-and-play dongle style of the Chromecast. Instead, it presents itself as a sleek, standalone unit that enhances any living room or home office decor. The soft-touch exterior and color-coordinated remote provide a high-end impression, and the combination of ports (HDMI 2.1, USB-C, and Ethernet) enhances its functionality.
#### **Smart Home Capability**
A highlight of the Google TV Streamer is its smart home features. It functions as a Thread border router, allowing it to act as a controller for Matter-compatible smart home appliances. The Home Panel function enables control over lights, locks, and thermostats directly from your TV, adding convenience to any smart home framework.
#### **Find My Remote Functionality**
The updated remote includes a “Find My Remote” function, which may seem minor but is exceedingly practical. If you’ve ever misplaced your remote in the sofa cushions, this feature will be highly valued.
#### **Expandable Storage**
With 32GB of internal storage, the Google TV Streamer offers more room than many rival devices. However, for those seeking additional space, it can be expanded using a USB-C hub. This is especially advantageous for users who enjoy sideloading applications or using the device for retro gaming.
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### **What You May Dislike**
#### **Aged Processor**
One of the more perplexing choices Google made concerning the TV Streamer is the selection of its processor. The device runs on the MediaTek MT8696, the same chipset found in the 2021 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. While it performs satisfactorily for everyday tasks, it lacks the future-proofing one might desire, particularly for a device released in 2023.
#### **Limited App Support**
While the Google TV Streamer accommodates the majority of popular streaming applications, it struggles in the domain of game streaming services. Notably absent are Xbox Game Pass, PS Remote Play, and Amazon Luna, which may disappoint gamers hoping to utilize the device for cloud gaming.
#### **Absence of HDMI Cable**
It is perplexing that Google opted not to provide an HDMI cable within the package. Although many users likely possess extra cables, this oversight is an unnecessary inconvenience, particularly for a device at this pricing level.
