Google Ditching Dongle Design, ‘Chromecast’ Name for New Streaming Player Model
As previously reported, the new streaming device is likely to ship before 2024 ends.
For years now, Google has offered a line of streaming devices under the Google Chromecast brand. These devices offered the ability to stream TV shows and movies from all the top on-demand services, with full HD and Ultra-High-Definition 4K models available. Word first leaked in April that the company was at work on a new streaming device, and now 9to5 Google has additional details regarding the new player, which will be a radical departure from past Google streaming dongles.
Key Details:
- Google is moving forward with the name “Google TV Streamer” for its latest device, sidestepping the “Chromecast” name.
- The new player is not a plug-in dongle, but more akin to a set-top cable box.
- The Google TV Streamer is expected to offer 4K streaming ability and to launch later this year.
The new Google streaming device will break with past models in a big way by leaving the “Chromecast” name behind. Instead, the company has decided to name its new device the “Google TV Streamer,” and the updated name is not the only major change customers can expect to see.
Google is also changing the design of the Google TV Streamer. Instead of a compact dongle that plugs into your HDMI port and can be tucked out of sight, the new design will be closer to a set-top cable box of old. The pill-shaped base will still have a low-height profile but will require at least a little space on the surface of your entertainment center.
Photos courtesy of 9to5 Google
The new device’s remote will also represent an evolution from past designs. Unlike Google Chromecast remotes, the new clicker will see the volume toggle moved from the side of the device back to the front panel. I’m a particular fan of this update; every time I handle a remote with volume buttons on the side, I find myself accidentally pressing them every time I pick it up to pause or change the channel.
The remote will also have two dedicated shortcut buttons, for YouTube and for Netflix. Google decided less is more in this case, and is giving viewers quick access to the two streaming platforms identified by Nielsen as the most-used in the United States. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Google operates YouTube, and will help boost its own ad revenues every time someone uses the YouTube shortcut. Of course, viewers will still be able to stream Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, and other streaming services on the Google TV Streamer, there just won’t be dedicated shortcut buttons for them.
This new update from 9to5 Google is the first update on the Google TV Streamer since the device’s creation was first reported in April. At that time, sources told 9to5 Google that while there was no concrete launch date for the new player, it would be available to purchase at some point before 2024 ends. The Google TV Streamer is expected to have 4K streaming ability, meaning viewers with compatible TVs will be able to watch any shows or movies offered by their favorite streaming services in 4K the way they were meant to be seen.
Google Chromecast
Google Chromecast is a streaming device that can be used to watch Live TV Streaming Services and On Demand Streaming Services.
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