Google is working on a follow-up to its Chromecast with Google TV (4K) streaming device, which launched back in 2020, to challenge the latest efforts from rivals like Roku and Fire TV. According to Google-centric blog 9to5Google, the new gadget will be called Google TV Streamer.
The designers at Google look set to ditch the compact dongle form factor that plugs directly into the HDMI port at the back of your flatscreen telly — something that was popularised with the original Chromecast launched by Google in July 2013. It went on to become the go-to design with rival devices, like the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Amazon's entire Fire TV Stick line-up.
The so-called Google TV Streamer is much larger than previous iterations of the hardware and has a design that looks closer to a wireless charging mat than previous efforts from the Chromecast team
Google has redesigned the remote, ditching the Google Assistant logo in favour of a more generic microphone icon, and bringing the volume rockers onto the face for the first time
Leaked promotional images of the Google TV Streamer, published by 9to5Google, reveal a new tabletop design.
It doesn't look much bigger than the remote control, but nonetheless, it's a significant increase in volume compared to the previous generation, which hung like a pendant from the back of the HDMI port in your television. It's unclear whether this bigger size serves a functional purpose.
The pill-shaped Google TV Streamer has a slanted design that's reminiscent of the magnetic dock that ships with the Pixel Tablet, transforming this iPad competitor into a smart home hub with an expansive 11-inch screen.
The leaked images of the Google TV Streamer show two cords trailing from the back of the set-top box, presumably HDMI and power cables. The redesign is closer to what we've seen from the Apple TV, Roku Express box, or the Nvidia Shield compared to earlier iterations of the Chromecast.
Chromecast with Google TV was offered in three colours, known as Sky (a pale blue), Sunrise (coral), and Snow (white). The incoming Google TV Streamer is pictured in a similar colour to Snow, but it's unclear whether there are more colours planned.
The remote control looks similar to the one found in the box with the Chromecast with Google TV, albeit a little longer. That's because the newer model has squeezed-in Back and Home buttons on the first row. Google has added a button with a microphone icon, replacing the Google Assistant-branded button that was featured on its predecessor, released four years ago.
It has a raised bump to make it easier to find in the dark during a movie night.
Google TV Streamer will follow the Chromecast with Google TV 4K, first launched in 2020, that plugged directly into the HDMI port of your television and arrived in three colours
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The volume rocker has been moved from the right-side edge to the face of the remote control, and the team at Google has seemingly added a new mute button too. Shortcuts for Netflix and YouTube, owned and operated by the parent company as Google, also make an appearance.
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It's unclear whether the Google TV Streamer will replace the Chromecast with Google TV, which is available in 4K and HD-only variants.
While it might ditch the "Chromecast" branding, this new set-top box is sure to still have the ability to "Cast" video, photos, apps, and more from your smartphone, tablet, or Google Chrome web browser to the television.
Google has announced plans to hold a hardware event on August 13, where it's widely expected to unveil its latest flagship Android smartphone, purportedly named the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. Some tipsters suggest that a new Pixel Watch smartwatch is planned too, and it's possible we'll also see the Google TV Streamer make an appearance.
