There are some products in our lives that we like to use all the time without thinking about it. We think of faucets, which need to be able to be turned on and off to avoid leaks. That’s about it. Google’s new Google TV Streamer is a leak-free TV faucet powered by Android. Once you log into your various accounts and start streaming, you’ll barely notice they’re there, but you’ll have easy access to all your favorite shows and movies. You can also use the remote control to control connected devices in your home, such as lights, speakers, and plugs.
Casting from your phone is simple and easy, and this new $100 streaming device has the same capabilities found on previous generation devices like Google Chromecast and some current generation TVs powered by Google’s TV operating system. , without the occasional erratic performance. If you don’t like your current TV interface or want to be sure you’re streaming from a well-managed app on a device that supports Dolby Vision and a wired internet connection, this is a great option.
easy setup
The flat, cylindrical streaming device and pill-shaped remote are nearly plug-and-play, but it’s worth noting that the design is a big change from the Chromecast of yore. Google’s TV dongle no longer dangles from the side of your TV. This streamer is meant to be displayed loud and proud on your media console.
Photo: Parker Hall
There is one HDMI 2.1 port, one USB C port for power, and one Ethernet port for wired internet. Next to the ports on the back is a small button that allows you to make the remote beep and display its location. My forgetful brain has Google engineers to thank for this. I wish the streamer had come with an HDMI cable because I had to search for one in my closet. This was not an issue with previous products that had a built-in HDMI cable.
The remote control is large enough that you just need to find a flat surface about the size of a cell phone to place it. It’s not the most convenient thing ever, but it’s not the most annoying either. The buttons aren’t backlit, but they have gray and black text on a white background, making them easy to see even in low light. It has a simple layout, with the volume buttons on the right side of the remote for easy access, and the home button right above, so you won’t accidentally press it in the middle of a movie.
Once you’ve turned on Google TV Streamer, log in to your Google Account (and any other streaming accounts you have these days) and you’re good to go. If you don’t want to use the on-screen TV keyboard to enter passwords, you can do all of this through the Google Home app. I started watching Netflix within 5 minutes. (Also supports all major apps like Max, Paramount+, Amazon Prime, and Pluto TV).
smart home controller
When connected via Google Home, Google TV Streamer acts as a smart home display that easily controls lights, security cameras, thermostats, and more. A screen called the home panel will appear on the right side of your TV screen, which will show you what is connected and allow you to control it. The experience is similar to the lock screen home panel on Google Pixel tablets and many Android smartphones.
I’m not a smart home person. I use some Alexa speakers to set alarms and play Spotify, but the rest of the house is woefully unconnected. We asked fellow WIRED reviewer and connected home guru Nena Farrell to test out the smart home features, and she reported that they work very well. Voice commands to Google Assistant were responsive, and we liked using the TV screen for smart home control. She was able to use the remote control to turn off the lights even when the TV was off. It can also be used to monitor smart doorbells and cameras, which WIRED editor Julian Cioccatu says can be very useful on movie nights, since you can check for motion alerts without having to search for your phone in the dark. says.
