When Google launched Chromecast in 2013, most TVs weren't smart and required users to attach an additional piece of hardware to access content from streaming services like Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime. But now that the majority of TVs already ship with some sort of software that lets transform your TV into an entertainment hub, Chromecast has become sort of redundant. Unsurprisingly, Google is saying goodbye to Chromecast, the pocket sized dongle which made it easy to stream shows and movies from mobile and tablets to the big screen. In a blog post, the tech giant said that it is replacing Chromecast with TV Streamer, a new wedge shaped device that offers a plethora of new features and comes with Gemini integration. To give you a quick recap, the latest Google Chromecast with Google TV was launched back in 2022. Google TV Streamer offer lets you browse from more than 7,00,000 movies and shows via streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV and also grants you access to 800 plus free channels. The device also uses Google AI along with your watching preferences to suggest content from all your subscriptions and lets you create watchlists for every member of your home. It also supports Gemini, which can be used to get summaries, reviews and season- by-season breakdown of content, making it easier to watch a show you haven’t tuned into in a while. Google says you can also turn “an idle TV into a work of art” by pulling up your favourite photos from Google Photos or creating an AI generated screensaver art. While Google has stopped the production of Chromecast, it plans to continue to offer support and software and security updates for the latest devices. Compared to the 2020 Chromecast with Google TV, the new Google TV Streamer brings some significant upgrades to the hardware. Not only is it 22 per cent faster than the 2020 Google Chromecast, the TV Streamer also features double the amount of RAM (2GB vs 4GB) and 32GB internal storage compared to 8GB storage on Chromecast. Also, you get 4K 60fps streaming support in addition to HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. When paired with Google Pixel Buds, you can also enjoy spatial audio. On the connectivity front, you get an HDMI 1.1 connector, one USB-C port and a dedicated Ethernet port for those who want faster internet. The remote that comes with TV Streamer is now longer, with Google moving the volume buttons to the top and adding a new customisation button that can be remapped to launch your favourite app, switch inputs or open the new smart home control center. You can also use it as a smart home hub for all your Google Home and Matter enabled devices. Google TV Streamer is currently available for pre-order and will be available from September 24 for $99.99, which roughly translates to somewhere around Rs 8,000.
