Google TV Streamer at Two Years: Capable Software, Aging Hardware, Android Authority Says

Android Authority said the Google TV Streamer represented a major shift when it arrived, dropping the Chromecast name and offering a more premium experience. In the two years since, Google has not overhauled the interface heavily, but it has added features including customized content recommendations around streaming services users watch, easier Bluetooth headphone pairing and an apps-only mode that makes the interface closer to Roku’s. The device also gained Gemini support, which the publication said brought better conversational topic search, deep-dive walkthroughs, advanced show recaps and live sports scoreboards.

The Streamer remains a useful smart-home companion through Matter and Thread support, now updated to Thread 1.4, according to the report. The writer said they use it to control lights and a smart thermostat and to check front and back door security cameras. Android Authority also said casting remains part of the experience, and that the device works well for emulation and light Android gaming because it offers decent storage and supports Bluetooth gaming controllers.

The assessment identified hardware shortcomings. Android Authority noted that the Google TV Streamer still uses Wi-Fi 5 even though Wi-Fi 6 arrived in 2019 and Wi-Fi 7 debuted in 2024. It also lacks an additional USB port, so wired controllers require a hub connected to the single USB-C port, the publication said. The writer compared it with the Onn 4K Pro, which has a full USB port used for webcams and USB controllers.

The biggest missing feature, according to Android Authority, is hands-free support. The publication said the Onn 4K Pro, which costs about half as much as the Google TV Streamer, already offers hands-free controls, while rumors suggest Apple and Google are preparing to add the feature to their next streamers. Android Authority said Onn’s hardware is less polished but that its hands-free support is impressive for the price, and that the writer has used it to ask questions, change settings and ping a lost remote.

Android Authority said it would like Google’s eventual successor to add a full USB port and hands-free support, and to adopt newer Wi-Fi standards.

Editor's Summary

The Google TV Streamer, launched in 2024 as Chromecast’s successor, is still judged capable two years later, with Gemini and smart-home features added through software. Android Authority says its Wi-Fi 5, single USB-C port and lack of hands-free support leave room for a successor, especially as cheaper rivals offer some of those features.