Google has announced a new streaming box: the “Google TV Streamer” is flat, elongated and has an Ethernet port for optional wired access to the internet. It also supports the Matter smart home protocol and has a built-in Thread router, which is why Google is also promoting the device as the center of a networked home.
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As a streaming box, the device, which costs 120 euros, supports 4K resolution, including Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Compared to the current Chromecast, the processor performance is said to have improved by 22 percent. Google writes in an announcement. 32 GB of storage space is available for local content such as apps.
The Google TV streamer is ideally connected to the television with an HDMI 2.1 cable to be able to use all the features at high resolution. The cable is not included and must be purchased separately.
Smart Home Center with Remote Control
To use the Google TV streamer as the hub of your smart home, you need to connect it to a television – the device does not have its own display. Smart home functions can be accessed using a new button on the remote control. The control panel then opens on the connected screen, which you can use to access the camera feed, dim the lights or control the temperature. The remote control is synchronized with the Google Home app.
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Anyone who has lost the remote control or has made it disappear in the depths of the sofa cushions can locate it using a voice command. The voice command “Hey Google, find my remote control” on a Google speaker or cell phone causes the remote control to play a sound – alternatively, you can also trigger this sound by pressing a button on the back of the Google TV streamer.
In Germany, the Google TV streamer will be available from September 24 for 120 euros in porcelain white. So far only the black version has been announced for the United States.
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