NEW: Google TV Streamer Hands-on review + what's new

[@MrRogermash]

I bought the new google streamer as my 2nd streaming device with apple tv.Love them both.Thanks for a great video

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thanks for the view!

[@RaySpillane]

I don't have the new streamer yet, but with the older Chromecast with Google TV a double press of the back button at the top of the remote would immediately bring up the relevant Ambient/Screensaver display chosen in system settings.

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

This is why I love my audience: I just tried that and it works! Amazing. Thanks for letting me know.

[@TheCooIBlackGuy]

Great review! Thank you for specifically mentioning how any Bluetooth headphones can be added to the device-no other KZbin reviewer has covered this! Wishing you a pleasant day ahead ❤

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@LukeVesty]

If you just press the home button to get yourself back to the "for you" section, you then just press "back" and that will launch ambient mode manually.

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

This is why I love my audience: I just tried that and it works! Amazing. Thanks for letting me know.

[@BigJuice3001]

Awesome video. I'll wait for Black Friday when it hits $75.00

[@stephanechamberland8486]

Onn 4K Pro Google TV is better for at least (or more) than half the price at Wal Mart or Amazon !

[@leogodreau9505]

Got mine yesterday to replace the 2017 Nvidia Shield. Set it up and watched shows last night. I, and even the wife, was very impressed at the video quality. Very fast too. Took some time to get the volume working with the Samsung/Sonos setup but finally figured it out. So now I can sell my Sheild and Sofabaton remote. Remote is slippery like the Chromecast so I'll get a cover for it when available.

[@robmcgrath1242]

Hey, can you jump between open apps like on the nvidia shield (pressing home twice brings up a list of apps and is easy to jump between ) when I watch a KZbin video on this, go to Netflix and then back to KZbin, the video I was watching slows to a crawl with no audio

[@russelldye5506]

shield is still more powerfully, try factory rest it, if need more storage get external drive

[@spaceghost4474]

I didn't notice any ventilation openings anywhere, so I'm curious about possible overheating problems.

[@nikolov744]

No one is saying what processor google is using on this streamer

[@amigatommy7]

It is a MediaTech.

[@Hanad3]

The same as fire tv from 2021

[@Messy_Marv]

It's a MediaTek 8930 12nm SOC. Same chip as the one in the Fire Stick 4K. It's pretty underpowered

[@FlubFlubber]

An old one but i forgot which. But everything works great here like youtube and kodi with my nassystem and a tv app in my country.

[@The_développer]

MediaTek MT8696 SoC.

[@JR007x]

Great review and thank you! You’re one of the first reviewers to showcase this new product and always a solid review.

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching.

[@sams50]

good review, they definitely can do better with the ambient mode

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thanks! I agree, the ambient mode needs work.

[@sebahoy]

Nice review! I also heard that you can still cast from your phone or tablet which i think is great that they have kept like the old Chromecast! ☺️

[@retsehCelcnU]

Do I need a Google TV to view my Home devices? I can't find the option to view them on my new 4k Streamer.

[@Velvet_Mystique]

Very eloquent and in depth review. Keep it up Erin. New Subscriber!

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for the kind words.

[@robmcgrath1242]

Hey, can you jump between open apps like on the nvidia shield (pressing home twice brings up a list of apps and is easy to jump between ) when I watch a KZbin video on this, go to Netflix and then back to KZbin, the video I was watching slows to a crawl with no audio

[@curbsidetech]

Great review too bad they didnt add an extra type c port, but this seems like a nice upgrade

[@perriconemdbeauty43]

Nice video Erin 😊😊. I ordered the TV Streamer this morning. It will replace my Chromecast device. Thanks for a great review ❤. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪.

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for watching 😃

[@creatorbydefault]

Quite odd how an HDMI cable isn't included but as an additional purchase if you want to keep it white. Great review as alwsys Erin. Cheers!

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@10OF9OFBORG]

Very nice! Only con with any steammer devices are no sport. Cheers Erin! ☕️☕️

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Cheers back to you!

[@glitch_256]

My goodness that packaging. 😁Where art thou Google corporate colors? 😂 Design looks great though. Surprised with the AI art features. Might be fun for parties! Thanks for the review Erin and great takes! Learned some new things other reviewers seemed to have missed.

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thank you so much. I’m so glad you liked it.

[@TheDrCarpy]

Great review as always Erin! Very informative. It does matter to me. Liked the pun, it was witty!

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Yay, thank you! 😆

[@csmoran9]

I am not sure if you put up a video of the wrong chromecast, but the one you showed when you said you have been using them from the beginning was not the first edition. first one looked like a USB thumb drive

[@enadegheeghaghe6369]

What exactly did the Ambient mode to do or be?

[@theslimshadyist]

Does the remote have backlighting?

[@Rick-zj2gn]

Is there any way to put the streamer behind the tv?

[@YouGotPropofol]

Can you use nest speakers for audio output?

[@garyshekleton]

Not sure if you're aware but if you hit the "back button" while on the home screen on the default "for you" section it will activate the ambient mode straight away. Nice review of rhe new device by the way. 👌

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thanks for the kind words. I heard from a few others about the back button thing. I learned something today!

[@robhingston]

Call that an upgrade? when its using MediaTek MT8696 chip, the same SoC that the 2021 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max runs on nearly a 4 year old processor?

[@hagaming2609]

the curious case of erin lawrence. Aging backwards. Clear and concise as always. Great review !

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Haha! Thank you so much!

[@ronm6585]

Thanks Erin.

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thanks for watching Ron!

[@michaelwyckoff7593]

​@@ErinLawrenceTVROKU ultra 2024 is out now Erin😊❤

[@LucasSmith-i4m]

I might get one for Christmas

[@michaelb4512]

Can you surf the internet with google tv streamer im not exactly tech smart?Thankyou!

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Good question. Not as far as I can see but it is possible to cast an android phone to the tv so you could surf the web that way.

[@ken.matinale]

I want to see her put batteries in the remote control. A few years ago I got the previous version. I could not get the cover off the remote to insert batteries. I returned it.

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Interesting! The cover comes off easily.

[@RLJSlick]

Thank you for the great review!

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

My pleasure!

[@FlubFlubber]

I have it yesterday. For now i used Kodi with my nassystem, i watched few movies/serie and also few hours youtube, a tv app with football and everthing works so good. For me on this moment? It is worth the money. I have also a nvidia shield pro, great device, 220 euro pqyed for. But now i ginna use more the google streamer. Netflix gonna test it in a few days, maybe next week, we will see. It is a good device. I use utp cable.

[@WindomRettes]

Oh Canada, Lovin you Erin!

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thank you 😊

[@speedbird737]

Great review - can you install other home media apps like Plex or Kodi? I have my own media and don't using commercial streaming services. Someone needs to sell white HDMI cables too 🙂

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Oh I agree with the white HDMI Cables. Yes please. I’m not sure about Kodi and Plex. But I bet someone else here will know.

[@Messy_Marv]

Yes.

[@FlubFlubber]

I have the google streamer: i tested kodi with my nassystem, works perfect. Plex app also in the appstore and vlc player but i not tested the vlc player, i find kodi the best theire is. KZbin also works great on it.

[@russelldye5506]

yes & thrid part apks too

[@AEWBlog]

Love you Erin ☺️ Keep up the amazing work 🙏

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thank you so much!

[@AEWBlog]

@@ErinLawrenceTV my pleasure hun, have a wonderful week ☺️

[@sivaarumugam3137]

Detailed In depth review 😊 Hi i have built-in google tv in tv..?! Wheather i can buy or not needed please tell me....

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

If you already have Google TV built into your set, you would not need this device.

[@sivaarumugam3137]

@ErinLawrenceTV thanks for your clarification

[@retsehCelcnU]

They could have included the HDMI cable. Nice video!

[@lacrimula]

Na, i prefer to use my own and got nuff at home.

[@realrobertjohnson]

Thanks for the review neighbour! /=S=/🙏 I have three Chromecast with Google TV 4K, with an HD model for travel. I am looking at picking up this new Google TV Streamer for the primary TV in the house, but due to (1) having all of my gear up behind the TV (power, Ethernet, USB C hub with webcam for Google Meet calls on the TV), and (2) all of my furniture and SONOS being black/dark colours, I plan to put this unit behind my TV (which is still a very open space). Has anyone being using this behind their TV and have you experienced any issues doing so?

[@noxx01]

I've seen someone do it and they said there's no problem once you find a way to secure back there. But I would look out for connectivity issues with the Bluetooth remote or other Matter devices if you use the Streamer as a Matter Router

[@realrobertjohnson]

Update: I did install the unit behind the TV and have had no connectivity issues with basic usage of the device, i.e., connected via Ethernet and just the remote (no other Bluetooth devices connected).

[@ariothegamer5]

I want one but I’m stuck with the hd

[@gabrooji9925]

great video, keep making amazing content

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thank you for the kind words. 😃

[@webbo73]

You can buy the new remote seperately and use that with the previous gen device if you want to

[@webbo73]

You can also get a power adapter for the previous gen with an ethernet port built in (or use a usb-c hub) if you don't want to upgrade to the newer device yet.

[@IshmaelSimpson]

I'm using the new remote with my old 4K Chromecast with Google TV in hopes of using the find my remote button and...doesn't work. Also, the star button doesn't work either. The Chromecast recognises it as any other remote and not a Google TV remote. Disappointing. May as well just stick with your current remote. The only upgrade is the size, which is nice.

[@markricks]

Thank you. This was a very clear, concise review. Curious to know your thoughts: I have the Roku Ultra 4. Looking to upgrade to this device. Seems like for $99 it'll be worthwhile, especially long term. Whatcha think? (Just subscribed too :)

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thanks for the compliment 😃😃 I’ve been enjoying it but some commentators here feel it’s a bit limited.

[@markricks]

@@ErinLawrenceTV I'll let you know after I set-up mine this week. Honestly found your review to be the most helpful. Thanks again!

[@Sedp23]

whats the point of this versus using whatever is on your smart tv already?

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Some people use this on older tvs that aren’t connected or don’t have their fave streaming services. Other people prefer the interface to what’s on their tv.

[@russelldye5506]

if yr tech enthuses

[@noxx01]

A lot of the time the TV's OS is slow and laggy, it doesn't have a huge amount of apps available, etc..

[@barryfarrell4289]

I purchased one but my TV already did most of what this does. I can now see my Google cameras on the TV but what's the point of the 32gb storage? I saw that I could even connect a USB Hub to it so I did that expecting that I could stream contenet. No - so I have a streamer that does little more than the Smart TV already did, I have 32gb of storage plus a USB Hub that seems useless. Am I missing something?

[@TheBman3rd]

If you're in the for you tab press the back button and it'll turn on ambient mode right away.

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thank you!

[@macinman]

I'm the first one to comment and like one of your videos. I've seen reviews on this before, but always like to watch yours as well :). With that said I may get one of these at some point as I like what I've seen so far from the people who have reviewed it.

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@tetuone11]

The ONN 4k Pro is just as good at half the price. Just my opinion. Take care everyone.

[@tridens6708]

I'll keep my Chromecast 4K 😊

[@landcruiser77]

She is gorgeous 😍

[@gsoi3696]

The back button will get you to ambient mode screen

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

This is why I love my you guys: I just tried that and it works! Amazing. Thanks for letting me know.

[@SamoaMediaNZ]

It's great but watching IPTV, switching left to right is bad

[@TELEVISIONARCHIVES]

I like mine. My Nvidia Shield was slowing down over time so I sold it. This was a good replacement

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

This Google streamer won't pass lossless Atmos, whereas the Shield does. How does the Shield slow down? I've had one for 18 months and it's the same as it ever was. The Shield has a superior backlit remote, too.

[@unique_god]

Come on Google even mediocre Tv sticks have USB port how come this streaming box does not have any

[@russelldye5506]

i agree but y can use otg cable

[@apostolosmpikos8008]

It doesn't have the buttons to change the channel. P+ P-

[@noxx01]

Why would it? It's a streaming device. If apps want to have buttons to change channels they can use the navigation buttons on the remote

[@Messy_Marv]

At $100 this is such a disappointment. The MediaTek processor is garbage. Google could and should have put a Tensor G2 on it. It feels cheap. Yhe Apple TV 4K is premium at $139. Google using wifi 5 is inaccurate in 2024 especially at this price point. Wifi 6E is the standard. The Onn 4K Pro is a mich better streaming device at half the price.

[@enadegheeghaghe6369]

What difference will WiFi 6 instead of Wifi 5 make to your streaming experience? In my opinion absolutely none

[@Mr01dschool]

Not what you would expect in a $100 box in 2024.

[@Messy_Marv]

@@enadegheeghaghe6369 As for streaming it doesn't matter but if you're running a Plex server and viewing 10gb Blu-ray files it will matter because it will be slower.

[@SolarizeYourLife]

Sadly Google home is not local control even with matter...its a no for me...

[@joe10117]

talking to fasr

[@mbvx7]

This wouldn't set up using a google Pixel 9 on the latest OS. had to set the entire thing up manually. It also can't multitask i.e. It must pause while using voice, or it you hold home button, it pauses the TV while you adjust lights etc. Kind of lame. To not be able to do 2 things at once in 2024 is pathetic. it's fast and fluid at what it does, but it's half as good as an AppleTV. Just buy an Apple TV.

[@niallquinn4136]

A 4 year old tech put into it at a cost of $99 . They really cut corners on this copped out on chips and processor. Hard pass . Ranked 8th on benchmark scores . Do your homework before buying this !

[@thebigdoghimself]

We have 4 of the regular google chromcasts and an invidia sheild. I don't see a reason to upgrade to this unit, and if i were to upgrade one of our devices, I'd most likely just get another sheild.

[@jaysea838]

Completely off topic question here. Do you use the shield to stream off something like plex? I have not updated my shield in 2-3 years because of reported compatibility issues.. never went back to see if resolved. Secondly, have you tried any of the new streaming devices as of late? I am really curious to know if the shield still stands tall as it used to. (I still love it and think it’s the ultimate streaming device but that could be ignorance bias as I haven’t used anything new recently to compare.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

The Shield is $280. This is $129. The Shield is much more powerful, IMO, but more than twice the price.