So long, Chromecast: Google TV Streamer available today with these new features

Following last month’s announcement of the new Google TV Streamer<!–> and Nest Learning Thermostat–>, Google users have been waiting for the official launch of the streaming device to replace the Chromecast. Today, Google said that the Google TV Streamer is coming to store shelves, physically and virtually.

The new Google TV Streamer reinvents the idea of Google’s Chromecast, going from a dongle that lives on the back or side of your television to a tabletop device that will sit proudly on display. The Google TV Streamer features the Nest aesthetic, with rounded corners and light and earthy colors, eerily reminiscent of the trim kit on a Nest Thermostat.

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When Google announced the new TV streaming device, the company explained it would double as a smart home hub, which is partly why it looks so different and more hub-like than the Chromecast. Now, Google has announced two new features for the Google TV Streamer: updates to Google TV Freeplay and a Sports Page.

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Google TV Freeplay is the company’s free channel offering, featuring 150 free, built-in channels without subscription. Google added several more free channels and redesigned the Google TV Freeplay application to make it easier to browse by gender and topic through an updated channel guide. 

You can also access a new Sports Page in the For You tab within Google TV, which includes content from your favorite sports teams. This new Sports Page will show personalized updates and recommendations, live and scheduled games, highlights from YouTube,  and sports commentary.

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Google also announced it’s expanding its list of partner brands, including art TVs from Hisense and TCLs, smart monitors from Asus, and Projectors by Epson, XGIMI, Vankyo, and Hisense Laser TV. Google TV also will be available in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Phillippines.

The Google TV Streamer–> is now available for $100. It supports 4K resolution and features Android TV OS. It also supports Matter and functions as a Thread border router. It features a USB-C power and data port and HDMI 2.1 and Ethernet ports. 

Source: Robotics - zdnet.com