Past the Alphabet
Past the Alphabet is a weekly column that focuses on the tech world each in and out of the confines of Mountain View.
On August 2, 2021, Google’s efforts within the shopper market had been modified ceaselessly. That is when the Pixel 6 was formally confirmed, as Google seemingly grew bored with seeing its personal cellphone being leaked again and again. After somewhat over two months handed, the Pixel 6 and 6 Professional had been introduced, with a subsequent launch per week and a half later.
Quick ahead to at this time, and Google’s most up-to-date Pixel lineup consists of 4 slab telephones, a foldable cellphone, a pill, and a watch. All of which mix to supply the cohesive expertise we used to lengthy for. Extra just lately, the Google TV Streamer was thrown into the combination, coming as a alternative for the long-standing Chromecast sequence.
I do not assume Google’s fairly carried out but both, as the present Nest Hub shall be 4 years outdated in March 2025, whereas the Nest Hub Max will have a good time its sixth birthday in Might 2025. I am nonetheless of the mindset that the Pixel Pill is quietly working as Google’s alternative for the Nest Hub Max, however I am nonetheless looking forward to a Gemini-powered Nest revamp.
So why is it that the Google TV Streamer is extra necessary than simply being a alternative for a Chromecast? As a result of it is proof, to me a minimum of, that Google is dedicated to offering a premium expertise throughout its complete product lineup. It is no completely different than what Apple has been doing for years, however simply at somewhat little bit of a slower tempo.
Not solely does the TV Streamer serve up a brand new method to watch your favourite films and reveals, but it surely additionally operates because the central hub for every part in your house. That is because of the built-in Thread border router, along with supporting the Matter good residence customary. Talking of which, this additionally means that you would be able to join the Streamer to Apple HomeKit, but it surely’s not one thing I like to recommend.
That is not all, although, because the TV Streamer additionally launched a brand new Good Residence Panel. Primarily, it is the identical interface that you just get when opening the Residence app in your cellphone, lending extra credence to the entire cohesive ecosystem thought from earlier than. In fact, it is not some revolutionary thought or something of the kind, however it’s a new (and welcome) addition to the Google playbook.
No, the TV Streamer is not as highly effective as the most recent Apple TV, and sure, it is most likely utilizing a processor that is about as outdated because the Nest Hub Max. However so long as Google would not absolutely embrace the Amazon route, implementing adverts at each flip, then we needs to be nice for the following few years. Enjoying into Google’s favor is that the TV Streamer affords twice as a lot RAM and storage in comparison with the Fireplace TV Stick 4K Max.
We have reached the purpose the place I really feel extra comfy than ever recommending Google’s ecosystem to those that try to determine the place to start out. Amazon would most likely be an in depth second, not due to the Fireplace TV or Fireplace Tablets, however due to the variety of good residence corporations that function underneath its umbrella.
However with the TV Streamer offering Matter and Thread help, it’s best to (ultimately) be capable to tie these merchandise into Google Residence anyway. Higher but, you do not have to attend for good accent makers to implement Matter or Thread help, as you possibly can simply use Residence Assistant on a Raspberry Pi. That is a narrative for one more day.
The entire thought of offering a premium expertise extends past even the TV Streamer and Nest Thermostat. I surmise it is also a part of the rationale why the Chromebook Plus moniker was born. This alone gives separation between low cost Chromebooks and people which can be extra performant because of Google’s minimal spec necessities.
Main the pack on this regard is a well-known face, because the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus will quickly present a premium expertise on the excessive finish of the house. Google and Samsung labored intently collectively in the course of the improvement course of. Whereas that is one thing we have heard earlier than (HP), Samsung and Google’s relationship is simply a bit completely different from the remaining.
What I am actually hoping for is the Galaxy Chromebook Plus to cleared the path for a brand new Pixelbook. Sorry, however that is a drum that I will by no means cease beating till it lastly occurs. Within the meantime, I will simply sit again and end watching the remainder of this soccer sport on the TV Streamer.
On the coronary heart of your private home
The brand new Google TV Streamer is every part you might need from a premium TV streaming gadget. It may not be probably the most highly effective gadget on the block, but it surely’s undoubtedly one of many extra feature-rich options.
