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A recent leak finally shows what Google’s next “Chromecast” product will look like. The device would radically change things, both in design and branding. Say hello to “Google TV Streamer,” the potential successor to the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) from 2020.
Until now, all Chromecast devices have used a dongle format. Although the design of the product changed, it had always stuck to the same philosophy. That is, they were compact dongles that “hung” from an HDMI port, usually hiding behind your TV. However, it seems that Google wants its next streaming devices to have more prominence in your entertainment center.
This Google TV Streamer set-top box could replace Chromecast with Google TV 4K
As reported by 9to5Google, the Google TV Streamer will use a format similar to a set-top box. The leaked images show a device with a pill-shaped inclined surface that slightly resembles the charging base of the Pixel Tablet. It is unknown if this new design has any functional reason, although the report suggests it would be ideal for using the Pixel Tablet’s Tap to Cast feature.
The rear area of the Google TV Streamer includes the classic HDMI and power ports. Moving on to talk about the remote, the change is much less radical, being quite similar to the current Chromecast with Google TV. However, it appears to be a bit longer and now includes the “Magic” button announced in 2022 and recently debuted on the Onn 4K Pro.
Interestingly, Google appears to be ditching the “Chromecast” branding with this product. This is interesting, since “Chromecast” has made a respectable name for itself in the streaming dongle industry. However, this is not Google’s first move in this direction. This year, the company replaced the “Chromecast built-in” certification with “Google Cast.” Lastly, it is not yet known if the Google TV Streamer will completely replace the Chromecast with Google TV (4K), or if the company will keep both products on the market.
