• Google has revealed its latest TV box, the Google TV Streamer.
• The 4K supporting TV box has AI-powered features like curating content and screensaver generation.
• It is available now only in the US so far, for double the price of the Google Chromecast.

A brand new TV streaming device has been introduced by Google, simply called the Google TV Streamer, and it is set to be the go-to smart TV device for the company going forward, eventually replacing the Chromecast.

The device is now available only in the United States and is minimalist in design weighing 161 grams, shipping with only the streamer device, a voice-activated control remote, a USB cable, a power adapter and batteries for the remote. You will have to buy your HDMI cable separately.

It is available in Hazel and Porcelain colourways and goes for $99 or around R1 815.

The streamer is like other streaming boxes in the sense that it will allow you to download and watch any number of apps and software, like Netflix, Disney+ and many others that are supported by Android OS. It also supports 4K streaming.

Audio-wise it supports Dolby Digital, Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos. It has 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage space. Google also says on the device’s store page that it is made from 65 percent recycled plastic.

The Google TV Streamer is about double the price of the original Chromecast, but double the specs and the Streamer’s remote control comes with a host of smart home and AI features via Gemini. This includes the ability to dim the lights using the Streamer, or access your smart home camera, like Ring or similar.

There is even a button on the TV box that pings the remote so that you can locate it if you lose it, such as between the couch cushions.

And that’s about it, with the most impressive AI features detailed by a Tom’s Guide review. The publication states that you can now receive Gemini-powered summaries of films and series, as well as overviews. Gemini will also help you curate content and find shows and movies to watch, with each profile having different curated lists thanks to its generative AI.

And finally, you can use the image generator to create custom screensavers via voice prompt.

Unfortunately, the Google TV Streamer is only available in the US right now, but it is likely to ship to more countries, including South Africa in the next few months. Keep a look out on Hypertext as we will cover a local launch.