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| The Google TV Streamer |
The Google TV Streamer is set to revolutionize the streaming experience with exciting new features and enhanced connectivity options. Earlier this week, we got a glimpse of the Google TV Streamer, and now, emerging specifications suggest this device could bring significant upgrades over its predecessors.
FCC Filing Hints at New Features
The Google TV Streamer recently appeared at the FCC under Quanta Computer’s account, rather than Google’s usual A4R account. Quanta Computer has previously manufactured notable Google products like the Pixelbook, Pixel Slate, and Pixelbook Go. The model name GRS6B aligns with Google’s typical naming convention of starting with a 'G' followed by alphanumeric characters.
Enhanced Connectivity Options
The FCC filing describes the Google TV Streamer as a "wireless device" and includes diagrams showing connections to a television via HDMI cable, along with Ethernet and USB cables. This strongly suggests that the Google TV Streamer might feature both USB-C and Ethernet ports. The device is confirmed to support "Full connection mode" (with the Ethernet port connected to WLAN AP and HDMI port connected to TV) and "stand-alone mode."
In terms of power supply, there is speculation about whether the device will feature a second USB-C port or use a barrel plug, similar to recent Google smart home devices.
Advanced Radio and Wireless Capabilities
The Google TV Streamer will run on Android, as evidenced by the use of Android Debug Bridge (adb) during testing. It will support various wireless standards, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n, Wi-Fi 5GHz 802.11a/n/ac, and Thread. The inclusion of a Thread radio, also found in the Pixel 9 series, will enable direct communication with compatible smart home devices, allowing for seamless integration and control via Google Assistant.
Potential Hardware Specifications
Although specific details about the processor and RAM are not confirmed, there is speculation that the Google TV Streamer might feature an Amlogic S905X4 chipset, an upgrade from the 4K Chromecast's X3. This would provide better performance, more storage, and increased RAM capacity, addressing common user feedback about the Chromecast.
Design and Form Factor
The Google TV Streamer is expected to leverage a set-top box form factor, which offers more connectivity options than the traditional dongle form factor. This design could allow Google to maintain the affordability and convenience of a Chromecast while offering the advanced capabilities of a full-fledged set-top box.
Conclusion
The Google TV Streamer is shaping up to be a significant upgrade in Google’s lineup of streaming devices. With potential features like Ethernet and USB-C ports, Thread radio for smart home integration, and possibly enhanced hardware specifications, this device is poised to offer an improved and more versatile streaming experience. As we await the official release, the emerging details suggest that Google is taking full advantage of the set-top box form factor to deliver a high-end streaming device.
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