Google’s ‘TV Streamer’ Gadget Could Continue Chromecast Tradition – The UBJ

According to recent sources, Google is preparing for a major departure from the conventional Chromecast design. The corporation is said to be moving to a new product called the “Google TV Streamer” instead of the familiar dongle style. With this update, Google’s streaming technology is likely to undergo a major overhaul, changing the way consumers interact with the device.

The future Google TV streamer will feature a radically different design than existing Chromecast devices, according to leaked photos shared with 9to5Google. The new version of Chromecast is expected to take the form of a wider tabletop box rather than the small, plug-in dongle that has been the brand’s hallmark. The photos show a sloping form factor for the design, which is held up by a small pedestal. The redesigned dongle strays from the conventional, simplified design and hints at a sturdier, potentially more useful gadget.

Compared to its height, the new Google TV Streamer box appears to be significantly wider. Given this design decision, it’s possible the gadget will have additional ports or features that are not found in current generations of dongles. There’s still no word on the device’s full feature set beyond streaming, although leaked images give a glimpse of the new design. The switch to a box-style design could be a sign that Google intends to introduce more features or improvements to provide users with a better experience.

The new box comes with a redesigned remote control that also deviates from the traditional Chromecast remote design. Leaked photos show that the new remote retains the circular directional pad that users are used to. However, there are noticeable changes to the button layout and functionality. The volume button, which was previously located on the side of the remote, has been moved to a more central location. This change is likely intended to make the volume control more convenient and accessible during use.

Another significant change is the renaming of the “Voice” button. Previously marked with a Google Assistant icon, the button now has a simple microphone symbol. This change suggests a simplification of the user interface, potentially making it easier for users to understand the button’s functions at a glance. The redesigned remote also includes dedicated buttons for popular services like YouTube and Netflix. Additionally, there’s a new “Star” shortcut icon and a mute button, which could improve user convenience by providing quick access to frequently used features.

The new Google TV Streamer set-top box is expected to come with a power cable and an HDMI cable that plug into the rear ports. This is consistent with the design of many streaming devices, providing the necessary connections to power the device and deliver audio and video to the TV. There is also speculation about whether this new device will include features similar to those rumored for the Pixel tablet, such as ultra-wideband pass-through technology. However, confirmation of these additional features is still pending.

The evolution of the Chromecast line has been the subject of considerable speculation and anticipation. Earlier this year, rumors began circulating about a potential successor to the Chromecast 4K. Those rumors suggested that the new device could feature improved hardware, including increased RAM, additional storage, and a new chip designed to address performance issues affecting the nearly four-year-old Chromecast with Google TV 4K. The rumored updates also included a new remote control, which is in line with recent leaks.

An early look at the new remote design — which includes a button layout similar to the one that was recently revealed — was introduced via a leaked tutorial photo late last year. The image reinforced the idea that Google is focusing on improving accessibility and user experience, highlighting a new “Star” icon, volume button, and circular D-pad. The improved remote is expected to improve the user experience by offering quicker access to the apps and features that users love the most.

As for the Google TV Streamer Box, we don’t yet know when we’ll get official word on it. There’s been speculation that Google could reveal the new streaming device during its Pixel hardware event on August 13. That said, it’s unclear whether the Google TV Streamer will be revealed at the same time as the event or not.

Google’s streaming technology has undergone a significant overhaul with the move from the Chromecast dongle to the Google TV Streamer. The gadget attempts to improve streaming and provide a new way to browse and interact with content with a new form factor, a redesigned remote control, and possibly more features. Google’s commitment to improving its product offering and meeting user needs is evident in the design change, although details on the full range of features are still being worked out. It will be interesting to see how the Google TV Streamer compares to its predecessors and whether it can meet consumer expectations from a modern streaming device as more details emerge.

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