Tag: Google TV Streamer

  • Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) Tops Tests Against Google TV and RockTek GX1

    Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) Tops Tests Against Google TV and RockTek GX1

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) outperforms its competitors, the Google TV Streamer and RockTek GX1, in various tests.
    2. It supports advanced features like HDR10+, Dolby TrueHD passthrough, and multiple DTS formats for enhanced streaming quality.
    3. The device excels in gaming streaming with services like Steam Link and GeForce Now.
    4. It has limited hardware specifications, including only 2 GB of RAM and no LAN port, which some may find outdated.
    5. Priced at $60, it is recommended as a top choice for users outside North America without access to Walmart’s Onn series.

    Xiaomi has just launched its newest Google TV streaming device, the TV Box S (3rd Gen). While earlier models in this series haven’t received much attention, this latest version seems to cover many bases, especially when compared to its two main competitors, the Google TV Streamer and the RockTek GX1.

    Performance Overview

    According to tests conducted by Reddit user latinriky78, the Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) clearly outshines the other two devices in most situations. The Xiaomi box supports a wide range of features, such as HDR10+ on Netflix, AISR, Dolby TrueHD passthrough, Dolby Vision on 4K HDR10, and remux, along with numerous DTS formats for streaming. It is also said to excel in handling Steam Link and GeForce Now streaming compared to the competition.

    Hardware Considerations

    However, it’s crucial to mention that the Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) may have hardware that some might view as outdated. For instance, the device comes with just 2 GB of RAM and has only one USB 2.0 port. Notably, it lacks a LAN port as well. Nonetheless, real-world performance is what truly matters, and the Box S (3rd Gen) appears to perform quite well. For those living outside North America and without access to Walmart’s Onn series, Xiaomi’s $60 device could be the top choice available today.

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    Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Gen) Tops Tests Against Google TV and RockTek GX1
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  • Google Pixel 9a Giveaway Bundle Details Before Launch Revealed

    Google Pixel 9a Giveaway Bundle Details Before Launch Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Pixel 9a is expected to be announced around March 17 or 19, 2024, ahead of the Pixel 10 models.
    2. The starting price for the Pixel 9a will likely be $499 for the 128 GB version across most regions.
    3. The 256 GB model of the Pixel 9a is expected to have a price increase to $599.
    4. Google plans to offer a complimentary Google TV Streamer with Pixel 9a purchases through select partners in Europe.
    5. It’s unclear if the complimentary TV Streamer offer will be available in North America and the UK.

    The upcoming addition to the Pixel A lineup is set to arrive by the month’s end. Recent leaks and speculations suggest that Google plans to unveil the Pixel 8a (currently priced at $299.89 for a refurbished model on Amazon) around March 17 or 19. In any case, the Pixel 9a is expected to be officially announced next week, just about five months prior to the introduction of Google’s Pixel 10 flagship models.

    Pricing Details

    As per several sources, the Pixel 9a will likely retain a price similar to its predecessor across most regions. The starting price for the device should be around $499 for the 128 GB version, or £499 in the UK, €549 in the Eurozone, and CA$679 in Canada. Meanwhile, this year’s 256 GB model is expected to see a price hike to $599, £599, €649, and CA$809, respectively.

    Special Offer

    In connection with this, Roland Quandt has reported that Google intends to provide a complimentary TV Streamer with Pixel 9a purchases. This is likely the existing Google TV Streamer (4K), which is sold for $99.99, rather than a new or lower-end version.

    The leak indicates that this promotion will apply to customers who order a Pixel 9a through select Google partners in Europe. While it’s assumed that this could include major third-party retailers, it remains uncertain if Google will extend a similar offer in other regions like North America and the UK.

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    Google Pixel 9a Giveaway Bundle Details Before Launch Revealed
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  • Google Stops Chromecast with Google TV, 4K Android Streamer $24.99

    Google Stops Chromecast with Google TV, 4K Android Streamer $24.99

    Key Takeaways

    1. Google has ceased selling the Chromecast with Google TV, focusing on the Google TV Streamer as its primary streaming device.
    2. The Chromecast with Google TV was launched in 2020 as a 4K streaming dongle, followed by a cheaper 1080p version in 2022.
    3. The new Google TV Streamer, introduced in 2022, offers improved specifications, including 32GB of storage, better RAM, and an ethernet port.
    4. There are many alternative streaming devices available in the market from brands like Amazon, Roku, and Walmart’s Onn.
    5. The TiVo Stream 4K is a notable competitor, offering a dongle-like design and a limited-time discount, but it runs on an older Android TV version.

    Google has stopped selling the Chromecast with Google TV streaming devices on its online shop, leaving the Google TV Streamer as the only streaming device available from the company.

    Chromecast with Google TV Launch

    The Chromecast with Google TV was introduced in 2020 as a 4K streaming dongle that operated on a fresh version of Android TV called Google TV. This device was set at a price of $49.99 and came in several colors along with matching voice remotes.

    New Cheaper Model

    In 2022, Google released a more affordable version, which only supported streaming at 1080p. This variant was named the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) and was priced at $29.99. It shared the same design as the 4K version but was sold in just one color.

    Introduction of Google TV Streamer

    Last year, Google unveiled the Google TV Streamer, a $100 streaming device that moved away from the dongle style of the Chromecast with Google TV. This 4K streaming device can sit on a TV shelf like the Apple TV 4K and addressed many complaints users had about the Chromecast with Google TV series, such as better storage (32GB compared to 8GB), increased RAM, and a quicker processor.

    Additionally, it includes an ethernet port for wired internet and acts as a smart home hub since it has a built-in Thread border router and supports Matter. Its remote is similar to that of the Chromecast with Google TV and comes in two colors.

    Alternatives in the Market

    Not many people will feel the absence of the Chromecast with Google TV streamers, as there are plenty of streaming devices on the market, including options from Amazon, Roku, and Walmart’s Onn. If you’re on the hunt for an affordable 4K streamer that operates on Android TV, Amazon currently has one on sale.

    One alternative is the TiVo Stream 4K, which features a dongle-like design and, as the name suggests, is capable of streaming in 4K. Launched in 2020 to compete with the Chromecast with Google TV, it originally cost $49.99, but for a limited time, you can snag it for just $24.99 on Amazon. While this is a 50% discount from its launch price, it actually represents a 38% reduction from its list price of $39.99 on Amazon.

    Performance and Features

    This device runs on Android TV rather than the newer Google TV and has only 2GB of RAM and a paltry 8GB of storage, although additional storage can be added through the USB-C port. The USB-C port can also be utilized for an ethernet adapter. It features a voice remote with dedicated buttons for Netflix, Live TV, and Google Assistant, and this remote can also control your TV’s power, volume, and input through HDMI CEC.

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  • New Chromecast with Google TV Leaked: Official Render Reveals Design

    New Chromecast with Google TV Leaked: Official Render Reveals Design

    Google’s journey in the streaming device market has been marked by various form factors. From the short-lived Nexus Q sphere to the widely popular Chromecast dongle, the company has continually experimented. Now, it looks like Google is moving away from the dongle design with its new offering, the Google TV Streamer.

    Leaked by 9to5Google, this new device showcases a different design compared to the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) released in 2020. Instead of a dongle, the Google TV Streamer adopts a more conventional set-top box design.

    Design and Form

    Visually, the Google TV Streamer resembles a large, white pill. Unlike the Chromecast, it is not meant to be plugged directly into your TV’s HDMI port. Instead, it sits on a table like other traditional streaming devices.

    The design features a tilting top section, and the back of the device has two cables. However, the specific ports these cables connect to are not shown in the image.

    Remote Control Changes

    The remote also comes with some significant changes. While it maintains a layout similar to the Chromecast with Google TV remote, it is now longer to fit additional buttons.

    The circular navigation pad and center button layout remain familiar, but there are now dedicated back and home buttons, with the latter accented in grey.

    A notable change is the replacement of the Google Assistant button with a microphone button. Additionally, the volume control buttons have been moved from the side to the front, next to a dedicated mute button.

    For ease of use, there are quick launch buttons for YouTube and Netflix. The bottom row features the power button and a customizable Magic button, first seen on Walmart’s Onn Google TV 4K Pro Streaming Device.

    Expected Features

    Although details on the internal hardware are limited, the Google TV Streamer is anticipated to support 4K streaming and will run the latest version of Android TV, currently Android TV 14. Google is expected to unveil the streaming device at the Made by Google event on August 13th.

    New Chromecast with Google TV Leaked: Official Render Reveals Design
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