Google’s New TV Streamer: A $10 Discount Instead of an HDMI Cable – A Smart Move or a Misfire?
Editor 
Google recently launched its new $99 Google TV Streamer, which has stirred a pot of mixed reactions due to an unexpected omission: it does not come with an HDMI cable. Instead, Google is offering a $10 discount on their Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable priced at $19.99, making it effectively $9.99 for the buyers of the streaming device. This decision has left many potential customers scratching their heads about whether this is a savvy strategic move or a misstep by one of the world’s largest tech companies.
The Missing HDMI Cable: A Dealbreaker?
The omission of an HDMI cable is significant because all previous Chromecast devices included this essential component. HDTVs have rendered the HDMI cable a ubiquitous necessity for streaming devices, making its exclusion notable and somewhat puzzling. Google’s rationale behind this move involves offering a separate $10 discount on an Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable exclusively for Streamer buyers. While this discount technically compensates for the omission, it leaves room for critique regarding the overall value proposition of the device.
Performance Powerhouse at a Price
Despite this glaring omission, the Google TV Streamer does shine in other areas. It’s equipped with a processor that boasts 22% more speed compared to its predecessor, the Chromecast with Google TV. This enhancement ensures smoother operation and better performance, particularly for high-resolution content and intensive app usage. It supports 4K resolution and HDR, ensuring top-tier visual quality which is a must in today’s content-consumption environment.
Moreover, it includes features like personalized content recommendations and smart home integration using Matter and Thread standards. The addition of an Ethernet port offers more stable connectivity, making it a robust choice for heavy streamers who might depend on a steady internet connection for uninterrupted viewing experiences.
Design and Remote: Evolution or a Step Back?
Another area where opinions diverge is the new design. Departing from the old dongle format, the streamer sports a new box design. While some appreciate this change, likening it to high-end devices, others find the lighter porcelain color and bulkier form less appealing. This subjective aesthetic choice makes it a hit for some and a miss for others.
The remote control has seen some enhancements, including a customizable shortcut button and support for HDMI-CEC and IR controls. Though fundamentally similar to its predecessor, these small yet meaningful upgrades aim to enhance user convenience and control.
Is It Worth the Money? The Value Proposition
Here’s where things get particularly dicey. Priced at $99, the Google TV Streamer faces stiff competition from alternatives like the Walmart Onn 4K Pro Google TV, which is available for a wallet-friendly $50. The absence of an included HDMI cable does not help its case, leading many to question if the Streamer genuinely offers a superior value.
When looking at the competitors, one must weigh the enhanced smart home features that Google’s device promises, such as support for the Matter and Thread standards, which significantly enrich its value as a smart home hub. This could be a compelling reason for tech enthusiasts and smart home aficionados to lean towards Google’s streamer despite its higher price tag.
The Final Verdict
In summary, while the Google TV Streamer introduces some significant advancements and superior smart home capabilities, it risks alienating potential buyers with its higher price and lack of an included HDMI cable. Whether these benefits outweigh the perceived downsides can vary greatly depending on the consumer’s priorities and existing device ecosystem.
Below is a brief FAQ section to address common concerns and questions:
FAQ
Q1: Why doesn’t the Google TV Streamer include an HDMI cable?
Google opted to exclude the HDMI cable but offers a $10 discount on their Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cable, arguably to maintain flexibility for customers who might already own one or prefer a specific type of cable.
Q2: How much better is the new processor in the Google TV Streamer?
The new processor is 22% faster than the one in the Chromecast with Google TV, enhancing performance for high-resolution streaming and multi-app usage.
Q3: Is the high price of $99 justified?
This is subjective. The price might be justified for those valuing the robust smart home features and enhanced performance. However, it may seem steep when compared to cheaper alternatives with similar basic functionalities.
Q4: What are the smart home features offered by the Google TV Streamer?
It supports the latest smart home integration standards—Matter and Thread. This means better compatibility and functionality within smart home ecosystems, elevating its utility beyond just streaming.
In the dynamic space of streaming devices, Google’s new TV Streamer attempts to balance performance, smart home compatibility, and user experience. Whether its directional choices will resonate positively with the broader market remains to be seen.
