Is the Google TV Streamer (4K) worth a gamers money?

Is the new Google TV Streamer (4K) worth the $99.99 price tag? Let’s check the specs and find out why this Google Home device may or may not be worth your time and your dime as a gamer!

Hey there, tech enthusiasts! It’s your girl Sophima, bringing you the latest scoop on tech with the Google TV Streamer (4K). So, is this sleek little streaming gadget worth your hard-earned cash? Let’s dive into the specs and see if its worth more than a glance.

First off, let’s talk about the design. The Google TV Streamer (4K) is cute! With its compact dimensions of 6.4 x 3 x 1 inches and a weight of just 5.7 ounces, it’s a perfect fit for any entertainment setup. Available in chic colors like Hazel and Porcelain, it blends seamlessly with your decor. Plus, it’s made with at least 65% recycled plastic, so you can feel good about your eco-friendly choice.

Now, onto the specs. This device supports up to 4K HDR at 60 frames per second, delivering stunning visuals with Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. The audio experience is equally impressive with Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos support. With 32GB of storage and a 22% faster processor than its predecessor, you can enjoy smooth navigation and quick app switching.

Connectivity? Check! The Google TV Streamer (4K) comes with Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.1, and an Ethernet port for uninterrupted streaming. It also features USB-C and HDMI 2.1 ports. The cable is not included, so if you don't have one just add it to your cart to enjoy the 4K visuals of this device. And let’s not forget the smart home integration with Matter and Thread support, making it easier than ever to control your smart devices right from your TV.

Just so you know, this device can also play Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, but it requires a bit of setup since there isn't an official Xbox Game Pass app for Google Play Store for Gogole TV. This isn't the desired route for anyone who isn't comfortable going off of the beaten path, so stick with what Google has to offer if you're uncomfy with this. On the otherhand, you have options like the Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max for nearly half the price at $59.99, and that has Xbox Game Pass at the ready + Luna Gaming! Add an Xbox controller to the party, and you're gaming with the Fire Stick for a combined price similar to Google's TV Streamer. I get that their focus revolves around the Google Home ecosystem, but there's a little gamer in all of us, so at least present what's available for our enjoyment!

So, what do you think? Is the Google TV Streamer (4K) worth the $99.99 price tag or did they miss the mark? That's all I have for now, but make sure to high five someone's grandparent, don’t forget to bookmark SDGT Entertainment for more. And as always, don’t forget to… game on!

Sophima

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Dear Developers: Slow Your Roll

Dear Developers,

If you haven't heard by now... Google has shut down the internal studios for its Stadia platform. I shared my concern in a prior post some time back because I didn't know where the platform would go as a streaming service. There are multiple options for gaming, so you have to make sure that you're on point with everything regarding your service or products.

Google isn't completely shutting down Stadia, it's their first-party games... which tends to be the siding factor on what platform a gamer will invest in. Closing studios is... not a good look!

They could have taken the 3rd party route first, making multiplatform games (under... "Google Games" or "Stadia Studios" or something) and built up a library before they took the Stadia platform route.

At the same time, they could have just started on Google Play and built up their 1st party developer status. From there they could have flipped it and made console games available on Chromecast w/ Google TV once it was ready and keep the achievements tied to the same system as mobile apps. I just think there was too much going on to do too much because the competitors have been strong in the console department... and PC is a beast so the best bet would've been Google Play.

When the time came for streaming, all the games would've needed in Google Play was their own category representing first party originals with a little label to represent them as stream-only titles.

Ideas may seem great at the time, but... it's always good to take the best route for longevity and victory. You don't want to spread yourself thing only to exhaust much-needed resources. I don't know what the cancellation of first-party games will mean for Stadia, but... if they bundle it with another service I think it could survive. 

Overall, they need to keep 1st & 2nd party development in the conversation... because Onlive was 3rd party-only too, and you saw what happened there. Two of the studios will close which will impact 150 developers... and that sucks royally. Try again when you can Google, but... slow your roll.

Read more on Google's plan to close their Montreal & LA studios... here!

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