Why I will not be making the bounce from Chromecas...

The Google TV Streamer is Google’s newest foray into the streaming world, and it changed the outgoing Google Chromecast. As any individual trying to retire my Chromecast 4K, I considered making the plain determination of going for the Streamer, however there have been a number of various things that gave me pause.

Whereas the Google TV Streamer looks as if a superbly serviceable gadget, I would somewhat not hop onto the primary iteration of one thing, even when it is constructing off the strong Google TV OS. What it largely comes all the way down to, for me at the very least, is that Google’s new streamer does not do sufficient to make me need to depart the acquainted territory of the Apple TV 4K, my favourite streamer available on the market. My present plan is to choose up a more moderen Apple TV 4K and put my growing old first-gen one the place my Chromecast at present is. From there, my Chromecast goes right into a field the place it will keep till I get a TV arrange in my basement.

It isn’t solely Google’s fault, however there are some issues I have to see from the corporate earlier than I can absolutely take into account choosing up one other streamer from it.

Associated

RIP Chromecast: Say hello to the new Google TV Streamer

The brand new leisure streaming gadget replaces Chromecast with a slew of updates and improvements.

Apple has higher worth to supply me

And Google floor to make up

Apple / Pocket-lint

Apple has been refining the Apple TV 4K since 2017, and the unique Apple TV dates again even additional than that. Over time, tvOS has matured into a really strong piece of software program, and it is nonetheless shocking me with new options such as 21:9 support.

That is not saying Google cannot get there or is not shut, however as any individual who has been rocking a first-gen Apple TV 4K, I do not see the worth in going for Google’s new gadget. Value is a giant issue right here, and at $100, it is actually not that far off from the $130 Apple TV 4K that has a number of extra options.

It is robust to make the leap to a completely new platform when the worth is that shut, and it is even more durable when you could have subscriptions via Apple that you would need to cancel and swap over to Google. I perceive that it is one thing you must sit again and take into consideration in the event you do not personal any streaming gadget, however that is not the case with me.

Pocket-lint’s evaluate of the Google TV Streamer paints it as underwhelming, however notes that it is an improve over a Chromecast. It is a feature-rich product that helps all the fashionable HDR codecs, the audio codecs, and streams in 4K. For most individuals, it does all the things you’d need.

It would get higher over time

Timing is all the things

Google

Whereas I do not assume the Google Streamer has a spot in my residence at present, that does not imply it will not ever. Not like another Google merchandise that weren’t given the chance to mature, Google does not seem more likely to abandon the streamer. This implies issues that Apple is forward with, like 21:9 ultra-wide help due to a late 2024 replace, might be within the playing cards for Google.

Sadly for Google, that point shouldn’t be proper now. So long as Apple gives a aggressive value with Google, I do not see a purpose to ditch the Apple TV 4K. This hole might widen much more if Apple decides to return out with a streaming stick to pair with the prevailing Apple TV, however that is a dialogue for an additional day. It took me some time, however I’ve come to understand the Apple interface, and I do not actually really feel like ditching it to be taught one thing once more.

The hope I’ve is that Google provides this gadget time to construct up an viewers, one thing that is not at all times the case with the corporate — Stadia being an example. Contemplating how Chromecast caught round for so long as it did, I’ve religion Google will preserve constructing on the muse of the Streamer.

Associated

Keep Apple TV from harvesting your data by changing these 3 settings immediately

Hold your knowledge secured by altering these Apple TV 4K settings.

How the Google Streamer can win me over

Hope shouldn’t be misplaced

9to5Google / Pocket-lint

Earlier than I grabbed an Apple TV 4K, I had by no means owned a single Apple product, and I by no means actually thought of getting one. What gained me over was Dolby Atmos on Apple Music. I used to be searching for a service that might present what my encompass sound setup was able to, and it did simply that. To place it merely, I used to be gained over by Apple due to options nothing else had.

There might come a time when Google has a function that I can not miss, however that is not the case proper now. I can not consider a lot the Google Streamer does that the Apple TV 4K does not. I am not an individual with numerous model loyalty, and I will go along with no matter the most effective product is.

The purpose is, there could be some kind of function added to the Streamer, one which I can not even consider for the time being, that may show to be a tipping level. That is additionally a state of affairs the place the cheaper price might come in useful. From the place I am sitting, there simply does not appear to be a giant purpose for me to ditch Apple and go to Google, even when I am shopping for a second gadget.

Whereas it is not an enormous deal for me, the Apple TV 4K having extra storage than the Google TV Streamer is a giant promoting level for lots of people. Google might simply make up floor there with a future iteration, however it’s one other instance the place Apple comes forward.

I am not right here to yuck on anybody’s yum, and in the event you picked up the Google gadget that you simply’re proud of, then there’s nothing to fret about. I am positive it is a completely effective little machine that does what you ask of it. The large factor giving me pause is the pricing, and if Google might slash it down a bit extra, or add extra options to it, then I’d give it one other look.

Associated

How I turned my Apple TV 4K into a retro gaming powerhouse

The Apple TV 4K is a surprisingly competent gaming machine.