Google Streamer Falls Short for Some Users Despite Solid Features

The Google TV Streamer is out now, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. At $100, it's close in price to the Apple TV 4K, which has a few more features and a solid track record of updates. According to Eli, a freelance journalist who reviewed the device, 'it's tough to make the leap to an entirely new platform when the price is that close'. The Google Streamer supports all modern HDR formats and streams in 4K, but it may not have enough to convince users like Eli to leave their current streamers behind.

Eli has been using a first-gen Apple TV 4K and finds the value of switching to the Google Streamer to be lacking. He notes that he would need to cancel his Apple subscriptions and switch them over to Google, which is not worth it for him at this time. Eli does see potential in the Google Streamer, saying 'that doesn't mean it won't ever' be a good choice.

The Google TV Streamer has dimensions of 6.4 x 3 x 1-inch and comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a remote. It also supports 21:9 ultra-wide screens, but only after a late 2024 update from Apple. This shows that while the Google Streamer may have potential, it's not quite there yet.