Google Home is getting its own “Apple TV”. Similar to the set-top box in Apple’s ecosystem, the new Google TV Streamer also has two functions: It serves as an entertainment device and a smart home display. However, the wedge-shaped box does not have its own display, of course; it uses the connected TV as a screen. On request, it displays a menu interface that is familiar from Google’s Pixel devices: the “Home Panel” (link).
The streamer automatically synchronises with the device inventory in the Google Home app and allows connected smart home products such as lamps, sockets, blinds or thermostats to be operated. Live images from installed Nest Cams can also appear on the Home Panel – which is also somewhat reminiscent of Apple’s solution, showing streams from the in-house surveillance technology HomeKit Secure Video on the screen. Whether the Live Preview will also work with Matter cameras in the future remains to be seen once this device category has been included in the standard. Currently, video cameras are not yet part of Matter.
Integrated Thread Border Router
In principle, however, the streamer will support Matter when the device is launched on the market in late 2024. As Google states in its announcement (link), a Thread Border Router is also on board. This means that in addition to Matter products with Wi-Fi, products that use the Thread radio protocol can also be used. Other standards such as Zigbee, DALI or Bluetooth can be connected to Google Home as usual via a Matter Bridge. In terms of its control options, the TV Streamer is therefore similar to the 2nd generation Nest Hub, with which Google launched Matter in 2022. Only without its own display, the TV must be switched on to see the controls.
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