Google TV Streamer First Look: Why Google, Why? But it’s pretty good.

The answer to a question no-one was asking. That’s what the Google TV Streamer is. And while we’ll dig into the details in the days and weeks ahead, I have to share some first impressions and thoughts generally on this device.

Chromecast is a name that’s kinda muddied, some people think of it as what you do to get pictures from your phone to the TV, others see it as that little thing they have that gives them the streaming apps – the one with it’s own remote.

So I get it, a new name is a smart move to separate the old from the new. “Chromecast with Google TV” was a silly name now we reflect on it, and I think Google know it, in fact, that device should have been called the TV Streamer.

This new device should be the TV Streamer Pro.

Discontinuing the Chromecast with Google TV is also patented insanity – that’s a $59 (HD) or $99 (4K) device that turns any TV into a smart TV and it works, works well.

So well, when it was clear they were at some stage discontinuing it I went and bought five of them so that I’ve got redundancies when my own fail in the future.

Unboxing the Google TV Streamer and it’s a really interesting thing. Strong environmental credentials from Google with their packaging, Kudos for that – the last phones and watch from Google have had this paper based packaging and it’s fantastic.

However, I opened it upside down so the remote dropped out. I assumed the HDMI cable had also dropped out. Nope, it doesn’t come with one. How crazy is that. This is a TV streaming device, that has zero capabilities until there’s a HDMI cable plugged into a screen. Assuming you have one is almost arrogant.

Fortunately, I have a spot where I review these things, so unplug the Fetch Gen 5 (review soon!) or the Hubbl and we’re up and running.

Once you go through the regular setup process on the Google Home app or on the device, you’re up and running.

I don’t notice anything remarkably different here, I was able to choose all my key apps during the setup process.

And then a search for MLB meant I was postseason ready.

But then a search for Kayo had me stumped. Nothing.

Binge – what’s this?

No Kayo, no Binge?

Now Google will tell you that’s on Hubble/Streammotion, the people that run Kayo and Binge. But clearly there’s something about this device that requires an additional tick for the developers.

Why, why, why wouldn’t Google Australia have a Streaming partnership lead who got onto this when the first test device hit our shores and got it sorted?

Kayo would be one of the most popular apps on Chromecast with Google TV in Australia – I’m certain of that.

Dramatic oversight, which Google themselves should be working hard to help get fixed.

The remote is new, it’s “Grown up”, it’s taller. All the same buttons, but the volume has been moved from the side to the front. The Google Assistant button is replaced by a Microphone and some rearrangement has been done.

It’s the Pro version. Really that simple.

It’s faster, has some fancy new smart home features – none of which I need. And you want me to pay $159 for it? When the regular 4K Chromecast with Google TV is just $99?

Personally, I don’t see it. My observation would be that Google is handing over future market share to Amazon, who’s Fire TV comes in a vast array of prices.

I’ll leave Scott and Dan to come to you with a full review, but for now, just know – it doesn’t do Kayo. It will, no doubt. But not yet.