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It’s been a good amount of time now since the debut of the Nvidia Shield TV, and around half a decade since the launch of the most recent Shield TV models. Since then it’s proven to be a popular choice for enthusiasts after a solid Android-based streaming setup, although the aging hardware does factor in as a point of consideration for potential adopters.
Several other Android-based streaming devices have since arrived on the scene, although it’s probably safe to say that none have reached the same “cult status” that the Shield TV evoked. With that in mind though, Google’s newest (and aptly named) TV Streamer offers cord cutters a potentially good sequel, at a lesser price than the Shield TV.
All the Essentials
When compared to Google’s previous Chromecast model, the TV Streamer packs some nice upgrades as well as basic features that you’d expect from such a device in 2024. In addition to a newer design, there’s a faster processor inside (up to 22% faster, according to Google), and even support for spatial audio when paired with the Pixel Buds Pro, to name a few. As a result, it’s understandably a bit more expensive than its predecessor (priced at $99), but it’s clear that Google wants to market the TV Streamer as its go-to “flagship” model.
There’s also the added advantage of having a more capable device that perfectly complements a user’s Google-centric smart home setup.
There’s also the added advantage of having a more capable device that perfectly complements a user’s Google-centric smart home setup. The Chromecast with Google TV did come with support for Google Home and Assistant integration as well as access to a number of Google services, but when compared to the Nvidia Shield TV, it was clear that the latter had a lot more to offer in terms of features and overall performance.
The Case for Newer Hardware
It should be said that the Nvidia Shield TV still has some pretty great features – there’s support for AI 4K upscaling, as well as a fluid interface and user experience. On the other hand though, limitations such as 8GB of storage (even the Pro model maxes out at only 16GB) and the half-decade old hardware are key points of consideration, especially for users after something a bit more fresh and future-proof.
This is where the Google TV Streamer fits in perfectly. The newer components onboard generally mean that you’ll get longer support for the device, a bit more RAM (4GB versus 3GB on the Shield TV Pro model) and Bluetooth 5.1, support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos, and even Matter compatibility, all in a package that’s a hundred bucks cheaper than Nvidia’s Pro streamer, and fifty bucks lower than its base model.
Final Thoughts
Of course one of the best things about today’s competitive consumer electronics landscape is the wide variety of choices that we have in terms of what products to go with. Perhaps you’re in the market for a streaming solution and are already sold on Nvidia’s hardware, or maybe you’re after something with newer hardware and features with better compatibility for a Google-centric household. There isn’t a “wrong choice” per se, but there’s little doubt that you’re getting all the good stuff with Google’s newer and more affordable option, and then some.
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