Google burst onto the video streaming scene way back in 2010 with Logitech in the form of the Google TV-powered Revue. While early hardware was a mixed bag, Google has successfully evolved their offerings over the years with Android TV, Chromecast, and Google TV once again to remain a notable player in the space — often with partners, like NVIDIA and TiVo. As with Android smartphones, a primary Google selling point is a high degree of device customization compared to Apple TV and Roku.
Best Google streamers of 2021
Below is a reverse chronological listing of Google streamer updates.
From Xperi’s quarterly call, we learn of TiVo’s triumphant return to Best Buy… in the form of the TiVo Stream 4K, as the DVR pioneer continues its retail transformation — moving away from its legacy hardware technologies as it refreshes its branding. But, while the company has pivoted its hardware approach, TiVo remains committed to … Read more
Having first unveiled “the new TiVo guy” way back in November, updated plastics have finally been observed in the wild… as you can see from the refreshed TiVo Stream 4K enclosure above. But it’s been something of a long slog for the company, which began updating online marketing materials in December followed by revised Android … Read more
Over on our “who’s streaming with what” thread, Ken F wondered if he might be able to co-opt the remote control from the new Walmart onn Android TV streamer ($30) for his Chromecast with Google TV ($50). Well, it turns out AFTVNews has already conducted this comparison. And the short answer is: YES. However, there … Read more
For possibly the first time in twenty years, Best Buy no longer sells TiVo. While I imagine there could be some lingering product on shelves, the last remaining item recently on clearance has now been completely excised from Best Buy store search. And, as Walmart unveils their own line of competing Android TV streamers, TiVo’s … Read more
Although TiVo ultimately intends to move beyond Android TV in the consumer space, they’re currently in the thick of things… and continue to iterate, despite staff departures. And a curious pair of TiVo “Brook” remote controls (shown above) has just passed through the FCC. The original TiVo Stream 4K voice remote (shown below) goes by … Read more
NVIDIA SHIELD is the premiere Android TV streamer and, as such, the latest update (8.2) continues to cater to power users… such as myself. Video improvements to AI Upscaling and frame rate matching take prime billing. However, the most practical feature for those sporting the current remote may be the additional menu button customization. As … Read more
Although arriving a month later than anticipated, and without HDR improvements, the second TiVo Stream 4K update has just hit with various other improvements. Some of the more notable Android TV updates as spelled out by Redditor tivopm: Apps are now accessible from the Left Navigation Menu on the Stream App Remote Control pairing and … Read more
By way of 9to5Google and our pal Janko, we learn that Benq will soon retrofit its projectors with Android TV via HDMI stick. Beyond Google Play store apps, Benq is also providing at least one app of their own in “FamiLand” of kid-friendly content. However, beyond the stick’s tight remote control integration with a Benq … Read more