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Robert Triggs
Mixed with Google’s upcoming hardware announcements on September 30th, you’ll find mention of the expected Pixel 5, Pixel 4A 5G and a new Chromecast next to the new smart speaker. Reports suggest that we are looking for an Android TV-Chromecast-Hybrid device with a much-requested TV remote bundle in.
Certainly with the supportive capabilities of Android TV and voice, Google has big players in its sights like Roku and Fire TV. However, it will take longer than that to stand out from the crowd. This is the time for Google to take home streaming seriously.
Blending Chromecast and Android TV
Chromecast is almost universally beloved. Android TV? Not more
The upcoming Google Streaming Device report combines the two, bringing a change in the direction of the company’s streaming efforts. We wouldn’t be surprised if Google TV, instead of Android TV Moniker, not only rebrands, but also marks a new approach to what Google envisions as its flagship media streaming platform.
Despite its remarkable power, Android TV still seems dangerous in the near future to become one of the big G’s forgotten projects. The company has largely left it to OEMs in the absence of its flagship products. As a result, the platform does not have the attention or investment needed to make it an industry leader. That needs to change if Google TV, or whatever the platform is called, competes with Roku and Amazon.
Google has largely left Android TV in the hands of OEMs. That may have to change.
Roku, the largest player in the streaming platform space, offers a variety of streaming services and applications. UI may not be as compelling, but it has a reputation for “doing the right thing” that attracts customers. Google supports all major streaming services, but also has a nose out when it comes to full content volume and support for smaller services.
Google has the ability to create great products, but its lack of commitment to creating excellent ecosystems is always a downside. See ongoing issues with Android app optimization for Chromebooks or the current state of the wearable. Continuing Google’s streaming efforts at the top of the industry requires regular updates, new content partners and improved application experiences. I’m not fed up with the confidence that things will change for the better when Android TV and Chromecast come together, but one example that Google can follow to achieve some success.
See also: Best Android TV Devices – What Are Your Options?
Inspirational Nvidia
Google is navigating an unfamiliar territory here. There is already a gold standard streaming device on the market – Nvidia Shield TV.
Nvidia’s favorite Android TV does everything right. It has a good library of streaming services, supports advanced media codecs, has built-in Chromecast support, plays a bunch of Android games, can host a Plex server complete with hardware transcoding, and even stream console-standard games via Nvidia. Can. Powered by PC or GeForce Now cloud gaming platform.
The original Nvidia Shield TV is also an excellent example of long-running device support that Google should aim to emulate. Despite being five years old, Nvidia released its 25th update on the streaming device on August 20, 2020. It features AI-enabled 4K upscaling, frame-rate matching and the latest security patches.
A more expensive Nvidia Shield would be a stronger option to take Roku. But that’s just the beginning.
Granted, many of Nvidia’s features are rather unique and cover more than your home’s typical streamer needs. All of these additional features and the resulting price tag for raw power prevent it from becoming a stop or fire stick competitor. But Google can certainly provide a decent middle ground and introduce the first true mainstream Android TV b from the top brands.
Create Android TV streaming for the masses
Content streaming is big business, though Google has so far only been a small player. Chromecasts are great, but access to a more powerful Android TV platform is significantly more limited due to its cost. The above Nvidia Shield TV starts at $ 149.99 and occupies the middle of the premium level of the Android TV market. Meanwhile, the 4K Roku Premier only costs. Is 39.99.
Google does not have a direct non-cast competitor, but this could change with the upcoming Google streaming device, which will cut this barrier to entry from a significant distance.
But there is more to successful streaming platforms than just price. Roku and Amazon build a loyal audience through best-in-class features, ease of use, and ever-evolving content partnership. Equal care and attention is needed on Google’s platform. Get it right, and the Moto G can take advantage of its own services to get the upper hand.
See also: The best media streaming devices you can buy
As we’ve seen before, St Services Dia, the Google Services bundle with YouTube Premium, as well as PassPass and Google One storage make it an attractive and comprehensive bundle – something new can take on Apple One and other streaming packages. This, combined with a rebranded, replenished approach to streaming hardware, can be an instant hit.
Even if we don’t get an all-in-one package, you can still expect Google to push hard for its services with this upcoming streaming device. However, we certainly do not want the next Google streaming device to be used solely to access various subscription services.
The Android TV platform has been on the edge of Google’s ecosystem for years. Now it needs to be a major part of it. Probably but Google, it’s time to get serious.
