Google’s TV Streamer 4K isn’t just another streaming device. It doubles as a smart home hub that can control your lights, thermostats, and security cameras all from your couch.
Most people think of TV streamers as simple devices that play Netflix and YouTube. But Google built something more ambitious – a central command center for your entire home that happens to stream movies too.
Your TV Remote Gets Superpowers
The TV Streamer 4K works with Google’s smart home platform, meaning you can dim lights during movie night or check your front door camera between episodes. It’s like having a smart speaker built into your TV setup, but with a screen to show you what’s happening.
Google is clearly betting that people want fewer devices, not more. Instead of buying a separate hub for smart home gadgets, you get everything in one box that sits under your TV. The device is currently on sale for $79.99, down from its usual $99 price.
The timing makes sense. More people are adding smart devices to their homes, but managing them all gets complicated quickly. Having your TV as mission control simplifies things – especially since that’s where most people spend their evening downtime anyway.
What’s Coming Next
Expect other streaming device makers to follow Google’s lead. Amazon’s Fire TV already works with Alexa, and Apple’s TV box connects to HomeKit devices. The race is on to become the brain of your living room, not just the gateway to streaming services.
