A new Google TV Streamer is reportedly coming, and it could be worth the wait

Google is reportedly developing a new Google TV Streamer with several hardware upgrades, including built-in microphones, “Presence Sensing,” a faster processor, and more storage. The device would succeed the current Google TV Streamer, which launched in August 2024 as a replacement for the Chromecast with Google TV 4K.

According to a report from 9to5Google, the upcoming Google TV Streamer will retain the current model’s overall design but feature a narrower body. The device is expected to add microphones that let users issue “Hey Google” voice commands directly to the device, without having to speak into the remote.

As for “Presence Sensing,” the feature would allow the new Google TV Streamer to detect when someone enters the room. Google could use this capability to automatically activate the Google Photos screensaver or display ambient information, such as the time and weather, when someone approaches the TV. TCL introduced a similar feature on its Google TV-powered QM9K television earlier this year.

Under the hood, the next Google TV Streamer is expected to get a faster processor and more storage than the current model’s 32GB of storage. Google is also reportedly updating the bundled remote with two more shortcut buttons alongside the existing YouTube and Netflix buttons. The dedicated Find My Remote button on the back of the streaming device will reportedly return as well.

While the leak doesn’t mention this, the new Google TV Streamer can also be expected to come with Gemini instead of Google Assistant out of the box.

The timing of this potential upgrade is interesting, given that Google recently raised the price of the existing Google TV Streamer by $50 in August. The increase took its US price from $99.99 to $149.99, a 50% hike that makes us wonder just how much the new hardware could cost.

Google has yet to announce the new device or provide a launch timeline, so it remains unclear when it will arrive.

Meanwhile, Google isn’t the only company reportedly working on an upgraded streaming box. Apple is also said to be developing a new Apple TV with built-in microphones that would let users issue Siri voice commands from across the room. Its remote could also feature built-in speakers to make it easier to find when misplaced.