It’s not often you see Google mentioned on HomeKit News, but with Matter and Thread gradually gaining traction, this is bound to change. Take their upcoming TV Streaming box, for example, which, on the surface, offers similar functionality to their Chromecast devices but brings more to your smart home.

The new Google TV Streamer offers access to a multitude of TV series and films, similar to other providers, and includes services like YouTube TV, Apple TV+, and Disney+. It also touts 800+ free channels, though availability will likely vary by region. What sets this device apart is its use of Google AI and user preferences, providing content suggestions and upcoming shows/films that fit your tastes, all curated into an easy-to-access watchlist. Additionally, Google’s Gemini technology offers summaries, season breakdowns, actor details, and more for the content you’re viewing or about to view.

The Google TV Streamer features an upgraded processor, double the memory, and 32GB of storage, ensuring faster app load times and smoother navigation than previous Chromecast devices. With 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, both image and sound quality have been enhanced. The device connects to a Wi-Fi network (2.4 or 5.0GHz) or via an ethernet port for quicker streaming, navigation, and app loading. It's designed to sit in front of your TV, enhancing connectivity with your smart home devices.

This is where Matter and Thread come into play. Similar to Apple’s Apple TV, the Google version integrates more deeply with smart home devices, such as cameras, locks, sensors, thermostats, and lights, all accessible from your TV screen through the Google Home Panel, a significant advancement from existing Chromecast offerings.

The device also acts as a Matter controller, a feature available in some Google Nest devices, allowing Matter-enabled devices to be added to Google Home even if they use Matter over Thread. The Streamer includes a fully-fledged Thread Border Router.

The included remote has also been upgraded in size and functionality, featuring more buttons, an improved voice remote, and a programmable button allowing you to trigger scenes, automations, or devices. The remote includes a ‘lost mode’ option that enables it to beep for easier location, either through any Google voice assistant device or a button on the back of the streamer itself.

The Google TV Streamer will be available in two colors – Porcelain and Hazel – and is now available for preorder in the USA, with a launch date of September 24th through the Google Store or third-party retailers.