TL;DR
- The new Google TV Streamer features a home panel that allows users to control smart home devices directly through their TV screen.
- The home panel feature is currently exclusive to the Google TV Streamer, though Google has hinted it may eventually come to older Android TV and Google TV devices.
- The decision to limit the home panel to the Google TV Streamer could be due to the device’s faster CPU and increased RAM.
It’s been nearly four years since Google launched its 4K Chromecast with Google TV. The Mountain View tech giant is now launching a brand-new streaming device called the Google TV Streamer that will enhance your streaming capabilities and take your smart home experience to a whole new level.
This new device features a smart home panel that will allow users to view and manage integrated smart home devices directly through their TV or via voice commands through the remote. So, say you’ve come across a new movie that you’d like to watch, you won’t have to reach for your smartphone to dim the lights, adjust the thermostat, or check your security camera feed — instead, you’ll be able to control all of these devices through your TV’s screen with just one click.