In August, Google announced the Google TV Streamer would launch today. In a surprising upset, Roku also released a new streaming video device today – the '2024 Roku Ultra.'
Like a mother-in-law wearing white on the bride's big day, Roku is jostling for attention on the release date of Google's TV Streamer.
In August, Google announced the Google TV Streamer would replace the Google Chromecast and be commercially available today. Not to be outshined, Roku suddenly released a new streaming video device – the 2024 Roku Ultra – today.
Here's a look at how the two streaming video players compare:
Google TV Streamer
Cost: $99.99. The Google TV Streamer is the same price as the Roku Ultra
Memory: The Google TV Streamer includes double the memory (4GB) of the latest-generation Chromecast
Storage: 32GB of storage to support the installation of streaming apps
Resolution: Supports 4K resolution, High Dynamic Range (HDR), Dolby Vision
Audio: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos
Operating System: Android TV OS
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1
The Google TV Streamer functions both as a video streaming device and smart home management system, and includes a button on the Streamer device to locate a lost remote.
Google AI is integrated into the device to provide users with content suggestions. Google's Gemini AI technology also provides "summaries, reviews and season-by-season breakdowns of content," explained Christina Cao, product manager for Google Nest, in a blog post.
However, The Verge noted that Google's AI integration for the Google TV Streamer is a little misleading.
"In more nonsensical branding, the Streamer's voice assistant is Google Assistant and not Gemini, even though Google says it’s Gemini technology under the hood," reported The Verge. "What matters is that Google TV handles voice commands mostly very well."
Users can add in their Netflix, Disney+ and Apple TV subscriptions, among other subscriptions, and will have access to over 800 channels.
Roku Ultra
Cost: $99.99.
Memory: 8GB (according to Amazon; memory and storage capabilities weren't listed on the Roku Ultra specifications website)
Resolution: 4K, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Audio: Dolby Atmos, Digital stereo over HDMI, DTS Digital Surround pass through over HDMI
Operating System: Roku OS
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6
Roku's hardware received some notable upgrades with a new quad core processor, which the company said provides 30% faster performance. Roku also has a one-up on Google by using Wi-Fi 6, whereas the Google TV Streamer uses Wi-Fi 5.
The Roku Ultra also has smart home integration features and a Roku Smart Home app. For example, if a package is delivered while a user is watching TV, the Roku Doorbell camera will pop up on the TV screen.
The Roku Ultra has access to over 400 free live TV channels and integrates with a number of streaming subscriptions such as Hulu, Netflix and Apple TV. Like the Google TV Streamer, the Roku Ultra has a remote finder button on the streaming box or users can say, "Hey Roku, where's the remote?" The Voice Remote Pro also now has backlit buttons, USB-C charging and two new buttons – Quick Launch and Live TV Guide.
The streaming device also has some new "smart" features – "Roku Ultra uses advanced machine learning to anticipate which app you are going to open next and tees it up for our snappiest app loading to date," explained Paul Nangeroni, senior director of product management for Roku TV, in a blog post.
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