Google is reportedly working on a next-generation Android TV device, offering a more traditional user experience that’s closer in line with Roku and Amazon Fire TV than the company’s previous Chromecast efforts.
A new report from Protocol confirms the new device, which will apparently be under Google’s Nest brand. Google has recently embraced the Nest brand for its smart-home devices, so it wouldn’t be too surprising to see its upcoming streaming device boast the Nest branding.
The new streaming device will reportedly look more like a Roku or Fire TV Stick and will include a dedicated remote, integrated Google Assistant as well as support for Google Stadia.
“Google will market the device under a distinct brand, separating it from third-party streaming devices based on Android TV, according to two sources with knowledge of the company’s plans,” reads the report. “The company is considering using its Nest brand for this purpose, according to one of these people, which would be in line with Google’s recent efforts to turn Nest into the umbrella brand for its smart home and entertainment hardware efforts.”
Google is also apparently planning to launch a new version of Android TV with the new streaming device. The company is reportedly working on a new user interface for Android TV that will focus more on movies and TV shows over apps. The new interface is said to be similar to Amazon’s Fire TV interface.
It’s not super clear when Google will release the new dongle. It could happen around the Pixel 4a’s release this month, or it could happen earlier, or later. As Google’s Pixel buds still dropped just mere weeks before the 4a is predicted to, it’s more than clear that the proximity of Google’s product releases don’t influence each other’s launches.
