The New Google TV Streamer: A Surprising Chipset Revelation

In a surprising turn of events, Android Authority has uncovered evidence that the new Google TV Streamer is powered by a MediaTek chip, not an Amlogic processor as many had speculated. This revelation comes after a deep dive into the firmware, where numerous references to the MediaTek MT8696 SoC were found. This is the same chip used in the 2021 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, suggesting that Google has taken a different approach with its latest streaming device.

Google TV Streamer: The Successor to Chromecast

Google recently announced the end of the Chromecast era, introducing the Google TV Streamer as its replacement. This sleek set-top box boasts several upgrades over the Chromecast with Google TV (4K), including a new processor that offers 22% faster CPU performance. However, Google was tight-lipped about the specific processor being used, leading to widespread speculation.

The MediaTek Revelation

Following the announcement, Android Authority obtained a copy of the device’s build properties, revealing that the Google TV Streamer, code-named “kirkwood,” is powered by the MediaTek MT8696 chip. This chipset is identical to the one found in the 2021 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max and shares similarities with the 2nd generation model from 2023.

Although MediaTek has not publicly detailed the specifications of the MT8696, Amazon’s description of the MT8696(T) variant provides some insights. The chipset features a quad-core CPU clocked at up to 2.0GHz with ARM’s Cortex-A55 cores, and the GPU is Imagination Technologies’ PowerVR GE9215 with cores clocked at up to 850MHz. It supports decoding for Dolby Vision, HDR 10, HDR10+, HLG, H.265, H.264, VP9, and AV1 content, ensuring high-quality streaming experiences.

Upgrades and Trade-offs

The Google TV Streamer comes with notable hardware upgrades over its predecessors. It doubles the RAM and storage of the 2nd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, offering 4GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage. This increase in memory and storage capacity is a welcome enhancement for users looking for a more robust streaming device.

However, the Google TV Streamer only supports Wi-Fi 5, whereas the 1st Gen Amazon device from 2021 features Wi-Fi 6 support. This decision is attributed to Google’s choice of the MT7663e2 Wi-Fi module from MediaTek, a Wi-Fi 5 module likely selected to cut down on costs. Despite this, it’s worth noting that the 2021 Fire TV Stick 4K Max retailed for almost half the price of the new Google TV Streamer.

User Expectations and Market Reactions

The discovery that the Google TV Streamer uses a MediaTek chip instead of Amlogic’s latest 6nm S905X5 chipset might disappoint some users. The 2020 Chromecast with Google TV (4K) utilized Amlogic’s S905X3 SoC, so many expected Google to continue with Amlogic for its new devices. However, the switch to MediaTek should not deter potential buyers. The performance of the Amazon devices using the same chipset has been well-received, indicating that the Google TV Streamer will likely offer a seamless user experience.

Conclusion

The unveiling of the MediaTek MT8696 chipset in the Google TV Streamer marks a significant shift in Google’s hardware strategy. While the choice of processor might not align with initial expectations, the device’s enhanced performance, increased RAM and storage, and competitive features make it a strong contender in the streaming market. As users transition from Chromecast to the new Google TV Streamer, they can look forward to a device designed to meet modern streaming demands with efficiency and reliability.