Google’s next-generation streaming device may detect when you enter a room and let you communicate with it without using a remote.
Alphabet (GOOGL) According to reports, Google is developing a new generation of Google TV Streamer with built-in microphones, presence sensing, faster processors and additional storage space. 9 to 5 googleciting a source familiar with the company’s plans.
The microphone will allow users to issue “Hey Google” commands directly to the streaming device, rather than picking up the remote first.
Presence detection might give it a new purpose when no one is watching TV. Similar technology can automatically display pictures, time, weather and other environmental data when someone enters a room.
Google has yet to reveal the device, its cost or expected launch date.
However, the claimed additions suggest this is more than just a standard CPU update.
Google TV viewers can already use Gemini to ask conversation questions, find entertainment and get help on non-TV related topics.
Google’s next streamer could resemble an AI-powered smart home hub that sits right under your TV, if it has a microphone and the ability to identify people nearby.
Google TV streaming may stop, depending on the remote
The current Google TV Streamer debuted in 2024 as a replacement for Chromecast.
This is already a major change.
The $99.99 gadget is designed to sit prominently next to the TV, acting as a smart home hub with Matter connectivity and a Thread border router, rather than hiding behind the TV like the Chromecast.
Google TV users can control compatible lights, thermostats, and cameras, and view video doorbell notifications without pausing the show.
Google’s so-called successor appears to have continued this approach.
According to 9to5Google, microphones that can receive “Hey Google” requests from across the room will be installed in holes in the device itself.
Additionally, the company apparently plans to add proximity detection, a faster CPU, and more storage than the current Streamer’s 32 GB.
The remote is expected to retain a similar design, but with the addition of two shortcut buttons in addition to dedicated YouTube and Netflix controls.
These are not equally important upgrades.
With the extra storage and processing power, apps should load more smoothly.
Presence sensors and microphones can completely change the way users interact with devices.
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To communicate with the Gemini currently on the Streamer, the user must press the microphone button on the remote control.
Thanks to the microphone inside the box, the Gemini can be contacted from across the room without having to find anything first.
Because of this, Google’s TV plans are increasingly similar to its smart speaker strategy, except that artificial intelligence now has the largest screen in the home.
Gemini has transformed Google TV into more than just a TV
In November 2025, Google began distributing Gemini to Google TV Streamer.
Gemini can handle conversational requests rather than just simple instructions.
When a couple is looking for something to watch, they might explain their two different preferences and ask Gemini to recommend a movie that suits both of them. People who don’t remember how the show ended last season may ask for a recap.
The assistant can also answer non-entertainment-related inquiries.
Google says Gemini on TV can explain school themes, help create recipes and use TV videos to guide users through DIY projects.
Google will further enhance such capabilities in 2026.
Gemini may provide more detailed visual responses, movement-related information, and in-depth voice analysis of challenging topics.
In addition, Google TV can create pictures and videos directly on the TV, search the user’s Google Photos library, and convert photos into slideshows.
This feature increases the importance of the reported microphone.
The TV is Gemini’s home now, but the remote remains the primary means of accessing it.
Far-field microphones can remove this obstacle.
Add another layer with presence detection.
The TV might respond when people walk into the room, rather than waiting for someone to pick up the remote.
According to reports, TCL has used presence sensing on Google TV to launch its Google Photos screensaver and display information such as weather and the time someone is approaching. 9 to 5 google.
Put the pieces together, and Google’s long-term opportunity becomes clearer.
Gemini, Google Photos, entertainment and connected home controls are all coming to TVs that are increasingly responsive to their surroundings.
Ludovic Marin/Getty Images
Google’s smart TV devices may face price issues
There is a clear question.
Google has significantly increased the prices of existing streaming devices.
Google TV Streamer was originally launched to $99.99 September 2024.
On August 31, Google raised the U.S. price by $50 to $149.99, citing rising parts costs.
According to 9to5Google, this means a 50% increase in price for the device that was previously discounted during the holiday sale.
The current 4K Streamer has 32GB of storage space and 4GB of RAM, and is still priced at $149.99 on the Google store.
Whatever happens next, it’s an interesting challenge.
The next model will be more powerful with a faster CPU, more storage, microphones and presence detection.
However, they could also make it harder to market Google streaming as a low-cost alternative to outdated TVs.
Walmart’s Onn 4K Pro, for example, cost about $60 in September and offers both Google TV and many of the basic features users expect from a modern streaming box.
So Google needs the next Streamer to justify something other than streaming media.
This may be why the so-called improvements focus more on artificial intelligence and smart homes rather than just video quality.
More Google:
- Google is making a change in November that could catch Gemini users off guard
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- Google just revealed some disturbing things about its artificial intelligence
There are plenty of cheaper options for watching Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ on your TV than a $149 streaming box.
The same cannot be said for a room-aware Gemini gadget that can manage a home, respond to queries, locate pictures and simultaneously stream Netflix content.
The significance of Google’s next hardware update may hinge on this difference.
Over the years, the company has been using Gemini in watches, cell phones, vehicles and televisions.
The next phase could be even more subtle, thanks to built-in microphones and proximity tracking; users won’t even need to touch the Gemini.
They might just come into the living room and start talking.
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