Google is reportedly working on a new Google TV Streamer with upgraded hardware, hands-free voice controls and features designed to improve its role in the connected home. The upcoming streaming device could include built-in microphones, presence sensing, a faster processor and more storage, according to reports published on October 12, 2026.

The device is expected to succeed the existing Google TV Streamer, which launched in 2024 as Google’s replacement for the Chromecast with Google TV. While the company has yet to confirm the new model, the reported changes suggest that Google is preparing to improve performance and make its streaming hardware more convenient to use.

One of the biggest potential changes is the addition of built-in microphones. The current Google TV Streamer relies on its remote for voice commands, but the new device could respond directly to “Hey Google” requests without requiring users to pick up the controller.

This would allow users to search for films and television shows, open applications and potentially control compatible smart-home devices using their voice. The feature could make everyday interactions easier, particularly when the remote is misplaced or out of reach.

The reported microphones would be built into the device itself, with openings on its sloping, pill-shaped surface. The overall design is expected to remain similar to the existing model, although the new version could have a slightly narrower body.

Another reported addition is presence sensing, which could allow the device to detect when someone enters a room. This technology may enable the Google TV Streamer to activate an ambient display or show information such as the time, weather and photographs when someone approaches the television.

TCL has already introduced similar functionality on some of its Google TV-powered televisions. Whether Google’s streaming box will offer the same features, and how users will be able to customise them, remains unclear.

The addition of microphones and presence sensing would also move the device beyond its traditional role as a streaming player. Google has increasingly connected its television platform with its smart-home ecosystem, allowing users to access compatible devices and services through their televisions.

Performance is another area expected to receive an upgrade. The existing Google TV Streamer uses a MediaTek MT8696 processor and comes with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. Reports suggest that its successor will feature a faster chip and more storage, although the exact specifications have not been revealed.

A more powerful processor could help the device handle menus, applications and multitasking more smoothly. Additional storage would give users more room to install streaming applications and other supported software, reducing one of the limitations of the current hardware.

The new model is expected to continue running Google TV, which brings streaming services, applications and personalised recommendations together in one interface. Google has already introduced Gemini-powered features and expanded smart-home controls on its television platform. However, the latest reports do not identify any major new software features exclusive to the upcoming streaming device.

The bundled remote could also receive a modest redesign. According to the reports, Google is considering two additional shortcut buttons alongside the existing YouTube and Netflix controls. Their intended functions have not been confirmed. The dedicated Find My Remote feature is also expected to remain, allowing users to locate a misplaced controller.

Google’s next streaming device is emerging at a time when competition in the streaming hardware market is intensifying. Amazon continues to expand its Fire TV range, while Apple is reportedly preparing an updated Apple TV device with hands-free voice controls. These developments could increase pressure on Google to offer meaningful hardware improvements rather than relying solely on software updates.

Pricing will be another important factor. Google raised the US price of its existing TV Streamer from $99.99 to $149.99 in August 2026, a 50% increase. The higher price makes the cost of the next-generation device particularly relevant for consumers considering an upgrade.

Google has not announced the new TV Streamer, confirmed its specifications or provided a launch timeline. Its expected price and availability in India are also unknown.

The reported upgrades could make Google’s next streaming box faster and more useful as part of a connected home. However, whether it offers enough improvements to justify an upgrade will depend on the final hardware, the features supported at launch and the price. Until Google makes an official announcement, the reported details remain unconfirmed.