Top 3 Key Points:

1. Google TV Streamer was spotted in the UK, Germany, and Canada ahead of the official launch.
2. Pre-orders open in the U.S., but the device is already on shelves elsewhere.
3. Unboxing reveals compact packaging and efficient design with a day-one software update.

Google TV Streamer Hits Global Shelves Ahead of Official U.S. Launch

Despite its U.S. release being slated for September 24, the Google TV Streamer has already appeared in stores worldwide. Early reports indicate that UK, Germany, and Canada users have managed to purchase and unbox the device before the official launch date.

Available for Purchase in Global Markets

While the U.S. still only offers pre-orders, customers in other regions have successfully picked up the new streaming device. Over the weekend, various sources confirmed sightings in physical stores and online platforms outside the U.S. For example, UK buyers can already place orders through third-party retailers, and some customers have managed to buy, set up, and begin using the device.

Unboxing and Initial Setup

Those lucky enough to get their hands on the Google TV Streamer early have shared their unboxing experiences. The device comes with a new Voice Remote, and both the streamer and remote are similar in length, showcasing a sleek, compact design. The box contains four main components: the Google TV Streamer, the Voice Remote, a USB adapter, and a 1.8-meter USB-C to USB-A cable. All these pieces are neatly organized in individual trays, and the packaging design is notable for its eco-friendly approach.

The packaging, which doesn’t use an outer sleeve like other Google products such as the Pixel 9 or Nest Learning Thermostat, is crafted using a plastic-free design. Each component fits securely into its tray, with a flexible plastic cover keeping everything in place.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

Google’s focus on sustainability is evident in its packaging design. According to the company’s Plastic-Free Packaging Design Guide, the box includes a hinged insert and a thin, tear-resistant cover, which reduces material usage compared to traditional two-tray packaging. This design ensures that the entire tray can be removed without risking any components falling out prematurely.

Software and Storage

Upon setting up the device, some users have reported a day-one software update. Storage-wise, there is about 24 GB of available space out of the 32 GB advertised, leaving plenty of room for apps and media.

The Google TV Streamer’s early availability outside the U.S. has created excitement ahead of its official launch. With its sleek design, eco-friendly packaging, and ample storage, it’s shaping up to be a strong contender in the streaming device market.

Picked this up today.
byu/Grolschmore inChromecast

Top 3 Key Points:

1. The Pixel Buds app now appears in Pixel Launcher after the latest update.
2. Google TV redesign replaces the full-width search bar with a more compact magnifying glass icon.
3. The redesign of Google TV enhances the user experience by offering a more immersive interface.

Google has made a significant update to its Pixel phones by allowing the Pixel Buds app to now appear in the Pixel Launcher, a feature that was previously hidden. With the new version 1.0.673625792 of the Pixel Buds app, which also supports the upcoming Pixel Buds Pro 2, the app can be displayed directly in the launcher when your Pixel Buds are paired or saved to the device.

This change allows users to place the Pixel Buds app on their home screens for quick access to settings, instead of using a widget or shortcut that shows a live image of the headphones. While some found the previous shortcut, which displayed a small icon of the headphones in the corner, out of place on their home screens, this new option simplifies access. Some users might still prefer using the Battery widget or the Bluetooth Quick Settings Tile for even faster access.

It’s important to note that this app icon was always visible on other Android devices, but only Pixel phones had it hidden. The updated version of the Pixel Buds app is now available through the Play Store for all users.

Meanwhile, Google TV’s Android app is undergoing a redesign to streamline its interface, moving away from the large, full-width search bar at the top. Previously, this bar featured “Google TV” branding, a voice search shortcut, and a user account switcher. The redesign replaces the large bar with a smaller magnifying glass icon next to the user’s profile avatar, while the “Google TV” logo shifts to the top-left corner of the screen.

This new layout allows artwork to extend to the top of the screen, creating a more immersive experience for users. When you initiate a search, you’ll now find an “Explore genres” grid, featuring categories like Action, Comedy, and Animated content. This leads to dedicated pages with more viewing options, a feature that wasn’t part of the previous design.

Many of Google’s apps, such as Google Messages and the Play Store, have been adopting similar minimalistic designs by removing large search bars in favor of smaller icons. While the full-width bar makes it easier to find and access search features, the compact magnifying glass icon saves space and looks more modern.

The Google TV redesign is currently rolling out via server-side updates, but it’s not yet widely available. Some devices, including the Pixel Fold, are already showing these changes with version 4.39.2486.x of the app.

Key Points:

1. Pixel 9 Pro Fold charges slower than other Pixel models, limited to 21 watts.
2. Foldable design adds challenges to fast charging and battery life optimization.
3. Wireless charging speed is capped at 7.5 watts, slower than Pixel siblings.

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold is an exciting addition to their lineup, offering a sleek foldable design. However, one trade-off is its slower charging speed, which is notably below that of its Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro counterparts.

Why Does the Pixel 9 Pro Fold Charge So Slowly?

While the Pixel 9 can charge at 27 watts and the Pixel 9 Pro at 37 watts, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold maxes out at 21 watts. This difference may not seem large, but compared to other Pixel devices and competing foldables, it’s quite noticeable.

The slower charging speed is likely due to the more complex design of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Foldable devices require careful balancing between the flexibility of the screen, internal mechanics, and the overall battery system. Enhancing charging speed without impacting the device’s durability or battery lifespan can be challenging with such intricate hardware.

In real-world usage, this means the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will take longer to charge fully. This could be frustrating for users who need a quick top-up while on the move.

Wireless Charging: Even Slower

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also lags behind in wireless charging. While other Pixel models support faster wireless charging, the foldable device is limited to just 7.5 watts, making it noticeably slower in this area too.

This combination of slower wired and wireless charging might be a downside for users who value fast recharging, but it’s a trade-off that Google seems to have made in favor of the phone’s innovative foldable design.