Google TV Stick/streamer

[monzer]

I'm looking for any info on the above device if anyone is using one in the van. I am basically looking for a like for like replacement for the firestick.

As far as I can see the google TV streamer does the same things as the firestick but how is it powered? Can it run of the TV's USB like the firestick? The photos seem to show a router type device as part of it. Does it just connect to your Wi-Fi or does it need to be physically cabled?

There seems to be different devices, google TV streamer, Google Chromecast with TV streaming etc etc.... What is the equivalent of the firestick?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Bolti]

It doesn't get a very good write up on ...
Google.
It appears one of the complaints are adverts for things you have no interest in on starting the device.

 

[pandas]

I'm looking for any info on the above device if anyone is using one in the van. I am basically looking for a like for like replacement for the firestick.

As far as I can see the google TV streamer does the same things as the firestick but how is it powered? Can it run of the TV's USB like the firestick? The photos seem to show a router type device as part of it. Does it just connect to your Wi-Fi or does it need to be physically cabled?

There seems to be different devices, google TV streamer, Google Chromecast with TV streaming etc etc.... What is the equivalent of the firestick?

Any advice appreciated.

What’s wrong with the firestick - great gismo and good value for what it does. You could try Apple TV.

 

[monzer]

What’s wrong with the firestick - great gismo and good value for what it does. You could try Apple TV.

It is great but I am hearing a lot of the 3rd party apps are getting closed down by Amazon so just looking to hedge my bets basically. Apparently these apps will still work on the Google devices.

 

[Jev88]

It is great but I am hearing a lot of the 3rd party apps are getting closed down by Amazon so just looking to hedge my bets basically. Apparently these apps will still work on the Google devices.

3rd party "dodgy" apps seem to be the focus

 

[Langtoftlad]

Only new firesticks with Amazon's new non android based OS
Disable any firmware updates on your existing stick & you should be fine

 

[Orion]

It is great but I am hearing a lot of the 3rd party apps are getting closed down by Amazon so just looking to hedge my bets basically. Apparently these apps will still work on the Google devices.

Only new firesticks with Amazon's new non android based OS
Disable any firmware updates on your existing stick & you should be fine

Like the OP I was also concerned about losing access to side loaded apps on our Firesticks when the Amazon announcement was first circulated. I’m reassured that it’s only (at the moment?) affecting the new generation non-Android versions but ……… if push comes to shove I’ll probably follow the advice from TROYPOINT and investigate whatever is then available. AliExpress appears to offer some viable alternatives - if you steer clear of the cheapo offerings!

10 Best Firestick Alternatives in 2026 (No More Restrictions)

This article will provide you with the Best Firestick Alternatives in 2026 for cord-cutters ready to ditch Amazon Fire TV devices. The Firestick is still

troypoint.com

 

[Bolti]

Amazon removed Cinema hd from my fire stick before Christmas, and it is not a new device.

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[monzer]

Like the OP I was also concerned about losing access to side loaded apps on our Firesticks when the Amazon announcement was first circulated. I’m reassured that it’s only (at the moment?) affecting the new generation non-Android generation versions but ……… if push comes to shove I’ll probably follow the advice from TROYPOINT and investigate whatever is then available. AliExpress appears to offer some viable alternatives - if you steer clear of the cheapo offerings!

10 Best Firestick Alternatives in 2026 (No More Restrictions)

This article will provide you with the Best Firestick Alternatives in 2026 for cord-cutters ready to ditch Amazon Fire TV devices. The Firestick is still

troypoint.com

Didn't realise there were so many options out there. The problem for me is it will take a lot of researching to see which options are best suited for use in the van. Power supply being the biggest issue.

I think I will just buy the Google version as I know a cable can be bought for that which means there will be enough power from my TV USB - similar to the cable I have for my current firestick.

Amazon removed Cinema hd from my fire stick before Christmas, and it is not a new device.

Yeah that's the one that I noticed had been disabled and my friends IPTV service has just been disabled as well so reckon it's only a matter of time before my IPTV goes. Hence looking for a potential new device.

 

[Orion]

Didn't realise there were so many options out there. The problem for me is it will take a lot of researching to see which options are best suited for use in the van. Power supply being the biggest issue.

Best not go on AliExpress and search ‘Android TV boxes’ then!

Ignoring the really cheap offerings, the Homatics 4K R Plus unit (12v DC powered) keeps coming up as a viable alternative in various discussions about Firestick replacements that I’m reading. I’ll probably investigate further later this year if Amazon continues to play silly beggars and eat into Kodi.

 

[HappyDays-NI]

I had BeeTV removed from mine. But thankfully, so far, not SmartTube which is basically YouTube without the adverts.

 

[Orion]

I had BeeTV removed from mine. But thankfully, so far, not SmartTube which is basically YouTube without the adverts.

Following a tip posted on the forum I switch my VPN to Albania when watching YouTube to remove the adverts - not allowed there it seems - and it appears to be working.

 

[jollyrodger]

It is great but I am hearing a lot of the 3rd party apps are getting closed down by Amazon so just looking to hedge my bets basically. Apparently these apps will still work on the Google devices.

Have a look at this guy channel may help you decide

 

[AladinsaneUK]

The google tv box is great for apps on a tv at home

To replace my Amazon firestick on board i bought a Google stick that works fine off the LG tv usb port for power - we currently have no internet at work so I can’t share the specifications it was around 40 quid from amazon

All my apps work fine

 

[monzer]

The google tv box is great for apps on a tv at home

To replace my Amazon firestick on board i bought a Google stick that works fine off the LG tv usb port for power - we currently have no internet at work so I can’t share the specifications it was around 40 quid from amazon

All my apps work fine

So the one in your van, is that a chrome cast with TV streaming?

Is the one at home an actual set top box or what? This is where I get confused.

They don't have specific names for the different devices as far as I can see.

 

[AladinsaneUK]

The one i bought for the Moho is
THOMSON Streaming Stick 140UK,... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CTKNYJP3?tag=mhf04-21

The one i bought for home is
Google TV Streamer (4K) - Fast... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DBLWTQCT?tag=mhf04-21

I researched before i bought as i did not want to face the same issue that had happened with the fire sticks and some deciding that xyz app was not going to work…. Yes i do have a dodgy app or two - my choice and that’s fine

I did get them on a deal - and the Thomson stick cost me around 40 quid - but they were in short supply as this was when thee fire sticks started to get turned off…..

I rate both bits of kit - the Google TV streamer especially

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[monzer]

I decided to try the Google TV Streamer for the van. It's a big unit considering I can't see anything it can do that Amazons Firestick can't and I did seem to struggle sideloading my go to apps in but they can always be a bit tricky to install anyway.

All up and running now though and it does seem to run a bit smoother than the firestick. The direction and 'ok' buttons seem to take a bit of getting used to, I keep double pressing them by accident. On the plus side, I like the one button on the remote you can assign a certain function to. I've made it my IPTV as that is the app I probably use most.

Falls foul of the firestick issue where there may not be enough power for it from your TV's USB but I think there is a power cable you can get (like the firesticks) that should allow it to work. Either that or I will need to get a cigar socket in the TV cupboard as I currently have to have a Type-C cable slung across the van

 

[Orion]

Amazon removed Cinema hd from my fire stick before Christmas, and it is not a new device.

TROYPOINT has just announced that Cimema HD has shut down permanently.