Walmart is reportedly developing a new streaming device that may outshine Google’s current offering, the Google TV Streamer, in certain aspects. This information emerged recently, with the device first spotted in a Geekbench benchmark result and subsequently listed in the AndroidTV-Guide database.
The forthcoming streaming device from Walmart, potentially named “4K Plus,” is expected to be an enhancement over the retailer’s previous $20 streaming device launched last year. The primary upgrade appears to be the inclusion of Amlogic’s S905X5M chipset, which is anticipated to deliver greater raw power compared to the older model’s chipset. According to benchmark results, this new chip scores approximately 200 points higher than the MediaTek chipset found in the Google TV Streamer. However, it is important to note that it still lags behind the performance of the Nvidia Shield.
Interestingly, the benchmark results indicate that the upcoming device will run on Android 14, which is a more advanced version compared to the Android 12 builds utilized in Walmart’s latest Onn Pro device. This suggests that Walmart is aiming to keep its technology up-to-date in the competitive streaming market.
Despite the promising specifications, a significant limitation of the new Walmart streaming device is its memory. Both the benchmark and the database listing reveal that it will feature only 2GB of RAM. This is notably half the memory found in the Google TV Streamer, a specification that contributes to the snappy performance of Google’s latest streaming device.
While there is no official launch date for Walmart’s new Google TV device, historical trends indicate that it may debut in mid-2025, following the pattern of previous releases. The last significant product launch occurred in May 2023, with the prior generation introduced in June 2021. In the meantime, consumers can still purchase the 2023 4K Onn and 1080p Onn streaming devices, priced at $19.88 and $14.88, respectively. The newer Onn Pro model is available for $49.88.
In addition to the anticipated release of Walmart’s new streaming device, Google TV has been making strides in enhancing its platform. Recent updates include the introduction of a dedicated ‘Channels’ section in the UK, along with the rollout of a Home Panel feature to more streaming devices and television sets in preview mode.
The competitive landscape of streaming devices continues to evolve, with various brands vying for consumer attention. As Walmart prepares to launch its next Google TV device, it will be interesting to see how the specifications and pricing compare against existing options, particularly in a market that increasingly values performance and user experience.
Stay tuned for more updates on Walmart’s upcoming streaming device and other developments in the world of Google TV.
