Walmart’s 4K streaming box adds Gemini and Matter support
▼ Summary
– The new Onn 4K Pro streaming device costs $59.88, is $10 more than its predecessor, and has a larger design resembling the Google TV Streamer 4K.
– It retains key specs like 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, 4K/Dolby Vision/Atmos support, and both Wi-Fi 6 and an ethernet port.
– Major new features include Google Gemini for enhanced voice control and Matter-over-Thread compatibility for smart home device control.
– The device’s remote is physically unchanged but can now be found using voice commands.
– The comparable Google TV Streamer 4K has 4GB of RAM but only supports Wi-Fi 5.
The latest iteration of Walmart’s budget-friendly streaming device, the Onn 4K Pro, has arrived with a modest price increase and several significant upgrades. Priced at $59.88, the new model is ten dollars more than its predecessor, positioning it as a compelling mid-range option. Its redesigned chassis now bears a closer resemblance to Google’s own $99.99 Google TV Streamer 4K, which debuted last fall. While the visual profile has grown, the core hardware specifications remain largely familiar. The device continues to offer 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and robust support for 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos audio. Connectivity is handled by both Wi-Fi 6 and a physical ethernet port. For comparison, Google’s pricier streamer provides 4GB of RAM but is limited to older Wi-Fi 5 technology.
The most notable enhancements are found in the device’s expanded capabilities. The Onn 4K Pro now integrates Google Gemini support, which promises more intuitive hands-free voice commands, smarter content searches, and personalized recommendations. Furthermore, the inclusion of Matter-over-Thread compatibility transforms the streamer into a potential hub for a connected home, allowing it to communicate with and control other smart home gadgets. This move aligns with Walmart’s recent announcement that it has joined the Connectivity Standards Alliance, the consortium behind the Matter protocol. The physical remote appears unchanged from the previous model, but it gains a practical new feature: users can now locate a misplaced remote simply by using a voice command through the device itself.
(Source: The Verge)
