The Google TV Streamer received one of its biggest updates ever last year when Google rolled out Gemini, replacing the old Google Assistant. The upgrade made the streamer much smarter, allowing for more natural, conversational interactions. You can ask Gemini for help finding something to watch, get recommendations based on your viewing habits, or even ask questions completely unrelated to streaming, such as help with a recipe.
Since then, however, Google has largely left the Google TV Streamer untouched, with the last major software update arriving in October 2025. Now, more than half a year later, Google is finally rolling out the first Google TV Streamer update of 2026.
The 219MB update, known as UTTK.260317.003, was first spotted by 9to5Google, and one of the biggest changes it brings to the table is support for Thread 1.4. This newer version of the Thread mesh networking standard helps smart home devices connect directly to one another more reliably.
More specifically, Thread 1.4 adds support for sharing network credentials via QR codes, making it easier to connect compatible smart home devices to the same Thread network. As a result, Google TV Streamer users will now see a new “Share Thread network credentials” option in Settings. Selecting it generates a QR code that can be scanned with the companion app for the device you’re setting up, allowing it to quickly join the same Thread network as your Google TV Streamer.
Security is another focus of this update
Bug fixes are also included
Another major part of this update is a new security patch for the Google TV Streamer. Before this release, the device was still running the August 2025 security patch. With this update, Google has bumped it to the April 2026 security patch, which should address any vulnerabilities the company has identified and fixed over the past eight months.
That said, aside from Thread 1.4 support and the updated security patch, Google hasn’t revealed much else about what’s included. The company simply says the update contains the usual “other bug fixes and performance improvements.”
So if you’ve been experiencing any annoying bugs or performance issues with your Google TV Streamer, there’s a possibility this update may have fixed them.
To update your Google TV Streamer, all you have to do is open the Settings menu and go to System > About > System Update. Your device will then download and install the latest update.
The Google TV Streamer launched back in 2024, and since then, it’s been one of my go-to recommendations for anyone looking for an Android-based streaming device. A big reason for that is its Gigabit Ethernet port, a feature that’s surprisingly rare among streamers. It delivers speeds up to 10 times faster than the 10/100 Ethernet ports still found on many smart TVs and streaming devices, including the Roku Ultra and Fire TV Cube.
The Google TV Streamer typically costs $100, though it’s often on sale for around $80. If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Onn 4K Pro is a solid alternative. It looks very similar to the Google TV Streamer, offers comparable performance, and costs just $60, though it lacks Gigabit Ethernet.
- Dimensions
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6.4 x 3 x 1-inch
- Connective Technology
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Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Brand
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Google
