Next-gen Google TV Streamer in the works with microphones, more

9to5Google may report that development of a next-generation Google TV Streamer is underway.

According to a source familiar with the matter, the new Google TV device retains the same general design. The width is narrower for a slightly more compact footprint.

The big improvement is the presence of microphones on the Google TV Streamer itself. There are cutouts on the slanted, pill-shaped surface that will listen for “Hey Google” commands.

Another new hardware feature is presence detection. Last year, TCL launched the first Google TV with the ability to activate the Google Photos screensaver when someone enters the room. If you get closer, the screen displays ambient information such as time and weather.

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Meanwhile, the new Google TV Streamer will be powered by a faster processor and offer more storage than the current model’s 32GB.

Google is also updating the included remote. The design is largely the same but with two additional shortcuts joining the existing buttons for YouTube and Netflix. Additionally, the Find My Remote button remains on the back of the streaming device.

We have no information on the launch date of this next Google TV Streamer. There was a four-year gap between the Chromecast with Google TV 4K and the Google TV Streamer, with the low-end HD dongle falling in between. This refresh comes as Google increased the price of the existing unit by $50 in August.