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The Google TV Streamer now costs $50 more
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- DeepHorus
Google has quietly increased the price of its Google TV Streamer, a popular 4K streaming device that also functions as a smart home hub. The device now costs $149, a significant $50 jump from its original launch price of $99. This new pricing is currently effective at the official Google Store and major retailer Best Buy.
The increase follows a pattern of rising costs in the consumer electronics sector, affecting a wide range of products. Google's move comes shortly after the company launched its Pixel 11 phones, which also carried a $100 price increase compared to the previous generation. The broader market is grappling with component shortages, which have driven up prices for everything from laptops to game consoles.
The Google TV Streamer is not alone in this trend. Earlier this month, Amazon raised the price of its Fire TV Stick 4K Max by over 40%, bringing it to $84.99. Apple also implemented sweeping price hikes in June, with the Apple TV 4K now starting at $199 for the 64GB model, up from previous levels.
This wave of increases underscores significant inflationary pressures within the hardware supply chain. Manufacturers are facing higher costs for essential components, which are being passed on to consumers. The result is a shrinking market for affordable, high-quality streaming hardware.
For consumers, these price hikes mean the total cost of a home entertainment setup is rising. The Google TV Streamer, positioned as both a media player and a smart home controller, becomes a less accessible entry point. Potential buyers may now need to weigh its features more carefully against competitors and budget constraints.
The future outlook suggests these elevated prices may become the new normal if supply chain issues persist. Shoppers might find fewer sales and promotions for these devices. Industry analysts will be watching closely to see if demand holds steady at these higher price points or if consumers begin to pull back.
