Walmart is taking on Google at its own game with the company's take on Google TV streaming devices. After leaks, the devices might be coming out now.
Two weeks ago, a Redditor revealed patent-style drawings of an alleged Walmart Google TV Streamer lookalike. This week, a different Reddit user may have found a new version of Walmart's Onn Google TV streaming stick in the wild.
Reddit user u/JustLook361 spotted the streaming device at their local Walmart. In a comment, they said it was mixed in with other streaming sticks, indicating it may have been shelved accidentally.
Based on the packaging, the new streaming stick appears to support 4K streaming and features a built-in HDMI plug. The box advertises "Google TV with Gemini" and 2GB of RAM, 8GB of storage and a new quad-core chipset.
I was not able to find the new stick on the Walmart website. However, the side Android TV Guide has a specs sheet which appears to match the box.
The box has an HDMI extender, a voice remote with included AAA batteries and a wall adapter.
The hardware wasn't taken out of the box (but the Reddit user promised a video was coming). They said Walmart sold them the device for $30.
All in all, it appears to be a quality Chromecast replacement, especially as Google has abandoned that form factor.
The Redditor promised an unboxing video today, if they actually provide one we'll update this article with the video.
What's the deal?
According to 9to5Google, Walmart can be erratic with its releases. As an example, the 4K dongle appeared in stores in mid-April 2023 and online two weeks later. However, it wasn't officially announced until mid-May.
The new device fits in with other Onn streaming devices that sell from $25 to $40. All of those devices are out of stock on the Walmart website, suggesting that new products could drop soon.
Who knows, in a couple of weeks, we could start seeing more of these devices and an official announcement.
