Google appears to be preparing to compete with Apple by changing the shape of the dongle to a new design to refresh its Chromecast with Google TV product.

The report came via 9to5Google, which claims that the new guise will simply be called the “Google TV Streamer” and will have a more front-and-center look that also takes inspiration from the Apple TV 4K and Roku Ultra.

Images shared with the magazine show a blank, flat, slanted stand that looks like a wireless cell phone charger, with a handy remote control placed nearby. Power and HDMI cables can be seen extending from the back of the device, and while details regarding height are not available, it appears that the device would be easy to place under a TV or monitor.

The Google TV remote control remains mostly unchanged, but is slightly longer and has a simpler design. Most of the buttons and layout remain the same, but Google has dropped the Google Assistants branding in favor of a simple microphone for voice control functions.

A new mute button rounds out the new design changes, along with more easily accessible volume controls. In addition, the power button and YouTube and Netflix shortcuts are now located at the bottom of the remote, plus the Star button (Magic Shortcut) can be programmed to your liking, as can the Roku Voice Remote Pro's Rocket button.

While still a rumor, it would be interesting to see Google stop branding the Chromecast as it has been known for years. The last Google streaming device released was the Chromecast Google TV (HD) design, which launched in 2022.

It is still unclear when this new Google TV steamer will appear, but all signs point to a year-end debut. As Google gears up for the exciting launch of the so-called “Google TV Streamer,” we will stay tuned for the latest updates and rumors.