Chromecast remote got the volume buttons right; Google TV Streamer is a downgrade

Ben Schoon | Nov 3 2024 - 9:00 am PT

Google’s new remote for the Google TV Streamer has some clear upgrades, but when it comes to the volume buttons, I strongly feel the Chromecast got it right the first time around.

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The Chromecast with Google TV was the first streaming device that Google put out (on its own) with a dedicated remote. The Chromecast remote was a small remote with a curved back, eight buttons on top, and a navigational pad. Around its side, though, were two more buttons used for controlling the volume.

Volume buttons are some of the most-used on any TV remote, and Google’s decision to place them on the side was met with mixed opinions. Some appreciated the ergonomics, while others felt the buttons should be visible on top.

Personally, I always liked the side buttons on the Chromecast remote, but I didn’t have any strong feelings about it until I upgraded to the Google TV Streamer last month. After a few weeks with the Streamer in my main two viewing areas, I’ve come to a conclusion – the Chromecast remote got the volume buttons right.

The side-mounted buttons may not have been quite as intuitive as the top-facing buttons on the Streamer’s remote, but once you do learn them, they’re considerably better in this specific style of remote. That’s because of the rounded bottom. While Google did make the remote a bit more steady this time around, it still doesn’t stay still if you reach for the remote to adjust the volume. No, rather it rocks around and essentially forces you to pick up the remote to change the volume. The benefit of the older remote was that the grip you’d naturally use to press the buttons kept it steady the whole time, whether you picked up the remote or not.

While the Google TV Streamer remote has benefits elsewhere, such as the new shortcut button, I wish Google hadn’t walked back this design choice.

What do you think? Do you prefer the volume buttons on the side, or on top?

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Top comment by Lucas de Eiroz Rodrigues

Liked by 25 people

I do prefer the side volume buttons, but I don't think it's that big of a deal.

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