Google is giving its TV box ears, better hardware, and a new bag of tricks

Google is reportedly developing a new Google TV Streamer, and this time, the biggest upgrades could be about making your television more useful without reaching for the remote every few minutes. The upcoming device is expected to add built-in microphones for hands-free Google Assistant commands, presence sensing, a faster processor, and more storage.

According to a report by 9to5Google, the next-generation streamer will retain the current model’s familiar design, although its body will be slightly narrower. There is no confirmed launch date or pricing yet, so anyone waiting for an upgrade will have to hold on a little longer.

Google TV Streamer could finally listen without the remote

The most interesting change is the addition of microphones directly to the streaming device. Cutouts on its slanted, pill-shaped surface will reportedly allow it to listen for “Hey Google” commands. That could make controlling your TV, searching for content, or asking questions…