Acer’s new 4K Google TV Box brings Wi-Fi 6, up to 3GB RAM, and a surprising number of ports including S/PDIF audio. Here’s why it could rival Chromecast.
.png "Acer Launches 4K Google TV Box with More Ports Than Google’s Own Streamer") |
| Acer Launches 4K Google TV Box with More Ports Than Google’s Own Streamer |
Acer Surprises with a New 4K Google TV Box Packed with Ports
It’s not every day that a new Google TV box shows up on the market—and it’s even rarer to see one coming from Acer. Known primarily for laptops, desktops, and peripherals, Acer has now entered the streaming space with a brand-new 4K Google TV streamer. What makes this device stand out? Quite simply: the ports.
Why Ports Still Matter in Streaming Devices
Streaming boxes are usually designed to be sleek and minimalist, which often means sacrificing connectivity. For example, Google’s Chromecast with Google TV keeps it basic, offering just three connections: a USB-C power port, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port.
Acer, however, takes a different approach. Its new box includes a generous set of options that give users more flexibility and control over their home entertainment setup.
A Closer Look at Acer’s Port Selection
On the side, you’ll find a USB-A and a USB-C port. Turning the box around reveals another USB-C port for power, HDMI, Ethernet, a microSD card slot, and even an S/PDIF Optical Audio port.
That last one is a real rarity. S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) allows the transfer of high-quality digital audio without converting it into analog, making it perfect for audiophiles or anyone with a premium home theater system.
In simple terms, Acer’s box offers twice the number of ports compared to Google’s own streaming device something power users will definitely appreciate.
Hardware and Performance Specs
Beyond the ports, Acer’s Google TV box runs on the Amlogic S905X5 processor, comes with Wi-Fi 6 support, and offers either 2GB or 3GB of RAM (depending on which source you trust Acer’s press release says 3GB, while the pre-order page lists 2GB).
The device runs the familiar Google TV interface, complete with Google’s standard remote control, which includes the now-mandated “Live TV” button for quick access to streaming channels.
Pricing and Availability
At the moment, the pre-order page for the Acer 4K UHD Google TV Box is live in South Africa, though it isn’t accepting orders just yet. The price converts to roughly $80 USD, making it about $20 cheaper than Google’s own streamer.
Unfortunately, Acer hasn’t announced availability for the US market or other regions. Still, at this price point and with its extensive connectivity, the device could make waves if it launches globally.
Acer’s move into the Google TV streaming space may come as a surprise, but it’s a welcome one. With strong specs, Wi-Fi 6, and an unusually high number of ports, this box could become a favorite among users who want more than just the bare minimum.
Will it compete head-to-head with Google’s Chromecast or Amazon’s Fire TV Stick? Only time will tell, but Acer has definitely raised the bar for what a budget-friendly streaming device should offer.