Walmart Launches New Google TV Stick
Walmart is slowly making its way into the world of streaming devices through the introduction of a new Google TV stick that works in 4K resolution under its budget Onn line-up. Although Walmart hasn’t made an official announcement regarding the product yet, it is clear that the company’s strategy revolves around the development of cheaper products for entertainment purposes.
It is important to note that this product launch can be viewed as a significant milestone for Walmart because it can help the company compete with major companies like Roku and Amazon.
A Quiet Launch With Big Implications
The new streaming device developed by Onn in partnership with Google TV is sure to serve as a landmark development for Walmart. Until now, Walmart had only been selling streaming devices that were able to deliver streams at only 1080p resolution. In doing so, there was an obvious gap created in its range due to the rise in popularity of 4K televisions.
This gap shall now be bridged by the newly launched device. According to the recent spec leakings and rumors, the newly-launched device supports a complete 4K resolution stream, making it an indirect competitor to the likes of Google TV Chromecast and Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K.
In one recent report, it was revealed that the new Onn 4K streaming device would “deliver 4K output on the stick form factor.”
Customers shall get to enjoy an affordable and compact alternative to expensive streaming boxes that could easily be plugged into their televisions via HDMI ports.
What We Know About the Device
Despite the absence of official news from Walmart about the item, there were several leaks that provided enough information about the device to understand what we can expect from it.
The characteristics of the Onn 4K Google TV Stick include the following:
- 4K Ultra HD streaming capability
- Realtek Quad-Core Processor
- 2 GB RAM and 8 GB memory
- AV1 streaming codec
- Android TV 14 with Google TV user interface
Taking all these characteristics into consideration, we may conclude that the Onn 4K Google TV Stick is going to stand up to expectations as much as other devices of its kind, but its price will presumably be lower than that of other similar devices due to the manufacturer’s typical pricing policy.
What deserves special attention here is the fact that the Onn 4K Google TV Stick has AV1 streaming codec.
A Budget-Friendly Disruptor
Walmart has been using the strategy of offering cheap prices for a long time now in consumer electronics, and it looks like the new streaming stick is following in its footsteps.
Previously, Onn streaming sticks have been competing with similar products based on price, which means they offer cheaper prices compared to other brands. The current product line of the streaming sticks goes for between $20 and $30, and the upcoming streaming stick should also be sold within the same price range.
The pricing strategy will help to draw in budget-sensitive consumers who may be interested in buying the product to complement the additional TVs in their homes, including bedrooms, kitchens, and dormitories.
In a survey, it has been found that the Onn brand from Walmart is known for offering affordable products.
Competing in a Crowded Market
Nonetheless, there are quite some competitors in the space of streaming devices with Amazon, Roku, and Google leading the pack.
Courtesy of International Transport Forum (Flickr CC0)Here are their streaming devices:
- Amazon – the Amazon fire TV which is integrated with Alexa.
- Roku – Roku streaming stick with the easy-to-use user interface.
- Google – Google TV where everything works great with YouTube and other Android apps.
The key differentiator that Walmart can offer with its own streaming device is through the pricing mechanism of the device. The best part about a streaming device is its affordable price and availability. And Walmart can achieve that in abundance.
With its widespread presence across the globe, people can easily access this device.
Why This Matters for Consumers
Consumers have much to gain from the emergence of this new item. Usually, competition brings lower prices and better-quality items.
The item becomes another alternative for upgrading obsolete TV sets. By simply plugging and playing, the user will be able to enjoy services like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+. Also, the consumer may use one of many available applications provided by Google TV software.
The other advantage of the item is related to its compactness. Compared with streaming devices, the stick occupies little space at the back of the TV set.
A Broader Strategy From Walmart
The release of the 4K streaming media player is one of Walmart’s moves to explore the area of home entertainment technology products. Indeed, Walmart has been expanding its line of Onn-branded devices, which include TVs, streaming media players, and audio products.
Walmart’s entry into the market of such innovative products has been noted, with new models of Google TV-enabled TVs and improved streaming boxes being released.
This move by retailers is yet another example of their attempts to manufacture branded electronics that sell for less than competing brands.
Early Availability and What Comes Next
While it has been noticed in a couple of retail stores already, the launch is yet to be extended. The nationwide launch of the product is expected to occur sometime in the coming weeks, coinciding with the regular spring launches by Walmart.
The price factor cannot be overlooked either. Pricing a 4K streaming stick at $30 or less could easily give it a competitive edge over others.
However, there are several other factors that need to be taken into account. Inexpensive devices tend to have a slow and inefficient process; thus, customer response will play a pivotal role in its success.
Conclusion
Even though there wasn’t much excitement around Walmart’s latest product, this might just be the beginning of an amazing ride for the company. Judging by its advanced nature and low price tag, Walmart appears to be creating quite a name for itself in the world of hardware-based streaming devices.
What is more encouraging for buyers? Under conditions like that, the greatest winners of all would most probably be buyers in search of an alternative or upgrade.
As recent estimates suggest, this quiet emergence can easily turn out to be one noisy debut within a few days.
By David Loran Jr
A successful Editor-in-Chief, journalist for over 6 years, writing about important topics that are going on within the U.S. and beyond
Sources:
Gadget Hacks Shop: Walmart Onn 4K Google TV Streaming Stick Leak: What We Know
Chrome Unboxed: Walmart is reportedly working on a new Onn 4K Google TV stick
Featured Image Courtesy of Mike Mozart’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of International Transport Forum’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
