After a long stretch of uncertainty, the Google TV Streamer has officially made its way onto the BBC’s supported device list—meaning BBC iPlayer is now fully compatible with the device in the UK. That long-missing capability has finally arrived, marking a major turning point for Google’s flagship streaming hardware.
For more updates like this, explore our Streaming Service News hub — covering iPlayer, Prime Video channels, ESPN/FOX bundles, Peacock, and major app updates across the UK and US.
From Certified to Certified: What Just Changed
At launch, the Streamer missed the crucial iPlayer compatibility mark, unlike competing devices such as Fire TV and Roku. In November 2024, the BBC quietly certified the Streamer—only to promptly remove it amid a reported “technical issue.” That issue is now resolved and, as of March 2025, Google’s device again appears as a fully supported platform on the BBC’s certification page (Cord Busters).
Why This Matters to UK Streamers
BBC iPlayer isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. The app offers on-demand access to Dramas, Documentaries, News, and live BBC One and Two. Its absence made the Streamer feel incomplete. Now, with app support in place, users can install iPlayer directly via the Play Store, and BBC channels appear in the device’s Channels tab for instant access to live programming—without needing to sideload or cast (TechRadar).
👉 If this enhances the Streamer’s appeal as a home streaming solution, check out our complete Google TV Streamer 4K Review.
You can also browse our wider Tech News hub for device launches, OS upgrades, and industry-wide changes across Fire TV, Google TV, and streaming platforms.
Google TV Streamer: A Stronger Contender at Last
Google’s Streamer now fully delivers on the promise it made at launch: a Google TV experience with all major UK streaming services included. Alongside smart home integration and a clean interface, it now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with established alternatives—even outpacing outdated Chromecast models.
For comparison, NVIDIA is also actively improving its Android TV ecosystem. Their latest Shield Experience 9.2.2 update adds accessibility upgrades, smoother remote controls, and important bug fixes—showing strong long-term support across the Shield TV lineup.
Final Word: Google TV Streamer iPlayer
The long-awaited iPlayer support transforms the Google TV Streamer from an “almost there” device into a genuinely compelling option for UK users. If you were holding off due to missing apps, now is a great time to reconsider.
👉 Want more coverage of how streaming services are evolving? Visit our Streaming Service News hub.
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