Walmart’s budget-friendly streaming device lineup is about to get a significant upgrade with the imminent release of the Onn 4K Plus, a Google TV-powered streamer that’s been generating buzz for its affordability and surprising feature set. After initial glimpses surfaced a couple of months ago, and more recently a prematurely listed price, the device is now appearing on store shelves, signaling a launch is indeed around the corner.
The Onn 4K Plus aims to disrupt the streaming landscape by offering a compelling alternative to established players like Roku and Chromecast, all while maintaining an incredibly attractive price point of just $29.88. This aggressive pricing strategy positions the device as a potential gateway for budget-conscious consumers to access the world of 4K streaming and the Google TV ecosystem.
Reports of the Onn 4K Plus appearing in Walmart stores across the country are gaining traction. A Reddit user shared a photo of the device sitting on shelves alongside other streaming devices, including Roku products and Walmart’s own Onn 4K Pro and standard Onn 4K models. While availability may vary between locations initially, this in-store presence is a strong indicator that an official launch is imminent.
This staggered rollout is consistent with Walmart’s previous launches of Onn streaming devices. Typically, the device appears on Walmart’s website, followed by sporadic appearances on store shelves, with actual purchases sometimes not being possible initially. Finally, after a few weeks of this limited availability, Walmart usually opens up sales widely, making the product accessible both online and in stores. This somewhat unconventional launch process is now familiar to those following Walmart’s streaming device releases.
Adding further credibility to the impending launch is the acquisition of an Onn 4K Plus unit by tech YouTuber SuperDell-TV. SuperDell, known for his early looks at previous Onn devices like the Onn 4K Pro, has provided detailed insights into the device’s hardware and software.
The Onn 4K Plus sports a minimalist design with a USB-C port for power and an HDMI port for connecting to a TV. A button is also present on the side, presumably for remote finding functionality, which is a welcome addition. The device comes packaged with an HDMI cable, a power cord, and the same remote used for the Onn 4K Pro, though unfortunately, it lacks backlighting.
One of the most significant upgrades in the Onn 4K Plus is the inclusion of a USB-C port. This marks Walmart’s first Google TV device with USB-C, opening up possibilities for expanding connectivity via USB-C hubs. Previously, users were limited to the built-in ports, but now, with a USB-C hub, one could potentially add Ethernet connectivity, external storage, and other peripherals. SuperDell-TV even confirmed in a live stream that a USB-C dongle does indeed work for Ethernet connectivity, adding a lot to the device’s functionality.
Diving into the software side, the Onn 4K Plus runs on Google TV with Android 14 as its base. This puts it on par with other recent Google TV devices like the Google TV Streamer, offering a modern and streamlined user experience. In terms of internal specifications, the device boasts 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, with approximately 11GB being usable for apps and content. While this isn’t the most generous storage capacity, it should be sufficient for most users’ needs, and the potential to add external storage via a USB-C hub helps mitigate any limitations.
Another notable feature confirmed during SuperDell-TV’s live stream is support for Google TV’s new QR code-based setup flow. This simplifies the initial setup process, allowing users to quickly connect the device to their Google account and Wi-Fi network by scanning a QR code with their smartphone.
With its competitive price, Google TV operating system, and USB-C port, the Onn 4K Plus represents a compelling entry point into the world of 4K streaming. While an official release date is still pending, the increasing sightings of the device in stores suggest that a launch is just around the corner. Once available, the Onn 4K Plus is expected to be sold on Walmart’s website alongside its other Onn streaming devices. The device has the potential to significantly impact the budget streaming market, offering a feature-rich experience at a price that’s hard to ignore.