Chromecast now comes with an actual interface and remote, the new Chromecast with Google TV is great. Forget about the old days of Chromecast, Chromecast with Google TV is one of the most serious streaming devices in recent years. Let’s be honest, the old Chromecast couldn’t stand up to the industry leaders at all. After hours of testing, we can proudly say that Chromecast can match up to Amazon Fire TV and Roku Streaming device. In this article, we will provide Chromecast with Google TV Review.
The original Chromecast (2018 version) simply allowed you to cast content from your mobile or laptop to your TV. Now the Chromecast has been re-invented as a complete streaming device with its very own remote and UI. If you can ignore a couple of shortcomings, then Chromecast with Google TV is a great streaming device.
Chromecast With Google TV Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Voice remote powered with Google Assistant | Some apps may not be supported |
| Sleek and simple interface | Requires AC power |
What Is Chromecast With Google TV?
The older version of Chromecast could only stream whatever you had running on your phone or laptop. However, the new renovated Chromecast with Google TV comes equipped with a voice remote and its own android based UI.
Like its counterparts, Chromecast with Google TV collects all your subscription apps in a single place and allows you to watch whatever you want. The Chromecast remote is a small but feature-packed clicker with Google Assistant voice control and an Apple-type remote ring directional pad. To make things simple, it’s a simple full-blown streaming device in a dongle form. If you compare the old version with the new version then it is without a doubt a great upgrade.
Chromecast With Google TV Specifications
Chromecast with Google TV is basically a dongle-type streaming device, but that’s the Chromecast as it is a cookie-sized body attached to a flat HDMI cable and a plug that hangs off the back of your TV. Once you get the device plugged in, with an additional USB unit for power, the Chromecast can be hidden from your sight like a Roku or Fire TV streaming stick.
Although it is bad that you can’t see the device as it comes in great unique color options such as salmon pink (Sunrise), baby blue (Sky) & Of course white. What makes it even better is that the remote comes along with complimentary shades. Here are the specifications of the new Chromecast with Google TV:
- Price: $49.99
- Size: 2.4” x 6.4” (including the HDMI cable)
- Video: 1080p, 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+
- Audio: DTS, Dolby Digital+, Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos
- WiFi: 802.11ac (2.4 GHz/ 5 GHz)
- Storage: 8GB
Chromecast with Google TV vs The Competition
| Product | Price | Video | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromecast with Google TV | $49.99 | 1080p, 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ | DTS, Dolby Digital+, Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos |
| Roku Streaming Stick+ | $49.99 | 1080p, 4K | DTS |
| Amazon Fire Stick 4K | $49.99 | 1080p, 4K | DTS, Dolby Atmos |
The older version of the Chromecast couldn’t match up with the quality and features offered by Roku and Amazon Fire Stick. The older version couldn’t support 4K and it didn’t come with a remote. The all-new Chromecast with Google TV can go blow with blow in terms of video and audio upgrades with its new remote.
If you are looking to buy the Chromecast ultra which previously supported 4K, you can’t get it now as the new Chromecast with Google TV has replaced it completely.
Setup of Chromecast with Google TV
Just like any streaming device, Chromecast with Google TV is a simple plug-and-play option. Once you connect the dongle to your TV’s HDMI port, you’ll need to power it up from an electrical socket using a USB cord and AC adapter. Unless other streaming devices (smaller ones) the new Chromecast can’t be powered by the TV’s USB port.
Once you’ve done that, you can find your newly connected Chromecast in your TV’s input menu. Use the Chromecast remote which comes included with batteries. You’ll be asked to install the Google Home app on your phone, which will take you through the rest of the setup.
If you want, you can finish the setup on the TV screen with a remote as well, the whole setup will take around 20 minutes including the auto-updates and app downloads. The setup needs you to have a Google account, if you don’t have a Google account in this day and age, then this is your time to enter the industry. Here are the equipment included in the Chromecast box.
Equipment included:
- Chromecast with Google TV device
- Google Assistant voice remote
- 2 AAA batteries
- USB power cable
- AC power adapter
- Instruction manual
Equipment needed:
- TV with an HDMI port
- WiFi Network
- WiFi supported mobile device (Android or iOS)
Chromecast with Google TV: Application List
While the UI of Google TV is based on Android but it doesn’t provide you access to all the streaming applications. Most of the major applications you want will be available on the Google TV lineup, nothing else can be done about the apps that aren’t available.
Partial List of Apps on Chromecast with Google TV:
- YouTube TV
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Hulu / Hulu + Live TV
- Amazon Prime Video
- HBO Max
- SHOWTIME Anytime
- Peacock
- CBS All Access
- Sling TV
- Apple TV
- Philo
- Pluto TV
- fuboTV
- Tubi
- Crackle
- NFL SUNDAY TICKET
- FOX Sports
- CBS Sports
- NBC Sports
Entertainment Apps
Chromecast with Google TV isn’t all about watching TV shows and movies. It can support most of the entertainment apps and basic games apps available on the Android platform. Surprisingly enough, Google TV doesn’t come with the Google Stadia gaming platform, it is expected to launch sometime in 2021. Here’s a partial entertainment app list on Google TV:
- Chrome Browser
- YouTube
- Twitch
- Spotify
- Pandora
- Tidal
- YouTube Music
- TuneIn
- Peloton at Home
- Haystack News
- TED TV
- Curiosity Stream
- Rally Fury Extreme Racing
- Crossy Road
- Deer Hunter
- Minion Rush
- Crashlands
- Minecraft
- Sonic the Hedgehog Classic
Chromecast Models
| Model | Price | Video | Audio | WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chromecast 3rd Generation | $29.99 | 1080p | 802.11ac (2.4 GHz/ 5 GHz) | |
| Chromecast with Google TV | $49.99 | 1080p, 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ | DTS, Dolby Digital+, Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos | 802.11ac (2.4 GHz/ 5 GHz) |
As we stated earlier, Chromecast with Google TV has replaced the Chromecast Ultra, which was a 4K upgrade of the original Chromecast. Now that that Chromecast with Google TV offers superior video and audio to the Chromecast 3rd Gen for just $20 more.
Conclusion
Chromecast with Google TV is definitely an upgrade from the original Chromecast device. The older version of the Chromecast didn’t offer much value for the price point. Chromecast with Google TV now comes equipped with a friendly UI, a Google Voice Assistant controlled remote, and better audio and video performance.
The Google TV on the other hand has room for improvement. The lack of application may annoy some people but the list is expected to grow over-time. For the price of $49.99, Chromecast with Google TV can go head to head with Roku or Amazon Fire TV Stick.