Chromecast with Google TV - Everything you need to know about the new streamer - Android
Today, Google took the wraps off its newest media streamer: Chromecast with Google TV. Unlike previous entries in the Chromecast family, this device features a companion remote and a brand new interface based on Android TV.
In the article below, we’re going to give you all the info you need on this new streamer.
Unlike previous iterations of the Chromecast, this new model comes with a standalone remote. That means you are no longer required to use a secondary device to control/cast media. Instead, you can use it just as you would a Roku or Amazon Fire TV device.
Because of this new remote, Google needed to create a software experience, something which previous Chromecasts didn’t need. That experience is known as Google TV, which is a new interface stacked on top of Android TV. We’ll explain that more in a bit.
See also: The best media streaming devices you can buy
The addition of the remote and the introduction of Google TV are huge shifts for this product line. In a way, this is a wholly different device from every other Chromecast we’ve seen.
At its core, though, the Chromecast with Google TV still is a Chromecast. It still has a permanently attached HDMI dongle that you plug into the back of your television. You can still use your smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc., to cast media to your TV, too.
Essentially, the Chromecast with Google TV is everything you loved about previous Chromecasts but with more options and flexibility.
Besides the remote and software, the Chromecast with Google TV has a few new things. First, it has a whole new design including multiple colorways, something most other media streamers don’t offer.
Since the streamer will likely live behind your television its entire life, we’re not quite sure why you would want a specific color. If you do, though, you’ll be happy to know that it comes in three models: Snow (white), Sunrise (pink-ish), and Sky (light blue).
The design of the Chromecast is totally revamped, with new colors, a new shape, and new features.
The basic design has also changed, with the introduction of an oblong, egg-like shape. The past few Chromecasts have all been circular, so it’s nice to see something a bit different. You’ll also find that Google upgraded the power supply port to USB-C, a nice switch from the tired old Micro-USB of other Chromecasts.
As far as features go, the Chromecast with Google TV borrows quite a bit from the Chromecast Ultra, offering 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision support. Dolby Atmos and 5.1 surround sound support are also onboard. Unlike the Ultra, though, you can’t use Ethernet with this Chromecast and there’s no support for Google Stadia at launch.
Before we get into this, let’s be clear: Google TV is not replacing Android TV. In fact, Google TV is simply an interface that lives on top of Android TV. In that sense, this new Chromecast actually doubles as an Android TV streamer.
That means the Chromecast with Google TV has access to the Google Play Store and all the Android TV apps and games one can find there. It also has access to Google Play Movies & TV, which, somewhat confusingly, is also getting a rebrand to Google TV.
Related: Android TV setup guide: Everything you need to know to get started
However, Google understands that you stream media from multiple platforms. Google TV caters to that by organizing media from multiple sources all in one spot. What’s more, you can even save shows or movies you find and access them all later via Google TV’s Watchlist. This syncs with Google Search, allowing you to find content on your phone or computer, add it to your Watchlist, and then see that sync up on your TV.
In a nutshell, Google TV is all about delivering media content. The new Chromecast suggests new content based on your current viewing habits and aggregates content from different providers in one easy-to-understand hub.
You can find more info related to Google TV here.
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