They offer two versions: Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra. Movies and Shows let you browse different films and TV shows, with suggestions ranging across multiple streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu. The length of your content, your internet service provider's network availability over time and other factors can impact your Internet speed, and therefore Chromecast device's ability to show content in the best possible resolution. It's available in blue, pink, or white, though it doesn't really matter which color you choose since the device is designed to hang off the back of your TV, unseen. It supports hundreds of different apps across most major streaming services, including Amazon, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, Sling TV, Twitch, and YouTube. You can use the tool to play digital music, video, and images with an internet connection. Cast is compatible with WiFi-enabled Android smartphones and tablets; iPhone ®, iPad ®, and iPod ®; Chrome for Mac ® and Chrome for Windows ®; and ChromeOS. For 4K content, you need a 4K-capable TV and a high-speed internet connection (at least 20 Mbps). It is … They probably want us to buy another CCU, which is something I wouldn't do. The TiVo Stream 4K is another excellent Android TV-based media streamer available for the same price. The Chromecast is an equal to the excellent Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K in terms of affordability and user friendliness, with the extra benefit of being able to cast content from your phone or a Chrome tab. Study Finds Bad Web Design is Killing Us All With Stress, The Best Headsets and Headphones for Your Home Office, Not Wild About Waze? Video looks good, and supported HDR content loads properly. The Chromecast with Google TV is an excellent, feature packed streaming stick that matches, if not beats its Fire and Roku competition, but there are a few odd omissions. Availability and performance of features and services are application-, device- and network-dependent and may not be available in all areas. The remote works well for controlling Google TV, which is also new for the Chromecast … It’s compatible with over 6500 of the apps built for Android TV and, at launch, will recommend content on the home page from over 30 streaming services. It easily rivals the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, with a sleek interface and loads of functionality, earning our Editors’ Choice for affordable media streamers. Chromecast has a line of digital media players used to mirror audio and video from an external device onto a high-definition television. Chromecast with Google TV turns any TV into a smart TV with one seamless experience for all your streaming apps. If you subscribe to YouTube TV, you'll also see a Live tab. Google TV opens to a For You tab that displays suggested shows and movies on a row of large, colorful tiles. The voice assistant will also provide both spoken and on-screen details like weather reports, sports scores, and general information. With the remote, new interface and Google Assistant, the new Chromecast with Google TV is finally on par with the Roku Streaming Stick and the Amazon Fire TV Stick. You can also cast Google Chrome tabs from your computer directly to your TV. The included remote control is a first for the Chromecast, and it looks and feels like a cross between the Apple TV and Roku remotes. While you can project Computer Screen to TV using Miracast, you will be amazed at how effortless and easy it is to Cast Videos and Movies playing on your Computer to TV using Chromecast.You will find below the steps to Setup Chromecast on Windows 10 Computer. In 2013, the company's first Chromecast helped usher in an era of streaming televisions, but did so by relying on your phone, tablet or computer to supply the apps and video. The Google Terms of Service and supplemental Nest Terms of Service apply to use of the Google Home app and devices set up via the app. Chromecast compatibility was recently added to the Spectrum TV App, giving customers even more options for viewing live and On Demand content. Once connected, the Chromecast can stream video at up to 4K resolution and 60fps. Chromecast with Google TV is a big change in terms of features, looks, price and more for the Chromecast, compared to the first three models. You can access Google Assistant on the Chromecast by pressing and holding the Google Assistant button on the remote and speaking into the microphone. Other tabs include Apps, Library, Movies, and Shows. Note: The Privacy Policy describes how data is handled by this app and these devices. The Apple TV app is the only big name currently missing from the Google Play store, which means you can't watch Apple TV+ content. The regular Chromecast could only stream 1080p content, while the Chromecast Ultra added 4K but more than doubled the price, and neither came with a remote or had an on-screen menu system. This enhancement allows our customers to take video content playing on the Spectrum TV App and “cast” it to a larger screen or TV. Subscription(s) may be required, and additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply. Of course, this is still a Chromecast device, so you can stream any Google Cast-compatible content from your phone or tablet. That said, the Fire TV Stick is cheaper than the Chromecast with Google TV. You can use the Google Home app on compatible mobile devices to set up Chromecast with Google TV, Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast Audio, and TVs and speakers with Chromecast built-in. HDCP 2.2 is required to support 4K content. Image Credit: Netflix 2. This was originally the entire functionality of Chromecast devices, and now it’s simply a nice bonus on top of an extensive app-based ecosystem and handy user interface. Library displays any movies or shows you purchased on Google Play Movies & TV. Apps shows your installed apps, and lets you browse additional apps and services to download on the Chromecast. The Chromecast Ultra is almost 2x powerful as the Chromecast and can stream 4K at 60 fps. A USB-C port sits at the opposite end of the puck from the two-inch HDMI cable, for receiving power through the included USB-C cable and wall adapter. In order to view 4K or Ultra High-definition (UHD) content, in addition to the requirements listed above, your equipment must meet the following requirements: To learn about technical specifications for Chromecast devices, check the Chromecast specifications article. Adding a remote and an on-screen interface to the Chromecast is appealing enough, but Google TV layers an attractive and accessible menu system on top of that. Now, it supports the 6,500 Android TV apps already available in … True to its name, Chromecast with Google TV can send media to your television from supported apps. Verdict. PCMag PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis, LLC and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Unlike other smart TV sticks (looking at you, Amazon Fire and NOW TV), Google Chromecast is compatible with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and NOW TV … Learn more about. The included remote control is … The Chromecast with Google TV is now available in the U.S. for USD 49.99 (~RM207), with three colours available: Snow, Sunrise, and Sky. This tab only works with YouTube TV; other live services like Sling TV don't integrate into Google TV. For my use case, I need to play the same audio through two Bluetooth headphones at the same time. A reset button and an indicator LED can be found on the underside. So far, I have managed to pair one Bluetooth headphone to Chromecast with Google TV, and play audio through the headphone instead of the TV. Try One of The Best GPS Devices for 2021, How to Find the Best Digital TV Antenna for 2021. I watched shows on Netflix, Sling TV, and YouTube, and switched between different apps quickly and easily. The Chromecast With Google TV features a fully fledged menu system built on the Android TV platform.Â. This isn’t stock Android TV like you’ll find on some new TVs and media streamers, though. You might not … Google TV incorporates content searching, recommendations, and even live TV into the menu system, providing suggestions for what you might want to watch in the middle of the screen. My Nvidia Shield TV has Chromecast (Ultra) built-in with firmware version 1.42.179832 which is newer than the standalone Chromecast Ultra (1.42.172094). A pair of smaller buttons sit below the six larger ones for TV power and input selection, along with a pinhole microphone for Google Assistant. It seems to me that Google just don't want to enable it on Chromecast built-in devices with Ultra capability. Ultimately, the Chrome Chromecast With Google TV offers more functionality than any other $50 media streamer, and that's enough to earn it our Editors’ Choice. The new Chromecast still runs Android TV at its core, so it includes all of the same features as other Android TV devices like the TiVo Stream 4K and Sony smart TVs. The rather awkwardly named Chromecast with Google TV, is now a full-fledged mini streamer, rather than just being a 'caster'. Use the remote or your phone to watch your favorite shows, movies, or videos. At the time of Chromecast's launch, four compatible apps were available: YouTube and Netflix were supported as Android, iOS, and Chrome web apps; Google Play Music and Google Play Movies & TV were also supported, but originally only as Android apps. The Google Home app is compatible with the following mobile devices: All Chromecast devices require a TV with High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) 1.3 or higher built-in. You can still cast direct from thousands of compatible Android and iOS apps, but now you can also choose what to watch from the home screen on your TV… It supports HDR in both HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Chromecast is an easy device to setup and use on … Download: iOS / Android Netflix is one of the best Chromecast-enabled apps. The new Chromecast With Google TV replaces both of these dated media streamers, offering an excellent 4K experience with a remote, an easy-to-use menu system, and all of the benefits of Google TV in a tiny, $49.99 package. In a nutshell, it's a technology built by Google that works over Wi-Fi to let you send or 'cast' media - whether that be streaming movies, TV shows, music, podcast or radio - from your phone, tablet or computer to compatible speakers and TVs. Once connected, the Chromecast can stream video at up to 4K resolution and 60fps. Chromecast-enabled apps let you stream videos, music and videos to your TV from your Pixel phone, Google Home, Pixel Slate or other device. The new Chromecast is built similarly to the previous models, with a slim, puck-like body on a short cable that ends in an HDMI plug. The Chromecast With Google TV performed well in tests, with fairly brisk menu performance and fast content loading. Need help? The Mi TV Stick presents unique usability for bringing an intelligent remote control and complete Android TV system without using another device to access the services. Pre-orders are also now open in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and the U.K., with official sales to start on the 15th of October. The buttons include Home, Google Assistant, Back, and Mute, plus two dedicated service buttons for YouTube and Netflix. The Chromecast with Google TV represents a big upgrade from previous Chromecast devices. Contact the Chromecast Support Team for assistance. Will Greenwald has been covering consumer technology for a decade, and has served on the editorial staffs of CNET.com, Best Malware Removal and Protection Software. The Google Chromecast is a media streaming device that can be used to watch Live TV Streaming Services. What can you stream on Google Chromecast? You can use it like the older Chromecasts to stream video from any compatible app on your phone. This version is a bit more oblong than the circular Chromecast, and its smooth matte finish makes it reminiscent of a bar of soap. Chromecast built-in is a technology that lets you cast your favorite entertainment and apps from your phone, tablet or laptop right to your TV or speakers. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. Learn about our commitment to privacy in the home. Scrolling down farther shows additional rows of suggestions based on genre and service. For High Dynamic Range (HDR) content, you need an HDR-capable TV. Google TV makes its debut on Chromecast here, and despite that resulting in a mouthful of a name for its latest device, we understand why Google wishes to shout about its new interface. Most televisions that are five years old or newer and have HDMI ports will have at least one port that supports HDCP 2.2. Installed apps appear on the row below these suggestions, and the ability to resume any content you were previously watching is on a row below that. This tab incorporates the live TV service of YouTube TV into the menu system itself, showing the top shows currently available, followed by a grid-based program guide. Google Chromecast is a streaming service that lets you stream media through your TV through wireless connection. AirPods Max vs. AirPods Pro: What's Apple's Best Pair of Noise-Cancelling Headphones? What is Required to Setup Chromecast On Windows 10 PC. If you use Sling TV, the $49.99 TiVo Stream 4K incorporates the service into its live TV guide and interface, though it’s a bit more cluttered than Google TV. Instead, the Chromecast uses Google TV, a new user interface that better unifies content across different apps and services than standard Android TV. You can ask Google Assistant to search for content available on Google TV and your installed apps and services, and to open any app with a command. Released in 2018, Chromecast 3 stands out for having almost full compatibility with Android devices. Chromecast with Google TV Chromecast with ... a welcome addition New colors with matching batteries Interface is fast and smooth 4K HDR support The Bad Stadia not compatible … Google Assistant can control your smart home devices as well, configurable through the Google Home app (which also lets you set up the Chromecast itself). Perhaps the most elegant option for playing Apple TV+ content on your Chromecast or Android TV is simply casting a tab from the Chrome browser. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. Google's Chromecast lineup was getting a bit long in the tooth. Chromecast with Google TV – USD 49.99 (~RM207) It supports HDR in both HDR10 and Dolby Vision. You can use the Google Home app  on compatible mobile devices to set up Chromecast with Google TV, Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast Audio, and TVs and speakers with Chromecast built-in. Learn more about this in the Google Nest Privacy Help Center article. Netflix. The Chromecast has completely lacked any form of on-screen interface until now. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. It incorporates Sling TV into its live TV guide, but its own menu system is a bit more cluttered, and built a bit less consistently on top of Android TV than Google TV is on the Chromecast. Tossing a TV show from your phone or … Unlike most streaming devices, they do not have a built-in interface. Here are the minimum requirements for setting up and using Chromecast devices: You can download the Google Home app from the, An Android phone running Android 6.0 or later, An Android tablet running Android 6.0 or later. It has a rounded candy bar shape like Roku remotes, with a volume rocker on the right edge, and it features a large, circular direction pad near the top, with two rows of large, round buttons like on the Apple TV remote.