At the end of 2020, Google released its newest streaming device ... Chromecast with Google TV. As many of you know, there are several well established competitors on the market including Roku, Fire TV and Apple TV. So, is Chromecast with Google TV better? Let’s look at the specs and take it for a “test drive".
What’s In the box?
A Chromecast dongle with a connected HDMI jack, USB-A to USB-C power cable with power adapter and 2 AAA batteries, a wireless remote control with Bluetooth and IR blaster, power, volume, mute, TV input selection and of course the amazing Google Assistant voice control as well as YouTube and Netflix shortcut buttons. As with all Google devices there is online help and support if you need it.
The device comes in 3 colors, White or much harder to come by Pink and Blue. The remote is very easy to use and similar to that of Roku. It controls your TV, speakers or a sound bar. You can even add a wireless keyboard, mouse, web camera or gaming remote. It supports 4k HDR 10+, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos sound. You can find all the major apps you need. Set up is simple - just plug-in, connect to WiFi, log into your favorite streaming services and start streaming!
Using the Device
The user experience is seamless. You don’t need to go into individual apps. The interface aggregates content you normally watch and displays it horizontally and vertically in categories. It is a very clean, visual and simple design to use. Just click on the show that is displayed and it will go directly into the app where it is located. You can also create a watch list. The system even plays your favorite music while looking for something else to stream. Let the system know your likes and dislikes and the interface will happily deliver more shows that fit your preferences, based on your personal user profile.
Can it be better?
There is always room for improvement:
- Currently you cannot log into a hotel’s secure WiFi network when traveling. This feature is available on Roku.
- The Google TV ecosystem of apps is large but not nearly as what is found in Roku.
At a competitive price of $49.00, many reviewers consider Chromecast with Google TV to be the best streamer on the market today … even better than the king of streaming - Roku. The most noticeable advantage Google TV has is that it reads the contents of all your subscription services and places it front and center for your viewing pleasure without unwanted advertising. Your paid subscription content watch lists are displayed in the Google TVs integrated user interface under the “For You” tab. The interface is similar to FireTV (which is licensed from Google) but Google raises the subscription integration to a much higher level. Google TV is content agnostic - meaning the search results do not favor one streaming service over another the way Fire seems to favor Prime video content.
The Bottom line - Chromecast with Google TV is a significant value for all the features that it offers. Time will tell but from my perspective it seems to be a winner!
If you have any questions contact us at Campsite.bio/CHTC
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