Chromecast with Google TV

Chromecast with Google TV

Chromecast with Google TV (4K)

The Chromecast with Google TV 4K has been the latest generation of Google Chromecast launched on September 30, 2022. It is a successful successor of Chromecast with Google TV HD. The product has been priced at USD 49.99. Chromecast with Google TV 4K is much more than just a streaming stick that comes with a remote. It is among the leading product as it is boosted by a sensible interface with all services associated with Google Assistant. The Chromecast with Google TV 4K is priced at a similar segment as Roku and Amazon Fire TV Stick.

As for a streaming device, Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is a dongle accompanied by a small remote. The design is compact, fits in a palm, and has an oval shape. The device’s interface is incredibly simple and does not have anything radical about it. The Chromecast Google TV 4K includes all the popular streaming platforms and won’t keep the user wanting more. Users can either directly install apps or can remotely send apps to the Google Tv from mobile.  The device supports 4K resolution with 60 fps. It supports HDR, HDR10, and HDR10+ and recently it has gained support for Dolby Vision.

Chromecast with Google TV (HD)

It is the immediate predecessor of Chrome with Google TV 4K. This new Chromecast maintained a sleep UI priced at USD 50 model. However, the product ditches 4K playback to cut back the MSRP in half. The Chromecast with Google TV HD was launched on September 22, 2022, with a low price of USD 29.99. If the user has a 1080p screen, which can be used for streaming updates the product is a bargain for USD 30.  The device got single USB-C input and the device cannot be powered by the USB port on the TV. The user needs to use a dedicated power brick that comes in the box with the product.

The Chromecast with Google TV HD is driven by a better chipset in comparison to the 2020 counterpart. Thanks to the new chipset, the Chromecast HD supports AV1 video decoding. It saves bandwidth while streaming certain content. The Chromecast with Google TV HD is an absolute breeze and is very easy to connect it to the TV. Most of the processes can be done using the Google Home app. The Chromecast can reconfigure its remote for the power and volume of the TV. The Chromecast HD runs on the latest iteration by Google TV and the newest Android interface which are seen on any other latest android devices.  HD model comes with an inbuilt Android 12 and it is the only device with the software. The changes due to Android 12 are minor and the look and feel are just the same as the previous version. The best change in Android 12 is that it plays a pleasant sound as a user navigates through the UI. The Chromecast with Google TV HD only lacks Dolby Vision HDR but supports all other protocols of the 4K variant.

Chromecast 3rd Generation

The Chromecast 3rd Generation was launched on October 10, 2018, and priced at USD 35. Google Chromecast 3rd Generation is an HD streaming video player which can make a TV smart and make it more user-friendly. The 3rd Generation Chromecast hooks directly into the HDMI port of the TV. It can draw power from a USB port and works as a receiver that can stream video links that are sent from mobile or tablet. There are good features packed into the product which is sold in the USD 35 price range there are only a few areas of improvement.

It supports all the streaming platforms which come with an in-built cast button. The Google Chrome Browser can help to cast the entire browser on the tv screen. The Chromecast 3rd generation supports various music, games and utility applications which makes the device enjoyable on a large screen. The device works through a wireless connection and can stream on a 1080p setting. With the right connection, the Chromecast 3rd Generation is incredibly fast and can buffer full HD videos in about 20 seconds and low resolution in under 5 seconds.  Chromecast 3rd Generation is an effective purchase for people who are still working with HD screens or recently invested in a small screen for a room which do not have any smart platform.

Chromecast Ultra

The Chromecast Ultra offers extra features which come at a price range of USD 69. The product was launched on November 6, 2016. The build is smaller than its earlier model, which comes with a short HDMI cable that magnetically connects to the back. However, with the extra technology, it is a little fatter than previous years’ model. Overall, it is tiny, considering the capabilities and features that it packs. The hardware in the system is minimal which includes an HDMI port, a micro-USB port for Power and a reset button. The Chromecast Ultra is run by Google Home App which is compatible with cast technology using all the popular streaming platforms.

Cast-button appears on-screen when a video is streamed on the application. If it is plugged in with a 100 Mbps connection, the videos can be loaded quickly and consistently. Chrome Cast Ultra is known for its good performance. The picture quality is stunning and things look brilliant across the board. Especially moves with strong CGI looks pristine through this Casting Device.

Chromecast Audio

Google Chromecast Audio is the product that Google used to turn its head towards music streaming. The product hit the market on 29th September 2015. Priced at USD 35 the Chromecast Audio has been designed for audio streaming apps that feature a 3.5-millimetre audio jack which makes the product to be used with any speaker or home audio system. An additional update given on December 2015, enabled the device to process resolution audio (24-bit/96 kHz) and enabled multi-room playback. It enabled users to simultaneously play audio across multiple Chromecast devices available in various locations which can be grouped together through the Google Home mobile app.

The device is a small disc and is identical to a regular Chromecast. The device comes with a small circular group which makes it resemble a record. The premise of the device is the same as Chromecast, but the only difference is that it is focused on audio payment. The device is meant to bring web-based music platforms to offline devices like active speakers or home theatre. In simple terms, Chromecast audio will expand the capabilities of the existing music system. There are free subscriptions for audio streaming platforms like Tidal, Spotify, Deezer, Rdio, TuneIn Radio, NPR and Google Play music. The device will increase performance and the audio comes with high detail.

Chromecast 2nd Generation

The Google Chromecast 2nd Generation was launched on September 29th 2015 and was priced at USD 35. The Chromecast 2 comes in three colors – red, black and yellow. The device can draw power from the micro-USB port and there is an additional charger with the product. The device is made compact and resolves the issues of cluttering wires and HDMI chords sticking out from one end. The Chrome cast app has a new name Google Cast. The device is easy to connect with Android TV with a wi-fi connection. Chromecast 2 is faster when it comes to comparison with the first generation. The device has a really fast boot time, has better wi-fi connectivity and apps are really smooth to load.

The device is perfect for old dumb HD tv which can be brought to life using the Chromecast. It will open up all streaming apps which now can be run on the old HD Tv. The Chromecast 2nd Generation can be the best purchase for people who are looking for their first casting device for the old generation HD TV. The device supports 1080 p playable at 30 fps.

Chromecast 1st Generation

The Chromecast 1st Generation was the first Chromecast device by Google and was launched on July 24, 2013. The product was priced decently at USD 35 which made it affordable. It is a cheap sticky which is easy to use. The Chromecast comes with efficient features which can enable the ability to stream Chrome browser tabs from any desktop or laptop to any large-screen tv. The Chromecast 1 is compatible with a few devices like Android phones, tablets and Chromebooks. The Chromecast 1st gen runs on a wi-fi connection.

The display capability of Chromecast 1 can run 1080p @ 30 fps and 720p @ 60 fps. The connectivity includes HDMI and ethernet with an ethernet power adapter. The device gets to power from a Micro-USB port which provides the power for the device. It means when Chromecast 1 is connected to the USB port, it draws power from the port. The device runs on Micron DDR3L RAM and comes with 2GB of flash storage. It means it can store applications in its 2GB flash memory.

Chromecast is the newest addition from Google to TV streaming services. Chromecast has become one of the best Hi-Fi streamers with a voice-activated remote. Compared to its predecessor Chromecast Ultra, the new Chromecast brings many features. Google Chromecast doesn’t bring any new services to TV streaming services. However, its features and functionalities are nothing new. It provides better services with intuitive UI, quickly becoming popular among streaming devices at price of just $39.98. The previous versions lacked a remote, and Google has now rectified this problem by adding an easy-to-use remote control. 

Pros

  • Voice-activated remote control
  • Large app selection including HBO max, Apple TV plus, Peacock, and more
  • Uses Google Assistant in the best possible way
  • Integrates better with Google Photos, YouTube, and other Google services 
  • Excellent HDR picture quality
  • Amazing Dolby Vision and Atmos sound effects
  • Revamped Android TV interface, also called Google TV
  • Single unified interface
  • Competitive pricing compared to its rivals – Roku’s Express 4K plus, Amazon Fire TV stick 4K max 
  • Available in 3 colors – snow-white, sunrise pink, and sky blue
  • The Remote has the right length and thickness to be comfortable and sleek
  • Dedicated buttons for Netflix and YouTube, the two popular streaming services
  • Ability to remap the YouTube button to YouTube TV, YouTube Kids, or YouTube music
  • Configurable input button to switch to other TV devices
  • Easy setup with the Google Home app on Android or iOS
  • Meaningful For You section, which is the default home page
  • Integration with Google Stadia for cloud gaming
  • Highly responsive Google Assistant, activated by holding down a remote button
  • Easy access to multiple services using a single Google account login
  • Support for multiple Google accounts on the same device
  • The live TV section is available for those who have subscribed to YouTube TV
  • Improve recommendations using Thumbs Up/Down system
  • Superior streaming even under low-bandwidth limitations
  • Added support for the Apple TV app
  • It supports casting from your mobile or tablet

Cons

  • It shows some lag while switching between apps using voice controls
  • Playback content suggestions provided by the Assistant are not always useful
  • Rivals are much more dynamic
  • Not the cheapest TV device
  • Requires wall power outlet and can’t function with power from TV’s USB port
  • The picture-in-picture feature doesn’t always work
  • Google Assistant matches searches more with YouTube irrespective of user subscription preferences
  • No Ethernet jack, which means Wi-Fi is essential
  • Fast forward/rewind and Play/Pause buttons are absent
  • Google TV integration is not available with all streaming apps
  • Insufficient 8GB storage

The Chromecast with Google TV is a good choice if you are looking for a cheaper streaming service with 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision support. The upgraded layout stands out among its competitors in multiple streaming apps, making it easier to look for the content you want. Voice-activated Assistant support is helpful in quickly getting your search results. If you already have a Google Home environment, this is the best streaming device for your family. It’ll offer you and your family, a joy which is unexplainable and you’ll be happy with your decision.