With the first Chromecast, Google revolutionized the use that many made of their television by providing some intelligence and numerous options to all those stupid and not-so-dumb TVs. However, it is now when the new Chromecast with Google TV It shows that this is how the device should have been from the start.
This is the new Chromecast
Since the rumor of a new Chromecast started, we have followed its development very closely. Because on this occasion the company seemed to be willing to face an important change of concept and it has been.
The new generation changes drastically with what we know so far. And we are not referring to the issue of design, but to its functionalities since now finally includes its own remote control. The latter is important, because it already gives indications that this is a device that is freed from dependence on the smartphone. Now you can continue sending content through the chromecast protocol, but as an extra and not something necessary to use it.
However, let's talk about the physical section first. This is the new Chromecast with Google TV, a device that partly resembles the Ultra model with that shape as a pill and with a small protruding part and where the HDMI connector is that will be connected to your television, monitor or projector.
At the other end of said tablet there is a small USB C connector for power. That cable that you connect to supply it with power must in turn be connected to a USB port on the TV or a power adapter like the ones you use to charge your phone.
In any case, if the new Chromecast physically attracts, what attracts the most attention is its remote control. It is the first with a remote control and thanks to it you will be able to perform actions such as turning on the device and in turn the television thanks to the HDMI-CEC support, also adjust the volume, navigate the interface of the new operating system and even launch the company's voice assistant or quickly and directly access two services that are configured by default in two quick access buttons: YouTube and Netflix.
With all this, I think it is clear that we are facing the most attractive Chromecast of all the ones that the company has launched, the one that should have been since that first generation.
| Features | Chromecast with Google TV |
|---|---|
| Dimesiones | 162 x 61 x 12,5 mm |
| Weight : | 55 gr |
| Decision | Up to 4K with support for HDR images and 60 fps |
| Video formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10 + |
| Audio formats | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos |
| Connectivity | WiFi ac (2,4 and 5 Ghz), Bluetooth |
| Local | HDMI to connect to TV plus USB C connection for power |
| Operating System | Android TV |
| Remote control | Control powered by 2 AAA batteries. Support Bluetooth gamepads |
| Price | $69,99 |
Google TV, the new operating system
In addition to the remote control, you will already know that the other great novelty of the new Chromecast is its newly released operating system. Or almost, because still calling Google TV is still Android TV. What sets it apart is that the company launches a new interface, but the base remains the same.
Google TV improves the user experience through certain changes in the icons and the way of displaying the content that seeks unification. That is, it focuses on the content and not on the services. Even so, you will always know if a movie or series, for example, is on Netflix, Disney+ or any other streaming platform. If you want to look for similar ones, it is very similar to what is seen in Apple tvOS, but with those details typical of Google and Android TV. So it will be very familiar and most importantly, easy to use.
Of course, an interface and the possibility of installing applications available in the Play Store with support for Android TV is not the only important thing about the new system. there is also the ability to control connected devices that you have configured at home or Google Assistant itself. With the latter, you can use voice commands to obtain personalized recommendations or suggestions about what content to watch, jump from one application to another, open and directly play a series, etc.
In general, what Google TV offers is a complete and totally independent experience from any other device. It still has support for Chromecast, so you'll be able to send content from an iOS device or any Android phone, as well as other equipment compatible with the protocol, but if you don't have any of that there will be no impediment for you to use all its options freely.
The future of Chromecast: Stadia and xCloud
If you liked everything you have read, pay attention to the following. One of the great values of the new Chromecast with Google TV is that you can have the cheapest game console on the market or almost. because in the middle of Google Stadia support will arrive next year.
Thanks to this you will be able to access the entire catalog of games that the company offers via streaming. And that for casual players or those who bet on this game mode is really interesting. Although it will not be the only service, because we have already seen that xCloud can also be run in the new Chromecast even without official support for now.
So, with Chromecast with Google TV, you're not just buying a device to enjoy series, movies, and other audiovisual content like music and podcasts. Nor is it a device with which you can only manage home automation or use the voice assistant to make inquiries. The new device is much more and one of its options that will have the most weight in the immediate future will be access to these streaming game services.
Chromecast with Google TV and its competition
Finally, how is the new Chromecast with Google TV compared to its direct competition? Well, let's see it, because manufacturers like Xiaomi or Amazon itself have launched new HDMI sticks that are also very interesting.
Both the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick and the Fire TV Stick are based on Android TV. There may be differences, such as Fire TVs relying on Alexa instead of Google Assistant, but the foundation of all of them is the same. So the same services and apps could arrive. Or not, because you also have to take into account the hardware of each one and there, for example, both the Xiaomi option and some of Amazon are at a disadvantage.
El Xiaomi Mi TV Stick and Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite only play content at maximum resolution 1080p, so in theory your hardware is slightly inferior. It is possible that at some point support for these streaming game services will arrive, but the performance is still not the same.
So, taking into account the prices of each and every one of these sticks, the truth is that the Google model has positioned itself quite well. By $69,99 There are few more interesting a priori options than this to accompany your television, whether it is smart or not. It is a product that comes at an ideal time and that will surely sell really well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sj0UrJ-BeE