For those who are not yet Google Chromecast fans, here’s what you have been missing: the ability to ‘cast’ content from your Mac, PC, Chromebook, or smartphone to your TV. The original Chromecast models plugged directly into the HDMI input on your TV and operated without a remote. These tiny gadgets went through 3 generations (plus an Ultra version that I didn’t invest in) before the latest and most interesting Chromecast device entered the market in September 2020.
The new device is called ‘Chromecast with Google TV‘ and costs about $50. This is a 4k streaming appliance (similar in many respects to the Roku Premier device that’s currently on sale for about half the price of the new Chromecast). Still, I think the new Chromecast is a good value, and when it comes to casting from another device, should out-perform the Roku Premier.
Though I have not lived very long with the new Chromecast device, setup was easy, performance appears to be quite good, and quality is very good. The remote is thoughtfully designed and isn’t difficult to learn, especially if you’re already familiar with the Roku remote. Unlike my Roku Ultra remote that has a headphone jack (which I find is very useful), the Google TV remote does not include this feature. The remote does support Google Assistant for program search (and probably general search, though I have not played with this feature yet).
For those familiar with Roku and other streaming interfaces such as one would find with a modern ‘smart’ TV, Google TV is not much different. Here’s an image of the kind of screen you’ll see when using this device.
One other thing I just learned and need to follow-up is their advertised deal “Your Chromecast with Google TV comes with $60 off your first 3 months of YouTube TV.” I didn’t know this when I sat down to write this post, but I do now and that seems like a pretty sweet deal.
Anyway, I wanted y’all to know about this new device from Google. It’s looks like a winner, and the price is right.
Enjoy!
