In 2020, Chromecast with Google TV was introduced with several improvements. The successor to the streaming devices has a new user interface, remote, and appropriate menu system, just like the Amazon Fire TV or Roku. Users can cast media to their televisions using the newest Chromecast with Google TV, which features an Android TV interface.

What Is Chromecast?

Google’s range of streaming dongles goes by the name Chromecast. You can stream and cast content like movies or music to your TV using streaming devices, which are pieces of hardware that connect to your TV and the internet.

Chromecast Models 

The Google store now offers two Chromecast models: Chromecast and Chromecast with Google TV. The original Chromecast is a casting device that allows you to stream information from your smartphone or tablet to your TV. The newest model is considerably more sophisticated. With the introduction of Chromecast with Google TV, Google upped the ante by introducing a completely new user experience.

Also available as part of the Google Stadia Premiere Edition is a third Chromecast model, the Chromecast Ultra.

How Does Chromecast Work?

Consider a Chromecast if you want to watch Halo or Obi wan at home on full-screen for the ultimate home theater experience. To get the most out of your viewing experience, you may throw your content up on the large screen via a protocol called Google Cast.

One of the best features of Google Chromecast is how simple and straightforward the setup procedure is (see our tutorial on setting up Google Chromecast). You can use Chromecast without WiFi if you have a phone or tablet, a TV with an HDMI connector, and a WiFi network. However, this is not a must.

What Is Google Chromecast Used For?

While streaming movies and television shows is the primary application of Google Chromecast, this is by no means its only function.

Stream Music

If you have a party planned and want your Spotify playlist to appear on the big screen, Chromecast may also be used to stream music. (Read our post on How to Unblock Spotify if you’re curious about how to circumvent geoblocks when using Spotify.)

Device Casting

Another cool feature of Google Chromecast is the ability to cast from your laptop to your TV. As a result, your TV can even serve as an additional monitor. Simply ensure that Google Chrome is installed on your computer. The Chromecast Support Center has detailed instructions for each method of casting from your laptop.

Gaming

The new user interface will be available on your TV screen if you are using Chromecast with Google TV. This means that you can directly control media with the included remote without needing your phone or tablet, though you will still need to utilize them for setup. Gaming is another function available to users of the most recent model, which may please them (see out our list of the top Chromecast games).

Cast Photos

With Chromecast, you can project your vacation images to your TV so that you can show them to loved ones without having to strain your eyes over a phone. You’ll need the Google Photos app for this, or you may use a laptop’s Google Chrome browser to access photos.google.com. For more information on safeguarding your photographs, see our guide on the Best Online Storage for Photos.

Can You Use Chromecast With Any TV or Mobile Device?

iPhones and iPads running iOS 12.0 or later and Android devices running Android 6.0 or later are both compatible with Chromecast.

As for TVs, the basic rule of thumb is that as long as it has an HDMI port, everything should work well. You can buy an HDMI-to-analog converter (RCA) if your older TV supports composite (red, yellow, and green) inputs in order to use Google Chromecast.

If you’re looking for specifics, the exact specifications for TVs are as follows:

• High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) 1.3 or higher
• HDCP 2.2 to support 4K content

Up to 4K streaming is possible with Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast with Google TV. The following conditions are listed by the support center for 4K viewing:

• 4K-capable TV 
• High-speed internet connection (at least 20 Mbps)

You will need an HDR-capable TV to view HDR content. In terms of WiFi, Chromecast is compatible with all 802.11ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) wireless networks.

Chromecast Remote and Voice Control

You can operate the Chromecast Ultra with a Stadia controller in addition to the little remote that comes with Chromecast with Google TV. “Open Amazon Prime Video” or “Play (enter favorite Amazon Prime Video series here)” are a couple of examples of voice commands. 

By clicking the Google Assistant button on the Chromecast with Google TV, you can issue voice commands. A voice matching tool is also included. By getting Google Assistant accustomed to your speech, it can personalize the user interface for you.

Although the voice control capability is absent from the original Google Chromecast, you can still operate the streaming gadget using the Google Home app.

Specifications of Chromecast with Google TV

The most recent Chromecast has undergone a number of improvements. It is only 55 grams in weight and offers an upgraded user interface on top of Android TV. The UI is meant to shift attention away from apps and onto content. New branding for the Android TV platform, Google TV powers the most recent Chromecast with Google TV.

Additionally, the new version of Chromecast with Google TV, which debuted on October 1st, will allow users to download any app that was previously accessible on Android TV 9 Pie via the Google Play Store.

There is a

• 9GHz quad-core Amlogic CPU included.
• 8GB storage and 2GB of RAM
• the dongle remote has a USB Type-C power converter and two AAA batteries.
• Up to 60fps in 4K HDR,
• DTSX, HDR10+, HDR10, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Vision, and h.265 streaming
• connectivity across two Wi-Fi 802.11ac bands.
• Bluetooth
  

Users may fully utilize Google Assistant for voice commands with Chromecast with Google TV. The HDMI connection on a TV or monitor is used to connect the streaming device, which also requires a separate switch for power.

Read: Chromecast with Google TV latest new free upgrade

Stream Games on Chromecast with Google TV.

Users can now connect their subscribed services to the interface and stream their favorite services and games at the same time, causing the interface to automatically display the content on the home screen. The streaming set will provide access to all well-known OTT services, including Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix, Prime Video, ZEE5, and many others. Chromecast, which also includes Google’s Chromecast protocol, allows users to cast video from their smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices.

Read: Chromecast with Google TV latest new free upgrade

The new Google Chromecast isn’t yet available in many countries, but it will be in the coming months. The price of the Chromecast with Google TV in some countries is still unknown. In the United States, the Chromecast with Google TV costs $49.99. The Google Chromecast, according to rumors, will cost slightly more than the Fire TV Stick and will pose a serious threat to the popular 4K Fire Stick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Chromecast with Google TV do?

Google Chromecast plugs into your TV and grants easy access to multiple streaming services, from Netflix and YouTube to Google Play.

What is the difference between Chromecast and Chromecast with Google TV?

Simply put, it’s $20 more expensive and comes with a ton more apps. Thanks to Chromecast and Google TV, Google’s streaming device now closely resembles the Fire TV sticks and Rokus with which it has always competed. It appears to be the most important distinction given that there is an interaction. There are 6,500 Android TV apps available for use with the Chromecast and Google TV, so this is not your only choice.

The Chromecast with Google TV can also get software updates, but it appears that the other Chromecasts cannot. On the Chromecast with Google TV, these updates have improved the storage optimizations (which should give customers more storage space) as well as the support for Dolby Vision, HDR HLG, and DRM-protected content.

Additionally, you can use the full remote that comes with your stream to put your phone down and focus on what is on your TV. The Chromecast’s maximum resolution is 1080p, but the Google TV-enabled Chromecast supports 4K video with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+.

Does Chromecast have voice controls?

The most recent Chromecast with Google TV model supports voice commands. You can use voice commands and even have the UI adjust to your voice by pressing the Google Assistant button on the remote. Before, you had to use a Google Home device to channel your Chromecast requests, but as of right now, you can give voice commands directly to Google Assistant.

If you purchase the Chromecast along with Google TV, the control has a Google Assistant button, making it easier to use.. Although Google offers comprehensive Chromecast setup instructions, the functionality is rather obvious. You can easily cast music and videos to your TV by connecting your Chromecast and phone to the same network.

Do I need Chromecast if I have a Smart TV?

Because many well-known apps, like Netflix, are already built into smart TVs, you most likely won’t need a Chromecast if you already have one. Because smart TVs are more expensive and typically have different operating systems that are not based on Android OS and have fewer apps available on their specific app store, you might want to consider a Chromecast instead.

Read: Chromecast with Google TV latest new free upgrade

What is Chromecast and how does it work?

Chromecast is a streaming gadget that connects to your TV and the internet to allow you to broadcast video to your television. It employs the “Google Cast” protocol to let you to easily stream music, video, or images to your TV screen.

Do I have to pay a monthly fee for using Chromecast?

There is no ongoing charge once you purchase the Chromecast device. Other apps, like Netflix, demand a monthly or yearly subscription fee and are not free. Other applications, like YouTube, are still free.

Is Chromecast with google tv available in my region?

To confirm if Chromecast with google TV is available in your location check out the google official store to see the available location

Where is the Google Chromecast extension?

Although it took me a long time to find a Chromecast extension, Chrome can already work with Chromecast without any additional software being installed. Click the three dots in the upper right corner and select Cast if you don’t see a Chromecast button in the menu bar. You can then see the gadgets that can transmit video to your TV. Right-click the Cast logo and select the Always show icon to keep the button.

What can I watch on Google Chromecast?

Chromecast can play video and audio content from a variety of services. Many of these are tracked by Google on its official website, though there is no comprehensive list. Since Google introduced the Chromecast software development kit, new apps have started appearing on a regular basis, so keep a watch out for more apps.

Furthermore, the Chromecast with Google TV expands your streaming options to include over 5000 Android TV apps. That’s why it’s no longer only one of the best wireless screen-mirroring gadgets. We recently learned that the Chromecast with Google TV will soon have an Apple TV app, joining the likes of HBO Max, Netflix, and others.

Can I travel with a Chromecast?

Due to its small size and straightforward setup, the Chromecast might seem like a blessing for frequent travelers. Captive portals, or networks that require browser-based logins, are not supported by Chromecast. The Chromecast is therefore rarely useful in hotels or academic institutions. However, changing the login information is simple if you have your Chromecast with you and locate a Wi-Fi network without a captive gateway.

Are there any Chromecast alternatives?

Yes, but your financial situation also plays a role. With a $39 Roku Express 4K Plus, you can also stream media to your TV. The Chromecast looks better in general, though.The $179 Apple TV 4K can stream content (like games) from your iPhone or iPad to your TV, much like a Roku device can. You can also stream media using a PS4 or Xbox One, but both devices are very pricey.

How does Google Stadia work with Chromecast?

Google Stadia, the company’s game streaming service, is accessible from anywhere, but you’ll need either the now-discontinued Chromecast Ultra or the Chromecast with Google TV starting in 2021 to cast it to your TV using a Chromecast.

Read: Chromecast with Google TV latest new free upgrade