The Google Chromecast with Google TV: A Slick Streaming Experience With a Price Tag
The Google Chromecast, known for its revolutionary approach to streaming content, has evolved from a simple casting device to a full-fledged smart TV platform. Enter the Chromecast with Google TV, a compact device that brings the new and intuitive Google TV interface to your non-smart television. While it’s arrived in India a bit later than its global debut in 2020, the Chromecast with Google TV is priced at Rs. 6,399 and boasts 4K HDR streaming capabilities, a dedicated remote, and the convenience of a compact design. But is it worth your hard-earned money? Let’s dive into this detailed review and find out.
Chromecast with Google TV: Design and Specifications
Unlike bulkier streaming devices like the Mi Box 4K or the Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen), the Chromecast with Google TV is designed for unobtrusive integration. Its compact size and lightweight nature allow it to be easily tucked behind your TV, connected to an HDMI port. While globally available in various colors, the Indian market currently offers only the "Snow" color option for this streaming device. Available on Flipkart currently, Google has confirmed its availability at offline retail stores soon.
The Chromecast with Google TV sports an oval shape with a flat profile. A fixed rubber cable connects to an HDMI plug on one end and a USB Type-C port for power on the other. The sales package includes a USB Type-A to Type-C cable and a wall socket adapter, the recommended way to power the device. While certain TVs might offer power through their USB ports, this is often less reliable.
When it comes to technical specs, the device shines. It supports streaming at up to Ultra-HD (3840×2160 pixels) at 60fps, with support for high dynamic range content in Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDR10 formats. The Dolby Atmos support ensures immersive audio experiences when coupled with compatible televisions or speaker systems. Furthermore, it features dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless connectivity.
Chromecast with Google TV: Remote and Features
The Chromecast with Google TV distinguishes itself by its thoughtfully designed remote. This compact, ergonomically shaped unit is powered by two AAA batteries (included). Its simple button layout comprises a direction pad, back, and home keys for navigation, hotkeys for YouTube and Netflix, a Google Assistant invocation button, and volume buttons on the right.
The remote’s curved design makes it comfortable to hold, and the thoughtfully placed side-mounted volume keys are easy to reach. It boasts an IR emitter for controlling connected devices like televisions and soundbars, and Bluetooth for navigating the Chromecast and transmitting voice commands to Google Assistant.
HDMI-CEC support on the device allowed me to control basic functions like power and volume using the Chromecast’s remote for both my television and soundbar. This seamless integration required no additional setup and worked flawlessly throughout my review. Besides Google Assistant, the Chromecast also incorporates the casting capabilities of its predecessor devices.
Chromecast with Google TV: Software and Performance
Running on Android TV 10, the Chromecast with Google TV is powered by the Google TV user interface. Introduced in 2020 alongside the Chromecast, this interface is now available on other Android TV devices, including Sony televisions and the Realme 4K Smart Google TV Stick. Android TV’s primary advantage lies in its vast app ecosystem, housing over 5,000 apps specifically designed for television screens in the Google Play store.
The Google TV interface, a departure from the stock Android TV UI, prioritizes content recommendations. It replaces the Google Play Movies and TV app with direct purchase and rental options within the interface. Apps and games remain identical to the older UI, leveraging the underlying Android TV software.
Content curation and recommendations on Google TV are personalized, with large banners showcasing movies and TV shows the algorithm deems appealing. These suggestions are sorted into genre-based rows, thematic rows, and rows highlighting specific content types, like recommendations that mirror your viewing habits. Some rows are particularly creative; I encountered recommendations for "Shows set in Los Angeles," "Movies nominated for Best Film Editing Oscar," and "Monsoon Hits," to name a few.
The Google TV UI integrates with major streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Apple TV+, and Disney+ Hotstar, providing a comprehensive and convenient content recommendation experience. Interestingly, the interface displays Rotten Tomatoes ratings for almost all recommendations. A commendable aspect of the UI is its focus on accessibility; it prioritizes the most readily available and affordable way to watch each title, steering you towards services you’re subscribed to whenever feasible.
The Chromecast with Google TV provided a seamless and reliable performance during my review. Connectivity was stable using a 5GHz home Wi-Fi connection, and app loading times were consistently fast. Streaming was equally hassle-free, and with my robust internet connection, content loaded in Ultra-HD and HDR instantly when available, or within seconds.
Normally, the Chromecast with Google TV automatically streams in the best available resolution and dynamic range, tailoring picture settings to the specific content. However, the device offers an intriguing toggle within the settings menu to force Ultra-HD and Dolby Vision for all content. This enhancement significantly improved the sharpness and clarity of the user interface and appeared to boost colors even within Full-HD standard dynamic range content by engaging the Dolby Vision capabilities of my television.
Verdict
Streaming devices cater to specific user needs; either your current television lacks smart capabilities, or you find your TV’s smart features inadequate. The Chromecast with Google TV seamlessly addresses both scenarios. Its excellent software and user experience ensure a smooth and enjoyable streaming experience. The minimal setup and hassle-free operation further enhance its appeal. While slightly higher priced, the Chromecast with Google TV consistently delivers on its promises. its compatibility with主流 audio and video formats makes it a robust option.
If you lean towards Alexa’s ecosystem, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a worthy competitor. However, if Google Assistant is your preferred voice assistant, the Chromecast with Google TV stands out as a reliable and convenient streaming device.
Price: Rs. 6,399
Pros:
- Convenient shape and size
- Excellent remote
- Ultra-HD, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos support
- Extremely user-friendly setup and usage
Cons:
- Slightly expensive
Ratings (Out of 10):
- Design and specifications: 9
- Features: 8
- Value for money: 6
- Overall: 8
