Chromecast with Google TV: The Latest in Smart TV Tech

Chromecast with Google TV has finally landed locally! Google’s latest streaming device builds on the progress of its predecessors, providing a better experience, with more options than ever. And with the inclusion of Google’s new Google TV, it can reinvent your viewing experience.

What is Chromecast with Google TV?

As with previous Chromecast devices, the Chromecast with Google TV takes the form of a dongle that plugs directly into the HDMI port of your TV. From here, it’s simply a matter of connecting to your home Wi-Fi network and transforming your TV into a smart device.

You’ll need to set up a Google account (if you don’t have one), and will then be able to stream to your heart’s content. However, it’s a number of extra features that really make the Chromecast with Google TV stand out.

In the following guide we’ll take a look at the Chromecast with Google TV’s key features and how it differs from previous Chromecast offerings. We’ll also look at other popular media streaming options currently on offer.

Chromecast with Google TV features

The Chromecast with Google TV brings together a range of features designed to deliver a multifaceted streaming experience. All packaged in the classic compact Chromecast form factor.

However, where it differs from its predecessors, is the inclusion of the Google TV interface and remote. This represents a notable evolution of the Chromecast product line.

Design

The Chromecast with Google TV sports the familiar compact hockey puck design characteristic of Google’s broader Chromecast line. Measuring in at 162mm x 61mm x 12.5mm, and weighing 55g, it is slightly larger than previous Chromecast releases. However, designed to fit snugly behind your TV, it will still go about its business without attracting a great deal of attention.

Also, keep in mind that the Chromecast with Google TV requires a power outlet, and is equipped with a USB-C power port (also included are a power cable and adaptor). It will hang from the TV’s HDMI port, while you will need to run the cable to an accessible power outlet.

Meanwhile, the remote is on the smaller side (122mm x 38mm x 18mm; 63g), comfortably fitting in the palm of your hand. The remote has rounded edges and sports a white finish, while the Chromecast with Google TV itself is available in a snow (white) colour finish.

Google TV

Google TV is Google’s new Android TV interface, which helps to curate your content and streamline your viewing experience. This is a key addition, separating Chromecast with Google TV from other Chromecast devices, paving the way for a range of convenient features.

Put simply, whereas previous Chromecast devices were designed to pair with a mobile device to cast content to your TV, Chromecast with Google TV also allows for direct operation via the Google TV interface and remote.

As Google advises, Google TV “brings together movies, shows and more from across your apps and subscriptions and organises them just for you”, making it easy for users to browse and discover what to watch.

• Personalised TV – movies and TV shows are grouped in ways that reflect your interests

• Discover content – based on your viewing, Google TV helps you discover new content

• Quick search – you can ask Google to search your apps and services for content

• Kids profile – create a personalised space for children

• Watchlist – allows you to bookmark movies and shows for later viewing

In addition to this, Google TV is compatible with more than 6500 apps built for the Android TV operating system.

→Related article: How to Choose the Right Router For Your Home

Controls, navigation and content browsing

As advised above, the Chromecast with Google TV plugs into your TV’s HDMI port and harnesses USB-C power. Once you’ve gone through the set-up process, and signed in/created a Google account, you’ll have a number of options when it comes to controls, navigation and content browsing.

First and foremost is the remote, which brings a whole new element to the Chromecast experience. As Google advises, pairing Chromecast with a remote was its “most requested feature”.

The remote itself features a minimal amount of buttons, with a circular directional pad enabling navigation of the Google TV interface. It also sports dedicated YouTube and Netflix buttons, allowing for quick-and-easy app launch.

In addition to this, it comes with a dedicated Google Assistant button, enabling a range of voice commands. For instance, you could ask for viewing recommendations or search for a specific movie genre. You can also use a paired Google Assistant-enabled speaker, display or smartphone for voice controls.

Meanwhile, as with previous Chromecast devices, you also have the option of casting from compatible Android and iOS apps directly from your smartphone, laptop or tablet, and of mirroring your Chrome browser tab to your TV.

It’s also worthwhile noting that the Google Home mobile app features a built-in remote, providing an additional means of navigating and controlling your TV.

Streaming services

Chromecast with Google TV provides access to thousands of apps, spanning 400,000-plus movies and TV shows. It includes instant access to major international streaming services YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Prime Video.

When it comes to local content, Chromecast with Google TV supports the Freeview, TVNZ+ and ThreeNow apps. Other local streaming services, such as Neon, Spark Sport and Sky Sport Now, can be cast to your TV from your mobile device.

Other features

Other notable Chromecast with Google TV features include: 

• Picture and sound – Chromecast with Google TV streams in up to 4K HDR at up to 60fps. It also supports Dolby Vision and HDMI pass-through of Dolby audio content

• Connectivity – the Chromecast with Google TV is designed to connect via your home wi-fi network. It’s equipped with wi-fi 5 (802.11ac) connectivity, providing you the option of connecting on either the 2.4 or 5GHz band. You also have the option of purchasing an ethernet adaptor, allowing for a wired connection

• Control smart home devices – in addition to its streaming capabilities, the Chromecast with Google TV is designed to integrate with other smart home devices. For instance, you can control your smart lighting from your TV screen or access your security cameras

• Google services – the Chromecast with Google TV also integrates with other Google services. By way of example, you can use Google Photos as a screen saver for when your TV is not in use

Pricing

As advised by Google, the Chromecast with Google TV is available for $110*, from retailers Noel Leeming, The Warehouse, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman and PB Tech.

Other streaming options

Of course, when it comes to media streaming devices, there is an ever-evolving range of options to choose from, and it will certainly pay to shop around for the device that best suits your household’s needs.

In addition to the below, it’s also worthwhile noting that Sky is this year set to release its new Sky Box hybrid set-top box, combining satellite and internet technology (integrating Android TV). Additional details about its release are set to be announced.

Meanwhile, Vodafone’s VodafoneTV service will be closing on September 30, 2022. Vodafone has advised that Sky subscribers will be transitioned directly to Sky services.

Apple TV 4K

The Apple TV 4K sports a box form factor, comes with a Siri-enabled (voice control) remote and integrates with various Apple devices. It is equipped with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and gigabit ethernet connectivity, and supports 4K and HDR streaming, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

It supports apps including Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+ and Sky Sports Now, and, of course, Apple TV+.

Pricing: the Apple website lists the Apple TV 4K as being priced from $299*.

SmartVU SV11

The SmartVU SV11 dongle runs Android TV and comes with Chromecast built-in, allowing you to cast from your mobile device to your TV. It streams in up to 4K Ultra HD +HDR, while its remote features a Google Assistant button, enabling voice commands.

The remote also sports dedicated YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video and Freeview buttons, with support also provided for TVNZ, Sky Sport Now, Neon and ThreeNow.

Pricing: the DishTV website lists the SV11 as being priced at $149*.

Mi TV Stick

Xiaomi’s Mi TV Stick runs Android TV, with built-in Chromecast enabling you to cast from your mobile device. It streams in up to 1080p at 60fps, and supports both DTS and Dolby multichannel HD audio decoding, while its remote features a Google Assistant button for voice controls.

The remote is also equipped with dedicated Netflix and Prime Video buttons, with users able to download streaming and other apps via the Google Play Store.

Pricing: the Xiaomi website lists the Mi TV Stick as being priced at $89*.

*Further information on pricing can be found at individual retailer websites. This should be used as a starter guide and not considered an actual quote.

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About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar author Martin Kovacs. Martin is a freelance writer with experience covering the business, consumer technology and utilities sectors. Martin has written about a wide range of topics across both print and digital publications, including the manner in which industry continues to adapt and evolve amid the rollout of new technologies