The Chromecast has long been known as Google’s super-affordable streamer, but in 2021, it was revamped with a remote, new hardware, and an Android-based operating system with native apps. Here’s everything you need to know about Chromecast with Google TV.
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What you need to know about the best Chromecast yet
Google’s Chromecast is a household name for streaming devices, thanks to affordable hardware and a simple control method. However, in 2020, Google revamped that story completely by introducing the new Chromecast with Google TV.
Unlike past Chromecasts that were only controlled by a smartphone, Chromecast with Google TV runs an Android-based operating system with support for thousands of apps and is controlled by a physical remote control. Supported apps include Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Disney+, HBO Max, Peacock, and many others.
That new remote has the typical navigation buttons as well as dedicated keys for Netflix and YouTube. It also has an IR blaster that can be set to connect to your TV and soundbar, complete with power, volume, and input controls. The Chromecast and its remote also come in three colors, complete with batteries to match. Both the Chromecast and its remote are built in part from recycled materials as well.
Google TV also allows the new Chromecast to use its homescreen to aggregate content from all of your favorite streaming services in a single place. A watchlist makes it easy to remember what shows and movies you wanted to check out, too. In May, 2021, Google rolled out a notable update that brought all of these features to Spanish speakers in the United States.
The Google TV homescreen
Being an Android-based device, the new Chromecast can do a lot more than older models and some of its competitors, like Roku. You can sideload apps (at your own risk), enabling services like Zoom and even Google Stadia ahead of the official debut. You can also hook up USB devices if you have the right hardware, enabling apps like Google Duo to use a webcam, or an Ethernet adapter to improve your speeds. Really, there are a ton of possibilities with Android!
Where to buy Chromecast with Google TV
The new Chromecast is sold in three colors — Snow, Sky, and Sunrise. All three come with a color-matched remote, support 4K HDR output, and costs just $50.