The Chromecast with Google TV from Google is a revelation. This streaming device improves a nearly perfect technology by fixing something that wasn’t broken. This is all thanks to its remote and Google TV, Google’s ‘new’ software. When used together, the two provide a significant improvement in usability over previous Chromecasts, which required you to use your phone or tablet to Cast content rather than providing an on-screen interface to interact with.
The Chromecast with Google TV is an improvement over the Chromecast Ultra it replaces. The disc-shaped casework has been flattened out into a more oval shape, and it is now available in Snow (white), Sunrise (pink), or Sky (blue), each with a matching coloured remote. The device hangs from an HDMI port on the back of your television or receiver. Even if your TV has a powered USB socket, you’ll still need to plug it into the wall with the provided adaptor because it has a USB 2.0 port. The new voice remote is about the size of your palm and fits perfectly in your hand. There are also shortcut buttons for Netflix and YouTube, as well as the Google Assistant voice search. This one’s design notes must have been tasteful, discrete, and nicely tactile.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]Google TV makes its Chromecast debut here, and despite the device’s mouthful of a name, we understand why Google wants to shout about its new interface. It is compatible with over 6500 Android TV apps and will recommend content from over 30 streaming services on the home page. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, iPlayer, YouTube, and others are available depending on your location and subscriptions. As a user, it’s a welcome change to see a truly useful content discovery tool rather than a shopfront selling content.
When you find a film or TV show that you have the rights to watch on multiple services, Google TV gives you the option to watch it on the cheapest or free service available, rather than trying to sell you the version from Google’s own catalogue. Available films and TV shows are organized into useful rows of suggestions, including several categories we’ve never seen on other services, such as Neo-noir, Futuristic Shows, Robot Films, and Space Exploration Movies. You can improve the AI by telling it what you’ve already seen, but it already has a good grasp on our preferences.
The new remote control is well-designed and tactile. You can teach it to control your TV’s power and volume, as well as use it as a microphone for Google Assistant voice searches on Google TV. As expected, voice recognition is nearly flawless and a good way to quickly get to what you want. You can make more general requests, such as ‘Show me films about time travel,’ in addition to specific TV shows, music, and movies. In fact, Chromecast with Google TV is the best media streamer on the market in terms of usability and recommendations.