Chromecast with Google TV is the fourth generation media center launched in 2020. The device features support for Ultra HD (4K) resolution, Dolby Vision, and HDR. The new version of the dongle features compatibility with Google Assistant, personalized content for the user, and remote control with voice command.
The product is sold for US$49. Available in white, blue, and pink, the Chromecast with Google TV includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Check out the main specifications of the model’s datasheet below and see if it is worth importing it or buying it.
Chromecast with Google TV datasheet
| Chromecast with Google TV | |
|---|---|
| Release | September 2020 |
| Official price | US$ 49 |
| Maximum resolution | UHD (4K) |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Internal storage | 8GB |
| Operating System | Google TV |
| Processor | Amlogic quad-core Cortex A55 |
| Supported video formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ |
| Connectivity | WiFi and Bluetooth |
| Remote control | Yes |
| Google Assistant | Yes |
| Dimensions | 16.2 cm long, 6.1 cm wide, and 1.2 cm high |
| Weight | 55 g |
| Colors | white, blue, and pink |
Design
The Chromecast with Google TV, launched in 2020, has gained a new look and presents a more modern design compared to its previous third-generation version. Available in white, blue, and pink, the device has a plastic housing and rounded edges. There is a short cable for connection to the TV. The dongle is 16.2 cm long, 6.1 cm wide, and 1.2 cm high in its dimensions and weighs only 55 g.
A highlight of the new media center is the presence of remote control, which follows the clean look of the device and is in the same color chosen for the dongle. The buttons allow content selection, interface navigation, volume adjustment, home, and return. There are also two shortcuts to open Netflix and YouTube. The big highlight is the unique button to launch the Google Assistant directly on the TV.
The dimensions of the Chromecast with Google TV remote are 12.2 cm long, 3.8 cm wide, and 1.8 cm high. The accessory weighs about 63 g. The device is Bluetooth compatible and can also control sound bars and TVs with HDMI-CEC. Power is supplied via two AAA batteries.
Specifications
The Chromecast with Google TV features basic configurations that are present in competing media centers. Product specifications include a quad-core processor, 2 GB of RAM, and 8 GB of storage. The limited amount of memory to store content is perhaps one of the main sticking points of the device. This is because the device’s system shares the same storage location as the applications, which can restrict the user experience as more and more streaming apps are available.
Google’s media center has an HDMI connection to connect to the TV and a USB-C port to connect the device’s power cable. Also, in connectivity, you can find a Wi-Fi antenna (802.11ac), with support for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands; and Bluetooth, which allows you to connect speakers, headphones, and other peripherals.
Google’s media center has compatibility with UHD (4K) resolution, which promises to deliver content with the better visual quality. However, to consume the content at maximum resolution, it is necessary to have a TV compatible with the format, HDCP 2.2 support, and a high-speed Internet connection of at least 20 Mb/s.
The video formats described in the product datasheet also include Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+. As well as the resolution, to consume movies and series in High Dynamic Range (HDR), it is necessary to have a TV that supports this format.
System
The datasheet for the fourth-generation Chromecast indicates that the device retains the Android TV operating system. The difference is the Google TV software, which runs on the system, at first in version 10. With this, the dongle promises a new interface that organizes movies and TV shows on the same screen based on the active streaming services, without the need to switch between apps. In addition, it is possible to receive personalized recommendations based on subscriptions and viewing history.
Users can also mirror content from their smartphone, laptop, or tablet directly to the TV. But the main highlight of Google TV is the compatibility with Google Assistant. Using the remote control with voice commands, users can ask the virtual assistant for directions to movies, or series or ask to play a playlist in music apps.
Features and content
The Google media center is a device that extends the functionality of the TV. With the dongle, you can access various streaming services for series, movies, and music. In addition, you can also play games with Google Stadia, the company’s game streaming service, and view photos from the Google Photos gallery directly on your TV screen.
The Chromecast with Google TV features the main video streaming apps used by users, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Pluto TV, and Apple TV+. On the audio side, you can find options such as Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube Music. In addition to TV, the media center features apps from Facebook, Twitch, Tastemade, Google Photos, and Google Meet.
Another differentiator of the Chromecast with Google TV is the compatibility with other smart devices. With Google Assistant and the remote control with voice commands, it is possible to turn the device into a control center to control other smart devices in the home.
Price and Availability
The Chromecast with Google TV is available for purchase in the market. The product has a suggested retail price of US$49.
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