The Chromecast with Google TV is the latest addition to the Chromecast family of devices. Unlike past iterations, including the third-generation Chromecast, the new streaming dongle will add many long-requested features that could change the way content is viewed on TVs and streaming devices powered by Android.
Google has been in the TV streaming market for a while now, with the first iteration of Chromecast released in 2013. Chromecast plugs into the HDMI port on the back of any TV and acts as a hub by which users can stream movies, live shows, and video, via apps on a smartphone or mirroring the Google Chrome web browser on a computer. What sets the Google Chromecast apart from competing devices like Amazon Fire Stick or Apple TV is its ease and versatility of use.
Chromecast with Google TV was announced in September 2020 with an October release date. The price of the new streaming is $49.99 and that's one of the first main differences between the two devices. The third-generation Chromecast was released in 2018 and at the time was priced at $34.99. Since then, it has seen a price drop and can now be purchased for just $29.99 from the Google Store, as well as other online retailers. The question most consumers will likely have on their mind is whether an upgrade to the new device is worth it? After all, how much different can the new Chromecast be compared to the previous model? The answer is surprising, because it's quite a bit different.
Buy Chromecast With Google TV Or Third-Gen?
The most obvious difference is the addition of the remote control. None of the past Chromecast devices have ever come with a remote before. This was likely because past models were designed to be used with other devices in the home, such as using a smartphone as the remote. Chromecast with Google TV, however, feels a bit more like an Amazon Fire Stick or Roku Stick, with the ability to access content from a library of apps on a curated home screen. The remote also features a built-in voice assistant that allows for voice-controlled browsing. All of these new features make for a much more streamlined experience where viewers can worry less about searching through their phone applications to find something to watch.
Another noticeable upgrade for the Chromecast with Google TV is that it features better streaming quality than the third-generation Chromecast. While the older model was only able to stream at 1080p (unlike the Ultra), Chromecast with Google TV is able to stream in full 4K HDR. For those with a 4K TV, that's a pretty big selling point. Especially now that many of the most popular streaming applications offer 4K video. This will also benefit those who use Google's gaming service Stadia, as it means games will run smoother and look cleaner on the newest Chromecast. Of course, Google did mention that Stadia support won't arrive for the new Chromecast until 2021.
Source: Google