Chromecast with Google TV
- Operating System
- Android TV 12
- Downloadable Apps
- Yes
- Resolution
- 4K, 1080p
- Ports
- HDMI out, USB-C
- RAM/storage
- 2GB/ 8GB
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), Bluetooth 4.2
- Price
- $50
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2024 Chromecast with Google TV: News, leaks, rumored price, and release window
Google's high-end streaming device is nearing its 3rd birthday, so it's due for an update
You have several options if you're looking for a great streaming device. Each has access to a seemingly endless number of streaming services to watch your favorite shows and discover new ones. Since the first Chromecast with Google TV 4K arrived on the scene in September 2020 and the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) in September 2022, the products have been at the top of our recommendation lists.
Google and Samsung steal the limelight from MWC in this week's biggest news
This week in Android: Samsung's cooking up hardware and software while Google's in the kitchen with Wear OS
This week started off with the world's largest mobile show in Barcelona, as MWC 2024 brought the most prominent names in tech under one roof to showcase their latest concepts and prototypes. But even with all that hubbub, the two biggest companies in the Android space dominated headlines as usual, with rumors and releases on the hardware and software fronts from Samsung and Google hogging the limelight. If you missed out on any of the biggest headlines this week in Android amid all the commotion, we certainly don't blame you — in fact, we'll get you caught up in no time with the five biggest stories from the past seven days after the jump.
Chromecast with Google TV finally gets Fast Pair support
A new firmware update brings the long-delayed feature to Google’s streaming stick
Unlike Pixels, Google does not roll out new updates for Chromecast with Google TV every month. Typically, a new firmware arrives every 2-3 months, containing minor bug fixes and a new security patch version. But occasionally, Google drops a significant software update for its streaming dongle with some big changes. Following the release of the October 2023 security patch for the Chromecast with Google TV in December last year, Google is rolling out a major update for the dongle with Fast Pair support and a newer security patch.
Google Chromecast with Google TV (HD) vs. Chromecast with Google TV (4K): What's the difference?
It's almost entirely about resolution
The Chromecast with Google TV is one of the best streaming devices to hit shelves over the last few years. Built with the incredible Google TV OS, not only does this web-connected peripheral make any “dumb” TV “smart,” but you’ll also be able to enjoy movie and TV show recommendations from Google’s powerful algorithms. Oh, and true to the Chromecast name, you’ll also be able to wirelessly beam pictures, videos, and other media from a compatible smartphone, tablet, or laptop to your TV screen.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) vs. Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
We pit two of the best media streamers against each other
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) and the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) are two of the best streaming sticks on the market. Both offer 4K streaming, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos support, among key features. But which of the two makes more sense for you? Let’s find out.
The Chromecast with Google TV just got a new security update that’s actually pretty old
Still running Android TV 12, too
Google rolls out monthly updates for its Pixel phones and watches. But it is a different story for its Chromecast lineup, which receives updates once every few months. Despite this, Chromecast remains among the best streaming sticks on the market, which can convert your old TV into a smart one, adding a plethora of features for cheap. Continuing that trend, Google is rolling out the October 2023 security patch for its $50 4K streaming dongle.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2023) vs. Chromecast with Google TV (4K): The battle for Ultra HD streaming supremacy
The new 4K Fire TV stick has the Chromecast 4K showing its age
While most new TVs come with streaming software built in, they are not always as smart as the name "smart TV" might have you believe. They can be slow, miss streaming services or content, or just a pain to navigate. Using a quality standalone streaming device is a great way to bypass the stock software and enjoy big upgrades in the form of a user-friendly interface. There are several modern options to choose from, but the two most popular and best-performing come from streaming giants Amazon and Google.
Google may have just spilled the beans on an upcoming Chromecast
What's that star button all about, huh?
The Chromecast with Google TV is an amazing addition to any household and one of the best streaming devices your money can buy. If you need a streaming device for your living room, it's probably one of the best ones your money can buy. It was the first device to come with the brand's new Google TV experience, which has since shown up on many other TVs and streaming devices, and it's also fairly cheap — even cheaper if you don't need 4K streaming. It's not in desperate need of an upgrade, and you could say the current model is perfectly okay and holding up pretty well. But, if you've wondered whether a new model is coming anytime soon, it looks like Google might just have accidentally spilled the tea on the existence of an upcoming new model.
NVIDIA TV Shield vs. Chromecast with Google TV (4K): Which streaming device is right for you?
Android runs the show for both of these excellent streaming devices, but is one better than the other?
The NVIDIA TV Shield (2019) and the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) are two phenomenal streaming devices, and both peripherals just so happen to be powered by Android. On the NVIDIA end, it's tried and true Android TV, while the Chromecast runs off its titular OS, Google TV. Both interfaces are packed to the brim with features. But when it comes time to watch your favorite movie or TV show, which of these two Android gadgets will give you the kind of experience you'll want to write home about? Well, that depends on what you prioritize in the world of apps, games, and picture upscaling.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K vs. Chromecast with Google TV (4K): Battle of the 4K streaming devices
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and Chromecast with Google TV (4K) are exceptional streaming devices, but is one better than the other?
Streaming devices are an excellent and inexpensive way to enjoy your favorite movie and TV show apps, and both Amazon and Google are top dogs in the mighty world of web-connected entertainment. Since its 2018 release, Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K has developed quite the following, with many users championing the device's impressive HDR capabilities, Alexa controls, and immense app library.
The original Chromecast has reached its end of life
Almost 10 years later, the iconic dongle is done getting updates
The first-gen Chromecast launched back in July 2013 and was a game changer. It allowed you to stream content wirelessly from your phone or tablet to your TV and was a no-brainer for its price of $35. Even more impressive is that Google has regularly updated the dongle, with the last firmware arriving in November 2022. Ahead of the first-gen Chromecast's 10th anniversary, Google has silently pulled the plug on its software support.
Your Chromecast with Google TV is about to get much better
A much-needed Google TV update will make your TV faster, free up more storage space
Google TV gave Android TV the facelift it desperately needed, but the revamp did not address many underlying issues plaguing the platform. This includes storage issues, slow performance, and long wake-up times. Google is now rolling out an update to Google TV to fix many of these problems. So, if you have a Google TV-powered television or a streaming device like the Chromecast, your experience is about to get a lot better.
Pick up a $20 Chromecast with Google TV (HD) while it lasts
What is this 'soup herb roll' you speak of?
Read update
The Booper Soul is next week and if you've never heard about it, you probably aren't alone. Regardless, you may be in the market for a new television set! And if you're on a budget, you might be really focused on picture quality above anything else. Thing is, the user experience goes beyond the picture and if it isn't there on your new panel, you may want to consider picking up a top-of-the-line streaming device to go with it. We say get a Chromecast with Google TV — both HD and 4K versions are on sale right now.
Hey Google: Make your next Chromecast like this
Our realistic hopes for a higher-end Chromecast with Google TV
Yesterday, we learned that there's a new Chromecast with Google TV device in the works. That's pretty much all we know about it: per references found in the code of the latest preview version of the Google Home app, a new Chromecast labeled YTC (consistent with previous Chromecast with Google TV streamers, which are referred to as YTV and YTB) is currently at some stage of development.
It looks like Google is cooking up yet another new Chromecast
Fingers crossed it's a higher-end model
The newest Chromecast, the 1080p Chromecast with Google TV (HD), is only a few months old, but we could be due for another new streaming dongle out of Google in the near future. According to 9to5Google, the latest preview update for Google Home makes reference to a yet-unannounced Chromecast with Google TV device. As for what exactly it could be, there's not much to go on — but we have our theories.
Google’s 4K Chromecast gets its first security patch post-Android 12
The October update brings along a few bug fixes
While Google’s newest HD-only Chromecast came running Android 12 out of the box, its 4K sibling was stuck with Android 10 for over two years. That changed last month when Google finally updated it to Android 12 for TV. Now, the company is rolling out the latest security patch to the Chromecast with Google TV 4K (via 9to5Google). The new update supposedly also brings along fixes for the issues that Android 12 introduced.
Walmart's $29 4K Chromecast with Google TV bundle is a killer Black Friday deal, even if you hate Funko Pops
Think of all the regifting possibilities!
If you're a seasoned deal hunter, you know that getting a great price sometimes means going outside your comfort zone. Maybe that means buying from an online store you've never heard of, or attempting to stack multiple coupons when the fine print clearly limits you to just one. But on Black Friday, things are even more dire. While we've spotted dozens of incredible deals available right now, sometimes the only way to get the thing you want at a fair price is to pick up a bundle.
Get a 20% discount on the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) during Black Friday
It was a great buy at the original price, but for $40, it's a must-buy
The Chromecast with Google TV (4K) tops our list of the best home streaming devices for good reason. With 4K support, a minimalist but powerful remote, and support for high-end audio, it's a no-brainer for anyone looking for the best all-around streaming experience. At $50, it was great value, and today's Black Friday knocks 20% off that, bringing it down to a steal at $40.
Google's Black Friday deals knock up to $150 off the Pixel 7 or Pixel 7 Pro, no trade-in required
Or save on Chromecasts, Pixel Buds, and Nest gear
As we speed toward the end of the year, there's never been a better time to shop for gadgets. Google's no stranger to Black Friday deals, usually offering their latest and greatest phones, earbuds, and more at some truly enticing prices. If you've been hoping to get your hands on some discounted devices, grab your calendar. You only have a week to wait before the holiday shopping season kicks off with some truly incredible deals on phones, Chromecasts, and Nest gear.
Google’s 4K Chromecast gets its big Android TV 12 update
The update packs new features like Match content frame rate and mic and camera privacy toggles
In September 2022, Google announced the $30 Chromecast with Google TV (HD). The streaming stick packs inferior specs compared to its 4K sibling but runs on Android 12. With Google TV on top, the user experience on both Chromecasts is essentially the same, but the cheaper model provides a better user experience in some aspects. Despite multiple significant updates since its release, the 4K Chromecast has continued to run on Android TV 10. That's changing now, as Google has started rolling out its Android TV 12 update.