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Chromecast users are starting to receive Google TV's home screen makeover
You can now see Google TV's fresh home screen for yourself
Smart TV setups can sometimes get a bit messy with their cluttered home screens. So, it's good news that Google is giving Google TV a makeover, cleaning up the home screen, and putting more emphasis on organizing the Your apps row. This update was announced last month, and now it's making its way to Chromecast with Google TV devices.
Best VPN for Google TV in 2024
Watch the latest shows around the globe right at home with the best Google TV VPNs
An easy way to get all your favorite streaming services in one spot is with a Google TV box. It allows you to access Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more with a press of a button. It won't provide access to all the latest movies and TV shows, though, as these streaming platforms have geo-restrictions in place, meaning you can only watch what's available in your region. That can be a drag, but a VPN can resolve the predicament.
Your Google TV's home screen is getting a nice makeover
Google has been working on this redesign for a while now
We really love the Google TV platform for all that it brings to the table, with the platform receiving a performance upgrade back in December, bringing faster load times and other enhancements. Google is now announcing a visual overhaul for Google TV with a couple of visual changes and minor tweaks to existing functionality.
Google TV offers access to multiple streaming services in one location. Google Chromecast provides instant access to the Google TV hub when plugged into the television, giving you access to more streaming content. There's also a streaming app called Google TV. If you recently purchased or plan to get a Google TV or Android TV, this guide helps you set up your television for a fun evening of streaming.
Smart TVs are everywhere these days. Brands like Samsung and LG are powered by proprietary platforms like Tizen and webOS for all things streaming and are user-interface driven, with Fire TV and Roku TV being top choices for TV companies like Amazon, TCL, and Hisense. But when it comes to movie and TV show recommendations, no OS achieves the same level of algorithmic wonder as Google TV.
Roku’s extensive streaming device and smart TV selection offer a myriad of ways to enjoy popular apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. The company isn’t the be-all-end-all of streaming hardware, though. There are devices and smart TVs from numerous brands, including Sony, Google, Hisense, Nvidia, and many others. You can also stream entertainment apps through next-gen game consoles like the Xbox Series X/S.
Google TV is now hitting users with a food ad the size of their entire screen
A super annoying fullscreen food ad is the soup du jour on Android TV
Smart TV platforms and streaming services are increasingly testing ads everywhere, and the trend is not letting up. Last year, we highlighted Google TV ads taking a turn for the worse, featuring physical product ads on the "For You" tab. However, the situation seems to have escalated. Now, Google TV is bombarding users with fullscreen autoplaying ads promoting chicken wraps directly on the home screen.
What’s the difference between Google TV and Android TV?
The lowdown on Google's two smart TV platforms
Google made an imprint on the tech world. The tech giant owns the world's most popular search engine and builds the most successful smartphones, smartwatches, and smart home devices. Its proprietary operating system, Android, powers most non-Apple phones. Google has the market under lockdown, even influencing home entertainment with the introduction of Google TV in 2020. Google's other operating system, Android TV, has powered smart TVs and the best streaming devices for some time. But what's the difference between Google and Android TV?
The top 7 Google TV tips and tricks you must try today
There are a ton of things to play with on your new Chromecast with Google TV
Google TV has been around for the better part of a decade. Launched as Android TV in 2014, the smart television operating system Google developed as a solution for top streaming boxes and TVs to provide app integration and facilitate streaming.
Fast Pair is (still) coming to Google TV, starting with Chromecast
First announced more than a year ago, Fast Pair for Google TV is almost here
Google TV devices are getting some handy new features. At CES today, Google announced that starting soon, you'll be able to connect supported headphones and earbuds to your Chromecast with Google TV using Fast Pair, and that some smart TVs will soon be able to act as Matter hubs for controlling connected gadgets through the Google Home app.
Formovie Xming Page One smart projector review: Smart, stylish, and Netflix-ready
An affordable projector that nails it...mostly
Formovie may not be a household name in the United States, but this innovative company captured the attention of the tech community with the Formovie Theater projector, one of the best home theater projectors you can buy currently. While that's a flagship product with a price to match, Formovie is back with its latest offering, the Xming Page One projector, poised to make waves in the world of more affordable projectors.
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
There isn't a shortage of excellent streaming devices that can access the endless number of streaming services. One device that has been a top recommendation is the Chromecast with Google TV. It's been nearly three years since the launch of the first Chromecast from Google with a remote. We got a new model last year, but that wasn't so much an upgrade. It was a lower-priced option with less powerful specs to match the Chromecast with Google TV (HD).
Your Google TV just got a nice performance boost
Faster load times and reduced memory usage to deliver a better user experience
One common complaint with all Google TV-powered streaming sticks and TVs is their slow performance. Google rolled out an update earlier this year to address this issue, enabling faster start-up times, smoother animations, and reduced RAM usage. But there's always room for improvement, as Google TV can still feel sluggish, with the recommendations taking a long time to load and scroll through. The company has now announced another set of performance improvements for Google TV to address these complaints and deliver a better user experience.
Google Play Movies & TV for Android TV is dead, and the funeral is January 17
Your previously purchased titles will move to a new home on Android TV devices next month
Google finally pulled the plug on the confusing Play Movies & TV app on October 5, giving your Android TV device a much-needed decluttering. While the move cleared up a bit of the video app chaos, Google is still juggling too many places where you can buy or rent movies and TV shows. For instance, video content is still available to buy through YouTube, Android TV, and Google TV. Starting January 17, these platforms will also serve as the home of your past purchases from Google.
Android TV is aggressively promoting Google's free streaming channels
Your favorites row has now been invaded by ads
Ads are creeping into our day-to-day lives from every angle, and even with our best efforts, they are hard to avoid sometimes. While paying top-dollar for major subscription-based streaming services like Netflix will get rid of most, if not all, of the ads you’re bound to see, it may not be feasible to spend tons of money on many, if not even one, streaming service out there. Now, it seems like it doesn’t just branch out to streaming services alone, as streaming and smart devices have ads preinstalled in their operating system. They’re getting awful, and now Google TV is aggressively promoting its free, but ad-based, streaming channels by injecting them into your favorites row.
Best USB-C hubs for Google Chromecast with Google TV in 2024
Adding a USB-C hub to your Chromecast with Google TV can significantly enhance its functionality using extra storage and peripherals
Whether you opt for the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) or the slightly more expensive 4K version, you're getting a straightforward streaming stick with a snappy interface and powerful video capabilities. However, neither includes much in the way of storage or connectivity, so you'll need to supplement your purchase in the form of a USB-C hub and a sufficient wall charger.
Walmart has a new $15 streaming stick with Google TV
The Chromecast competitor lets you stream everything from Disney+ to Netflix in full HD
If you’re rolling with an older TV, you likely need an external streaming device in order to watch content via services like Disney+ and Netflix. Luckily, there are now streaming sticks that can help you access multiple services at once — no need to use up all of your TV’s valuable connection ports. The latest one of these is the Google TV Full HD Streaming Device, which Walmart is now selling at a budget-friendly price in time for the holiday season.
7 common Google Chromecast issues and how to fix them
Some helpful tips for when things don't always work as intended
Google Chromecast lets you stream video from Android devices and your laptop to your television. Google also makes various Chromecast dongles that are affordable and among the best streaming devices you can buy. Just tap a button and select where you want to watch your content. It doesn't get any easier than this. Still, multiple variables are at play when using a Chromecast, and not everything always works as it should. Here are the common issues you might face when using your Chromecast with your home network.
Next-gen Android TV boxes could pack all the right upgrades
4K HDR UI rendering, eARC, Dolby Atmos support, and more
You might not have heard of Amlogic, but its chip powers almost all the popular Android-powered streaming boxes and TVs. This even includes the Google Chromecast and Walmart's excellent Onn 4K streaming box. Many of the best Android and Google TVs from the likes of Xiaomi and others also use an SoC supplied by the company. Now, SEI Robotics has teased its next-gen box using Amlogic's upcoming chipset, which packs some big upgrades. It could pave the way for even more powerful and efficient Android TV streaming boxes and televisions to hit the market.
Google is killing the Play Movies & TV app for Android TV
You have roughly a month to go pay your respects
Some of you might remember how Google Play was, at least at first, more than just an app store. Back when the company first rebranded what was then called the Android Market into the Google Play Store in 2012, Google had a much wider vision for "Google Play" that included music, movies, TV, and pretty much all kinds of media. Over the years, however, all of that slowly died off. Google Play Music was killed off and replaced by YouTube Music, and the same thing happened with Google Play Newsstand and Google News. The latest app to die in this manner is Google Play Movies & TV, as Google is putting the final nail in its coffin with the removal of the Android TV app.