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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 4th 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.
How to manage your Google TV Watchlist
Keep track of your favorite shows, and never miss another episode again
Google TV lets you stream movies and shows on Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, and more. The versatile streaming platform helps you control your smart home devices and cast content from mobile devices to your TV. The Google TV operating system comes pre-installed on most new smart TVs from brands including TCL and Sony.
Walmart has a new pro-tier Google TV model in the works
A Bluetooth SIG filing suggests a high-powered sequel to the Onn Google TV 4K could be coming soon
Google TV is more affordable thanks to Walmart's Onn brand. You may already have one of the company's Google TV boxes launched last year, but how does a Pro version sound? Whenever you hear the word Pro, you expect something extra, but what can you expect with the upcoming Pro model? Hopefully, it'll be more than the Google TV dongle that is already giving your Chromecast a run for its money.
Google TV is making it easier to catch the 2024 total solar eclipse
Up to 15 free streaming options are now available in the For You tab
A bulk of the current news coverage revolves around the 2024 total solar eclipse, and with good reason. Occurring on April 8 across Mexico, the US, and Canada, millions are expected to arrive in the path of totality during this captivating astronomical phenomenon. But people who are either far away from the locations or simply don't want to make the trip need to find other options. Reputed agencies, such as NASA, as well as news organizations, have a live stream for the event, and we can now add another option to the list.
Google TV needs to get better, and it needs to do it now
Ditching Android 9.0's UI design sure would go a long way
Since the Google Play Movies & TV app’s discontinuation in late 2023, the heat has been on Google TV to fill the gap with a polished new app providing a quality service for enjoying movies and TV shows. As an up-to-date version of Android TV, Google TV is a decent hub platform for all your streaming services, whether you use an external Chromecast dongle or a Smart TV. However, there are some things the app could improve on, especially concerning presentation, convenience, and user agency.
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.
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.