Chromecast with Google TV - 4K - Snow

Chromecasts have long been something I've ignored because I don't like the idea of having to use my phone to cast to my TV for everything I watch. However, when Google announced their "Chromecast with Google TV" I was very intrigued at the mix of a streaming device with the ability to Chromecast. So far, I am quite happy with my purchase! SET-UP: - Unboxing and first impressions are always great with Google Products. They have a great way of making the unboxing process simple while providing a product that's uniquely Google. - I really go like the feel and look of the Chromecast and Remote. They are modern yet simple and feel very good in the hand, not too cheap at all. - Set-up was mainly simply but had a few hiccups. Google says you can use the "Google Home" app to do all your setup for you but I have largely found that the Google Home can be the most useful app I have while also being the most frustrating when setting up a new product. - I eventually ditched using the Google Home app and did the setup just via the remote and that was very simple and straight forward. After a little bit to download new firmware updates and download all my apps, I was ready to go! PROS: - I really like the interface! It's smooth, easy to maneuver, and when in doubt just ask Google where something is. - Speaking of which, the Google Assistant button is a fantastic addition. Use it for asking everyday questions or use it to find "movies that won Oscars in the 2000's" really whatever you need it to do! - The device uses your app subscriptions (Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+...) to recommend TV and Movies you might want to watch. I really like how it does not push you to watch something you have no interest in or don't even have a subscription too. The whole add-less vibe feels nonintrusive and makes for a more personal experience. - If you have YouTube TV, this Chromecast is a must have! Google TV integrates Live TV right into the menu so you can quickly browse what's on air right now without having to open the YouTube TV app. I really like that because it makes the home menu screen your go to place to find anything you subscribe too. - The "Chromecast" feature of this Google TV device is also very easy to use! It syncs up with your Google Home Devices or phones so that if you are watching a video or streaming Spotify, you can just quickly cast it to your TV with the touch of a button. Or, simply say "Hey Google, play Netflix on my TV" and it can do that too without you even touching the remote. - Watching shows & movies on here is truly a great experience too! The 4K HDR is vibrant and crisp, it has Dolby Vision for movies/TV that it applies to, and Dolby Atmos for superior home theater sound quality. All three of those qualities are an absolute must for the best home theater experience and you are getting them all for only $50. CONS: - The one app that I wish this had is "Apple TV". I know Google/Apple don't usually get along, but I do with the Apple TV app was on here for those who want to stream "Apple TV+" - This isn't a con for me but although you don't need Google services (Like Google Smart Speakers, Android Phone, & YouTube TV) to enjoy this Chromecast, I would imagine that your experience would not be as great as mine without all those devices/services. - I think the "Library" section of the Home page is really lacking on 2 parts. First, if you have a large library of movies you digitally own, they will show in your library but its in one long scrollable line. Rather then a sortable area where you can view 20 movies at a time, its really just a long single line list where you can see 5 at a time. Second, Google TV is trying to push its "Watchlist" feature where from an Android phone you can easily add a Show/Movie to your watchlist and it will appear on your Google TV. But at the time of writing this, the Google TV app is not available on Android phones yet and hasn't even been announced on Apple phones yet. BOTTOM LINE: - If you are looking for a simple, easy to use streaming device but has all the high end specs you would want at a low price, the Chromecast with Google TV is an absolute no brainer. It is simple to use, has a great interface, and has all features you would want from a higher end streaming device (4K HDR, Dolby Vision/Atmos, Voice Commands). I really think Google TV is going to be a great solution for many home's entertainment needs!

This is the most amazing product from Google I've owned yet. I purchased this initially to upgrade my older Chromecast. Everything about this "Google TV" is 1000x better than what I owned previously. I can now view my content in 4K which the older model could not do, and it has a great interface. It's Android 10 over the Google TV UI, and it's pretty appealing. I can easily ask Google to find something particular to watch and it'll do it. This thing will search movies across different apps to find exactly what you're looking for. What makes it even better is that it still has it's cast function. so you have the option to use the Google TV remote or cast from your Android phone like normal. I was hesitant at first, and I wish I had mad this purchase sooner. You can even control all your google connected with the remote included. For example I use my Google Home to control my AC, but I can also with my remote in hand tell the Google remote to turn the AC on or off, and it does it. Even quick than my home can which is pretty neat. If you were ever indecisive about buying this device then I hope this review helps you. You're gonna love this Google TV. For $50 you can't go wrong.

This is my 3rd Chromecast w/Google TV. I have it connected to a 55 in C8 OLED and WOW, this thing looks amazing (thanks to Dolby Vision) and looks just as good as an Apple TV 4K that cost 3x as much. If you’re looking for an inexpensive alternative to an Apple TV, this is what to buy. I have it paired with a Google Home Mini and I’m able to control most functions just using my voice which is leaps of ahead of Apple along with Siri. I couldn’t recommend this product enough. It won’t replace my Apple TV 4K in the living room but every other room in the house, including the master bedroom has one of these. If you’re on the fence, don’t even think about it, just get it. You won’t regret it. For $50, this truly is an excellent product. At the time of purchase, I got mine for $39.99 so even more of a reason to buy one but would gladly spend $50 on it without hesitation. My only complaint is the remote feels a bit cheap but that’s because I’m comparing it to that of the Siri Remote but at $50, it’s a small sacrifice I’m willing to make.

This is a must-have device for anybody that still using an old 1080p TV and oh yeah just in case some of your app don't Play the audio going to your setting display and sound go down to Advanced sound setting and set the format selection to manual and you're all good until you upgrade to a 4K TV.

This was an upgrade to my older Chromecast as I wanted 4K UHD support, Which this one does. The interface if very cool. Found how to side load other apps like Plex. It can be your go to for all your streaming. I have it connected to my Yamaha RX-V685. Both support ARC. Really having fun with this new model. Additional programming for Free and if you have Google TV this is a MUST have! Voice active as well with Google Home.

Easily the best 50 bucks I've spent! All apps consolidated into one. You can open apps individually or search everything with voice. Controls tv volume and power!!!!! 1 remote for everything. And it looks sleek and elegant, as to be expected. ***Note: plug in directly to wall outlet; if plugged in to tv usb it will have to reboot each time, AND the tv power button won't work.

I like Google, but their tendency to release half-baked products/services is getting very old, and Chromecast with Google TV is no exception. Its main selling feature is the unification of streaming services, placing the "Continue watching" section on the home page, allowing you to jump straight into whatever show you want without having to first think of which streaming platform it's on currently. Sounds great, right? Well, in practice this feature is so poorly implemented that it's actually more of a hassle than it is a convenience, and I've since switched back to Roku. Please see attached photo for a visual. Shows and entire streaming services randomly don't appear in this section. Some shows display a title card, while others pull a random still image from the previous episode. Some shows display text information, such as the title of the show and episode, while others display data like "Netflix - S5 Ep16" or "Hulu - S1 Ep5 - Jersey Devil" (the name of the episode, but not the show). Most of these might sound like minor annoyances, but in the attached example if I were to select Seinfeld or the show to the right of it (Curb Your Enthusiasm), one of two things would happen: either the episode will restart from the beginning, or it'll resume on the credits. Neither of these make sense in a finished product from one of the largest companies in the world, operating in one of the most lucrative industries (streaming). Google would, presumably, place the blame here on the streaming providers, but regardless this product/feature was not ready for release, and as of July 2022 I still wouldn't recommend it.

This is a game changer. I bought my second a few months ago. I love them so much. I went in to check on the pricing of a third one Nvidia Shield. And decided to give this a try I'm so glad I did. My only complaint would be that I've only had it for a couple of days and the keys are already staining. I may have handled some turmeric. But I take that everyday so it would be a problem if it gets worse,