Google announced the launch of a new version of Chromecast with Google TV in Taiwan in early June (the Taiwanese product name is Chromecast (support Google TV)]Hardware product, although it is said to be a new version, but it was actually released in October 2020, Taiwan is more than a year late; and we also recently got the complete box provided by Google, just the editor himself has been in It took a long time to buy parallel imports last year, so here is an unpacking, and by the way, I would like to share with you my long-term use experience.
▲ The product pattern and model number are printed on the front of the white carton package.
▲ The words 4K are printed on the bottom of the front, which means that 4K video output is supported; in addition, the supported video and music streaming platforms are also listed, including YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, myVideo, etc.
▲ The side shows that it can support Google Assistant to search for information by voice.
▲ The other side indicates that it supports 4K HDR output and supports Android and iOS platforms.
▲ After opening the package, the accessories are packed in different small boxes.
▲ All included accessories: remote control, power supply, Chromecast body, USB-C transmission cable, simple manual.
▲ In addition, two AA batteries are provided in the package for the remote control.
The appearance design of Chromecast with Google TV is quite different from the previous generations. Although he also adopts the design with HDMI connector directly attached, the appearance of the body has become warmer and looks like a cobblestone; in addition, it has also been launched abroad. There are a variety of colors, but only the white style is introduced in Taiwan, which means that the color of the body does not seem to be that important, because basically it is hidden on the back of the TV.
The installation of Chromecast with Google TV is also very simple, just plug its HDMI connector into the HDMI input hole on the back of the TV or screen, then connect the transmission cable to the Chromecast’s USB-C jack and power supply, and then connect the power supply The device can be plugged into the mains socket. If the TV itself has a USB-A slot, you can also try to supply power directly through the TV’s USB without occupying a socket; however, because the Chromecast requires relatively high power (the included power supply has an output power of 7.5W), The USB on the back of many TVs can only provide 5W or even 2.5W, so when using the USB on the back of the TV, it is best to first confirm whether its power output is up to standard.
▲ The Chromecast body is shaped like an oval pie, with Google’s etched logo on the front.
▲ It has built-in HDMI connector directly.
▲ There is a USB-C slot on the other end to power the Chromecast.
▲ There is a power indicator and a reset button on the back.
▲ The output power of the included USB charger is 7.5W.
▲ Just install the HDMI of the Chromecast on the TV, and then plug in the transmission cable and power supply.
▲ After power on, first log in to your Google account.
▲ After a while of setting, it can be used.
Remote control that supports Google Assistant
Different from the previous Chromecast products, which are mainly based on content delivery, the new Chromecast is equipped with the Google TV system, formerly known as Android TV, so it is a complete Android TV box product; Remote control accessories to control the interface. This remote is connected to Chromecast via Bluetooth. In addition to the five-way control key, back key, home key and mute key, there is also a shortcut key for YouTube and Netflix, which can be quickly turned on by pressing it.
In addition, the power button, volume button and source selection button are also added to the remote control. If the TV supports HDMI-CEC, you can directly control the Chromecast and link it to the TV, so that you can turn on or off the Chromecast and the TV with one remote control at the same time. TV, or control the TV volume, etc.
▲ There are many buttons on the remote control.
▲ There are also volume keys on the side, which can be used to control the TV volume (provided that the TV supports HDMI-CEC)
On the remote control, Google has also designed an assistant button, which may be the most important function of this remote control. When using Chromecast, as long as you hold down the assistant button, the microphone on the remote control will be turned on, and then say the sentence you want to check into the remote control, such as “how is the weather today”, and the Google Assistant will show the weather forecast to the remote control. You see; or “Who is Tom Cruise?” and the Wikipedia entry for Tom Cruise will appear on the screen, and it will list the movies he starred in, if those movies are available on major streaming platforms, It’s very convenient to jump directly to the streaming platform and start the movie with one click. Sometimes when I want to see if a movie is on the streaming platform, I just need to look up the name of the movie.
This intuitive search can be achieved mainly because the new version of the Google TV platform can now search for content from third-party video platforms, and integrate all the results into the search results, so that users do not need to go through multiple streaming platforms one by one. Search for the video you want to watch, just use the Google Assistant to quickly find and watch it right away.
▲ Saying “How is the weather in Taipei” will show the current and future weather forecast.
▲ Ask “Who is Tom Cruise?” First, he will show his resume and the movies he starred in.
▲ If there is an amount displayed below the movie, it means that the movie can be rented or purchased on Google TV to watch; if the name of a platform such as Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video is displayed below, it means that the movie is available on the platform.
▲ For example, if I click on the movie “The Last Samurai”, in addition to a brief introduction to the movie, the subsequent pages will also have multiple options: I can watch it on Netflix, or I can watch it on Google TV Rent and buy the film.
▲ After selecting “Netflix”, the Netflix app will be opened directly and directed to the movie without having to search again in Netflix.
Google TV interface redesigned to be more usable
Although the predecessor of Google TV is Android TV, it is not just a name change. The new version of Google TV has also changed the user interface, which is more in line with users who like to chase dramas. When you turn on Chromecast, the first thing you see is the Google TV homepage. The homepage will provide some recommended content for you, and the source of these recommended content is the main video streaming platforms compatible with Google TV, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, myVideo, YouTube, etc.; below it are commonly used apps, users can display their most commonly used apps on the home page, and can also customize the sorting.
▲ The Google TV homepage, above which are some recommended content from various streaming platforms.
Then at the bottom of the app, there will be a “Continue Watching” section, the system will put the progress of each episode you watched on each platform here, click to go directly to the App and start from where it ended last time Keep watching without having to open the app yourself, which is where I think the new version of Google TV works well.
▲ The continue watching block at the bottom of the app makes it easy for you to continue watching the show from where you left off.
▲ There are more programs and movie recommendations below.
▲ The application is displayed in another tab, where users can download other Google TV applications.
▲ The application is not only a streaming video platform, but also music software, even games and utility programs.
Supports 4K HDR output and can control home appliances
As a TV box, of course, the audio and video specifications must be complete enough to be considered passable. Chromecast can support 4K 60Hz video output, and also supports a variety of HDR specifications, including HDR10, Dolby Vision, etc. If your TV or monitor also supports it, you can see more vivid HDR images with the corresponding HDR content; in addition It can also support Dolby Atmos audio, which can provide more surround sound when paired with a home audio system that can decode Dolby Atmos.
In addition, through the Google Assistant on the remote control, Chromecast can also control the connected appliances in the home, so I can turn on the lights in the room in the living room, or turn on the fan, etc. Of course, these smart devices themselves must support the Google Assistant.
▲ Actually open Netflix, and you can see the icons of 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos appear in the video description. (Because my TV doesn’t support Dolby Vision so it doesn’t show)
▲ Actually watching HDR movies on it is quite cool.
▲ If it is an App (such as Apple Music) that is not on Google TV, it can also be cast through Chromecast, and the content of the mobile phone can be cast on Chromecast.
▲ When Chromecast is idle, you can also let it play a slideshow as a screen saver. The source of the slideshow is not only Google’s built-in gallery, but also your own Google Photos photos.
Conclusion: a big plus for practicality
The editor has been using this Chromecast with Google TV for about a year and a half, and the feeling he brings to me is the word “practical”. Because I subscribe to more than one streaming platform, it used to be a tedious process to search for content or continue to watch content between platforms; but Google TV links these platforms together, and I can easily search for content with just one remote control Or continue to watch, and the ability to remotely control home appliances is also a plus. Now that I have Chromecast, although my TV itself is also a smart TV, basically I have completely switched to Chromecast. If your TV or screen is not a smart model, or if you want a better system, Chromecast with Google TV is a great and affordable option.