Chromecast with Google TV vs the “old” Chromecast series
In 2013, Google launched the first version of its Chromecast TV dongle. It is designed to broadcast smartphone apps, including video streaming apps, to big screen TVs. Seven years later, the streaming TV app market has changed, and Google is changing with it. Chromecast was officially announced today with Google TV.
What are the Similarities and Differences of Chromecast with Google TV and Chromecast? Good question. As you’ll see, the original Chromecast is still very useful. However, the new Chromecast with Google TV offers a lot more and isn’t that much more expensive.
Continue reading: Best video streaming devices
Chromecast with Google TV vs Chromecast: Features
In 2013, smart televisions were still a novelty. With the first Chromecast, TV owners were able to turn it into a smart TV quickly and cheaply. If you had a smartphone and your apps support Chromecast, you can plug the dongle into the HMDI port on your TV. Then you can transfer and watch movies from your phone to your TV, play games, and more.
Later versions of Chromecast did basically the same thing as the original. However, the current third generation Chromecast has streamed smartphone content at a resolution of 1080p. The more expensive Chromecast Ultra. The streaming resolution started in 2016 has been increased to 4K. In addition, the video formats HDR10 and Dolby Vision as well as an Ethernet connection were supported. In addition, users were able to stream high-end PC and console games to their TV through the Google Stadia service.
The new Chromecast with Google TV is a completely different device. While it can still stream smartphone apps to your TV, Android TV is built in too. That means you can watch streaming TV and apps right away without the need for a smartphone. It comes with its own hardware remote control to control these apps. It also supports Google Assistant to control apps with your voice, again using the remote control.
In fact, Google installed a new user interface on Android TV for this product. This is where the “Google TV” part of the brand comes into play. It allows you to watch movies and TV shows across multiple streaming apps and services on one screen instead of switching between apps. It’s very similar to what you’ll find in the Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV apps. The device supports a resolution of up to 4k as well as the video formats HDR10, HDR10 + and Dolby Vision.
Continue reading: Google TV – Everything You Need To Know
Unfortunately, the new Chromecast with Google TV doesn’t yet support the Google Stadia game streaming service. That support is slated to be added sometime in 2021. Now, if you want to play Stadia games on your big screen TV, you’ll either need to keep or purchase the Chromecast Ultra.
Another small addition to Chromecast with Google TV is the color choices. You can choose between the colors snow, sunrise and sky.
Chromecast with Google TV versus Chromecast: Price
The current third-generation Chromecast is available for $ 29.99 and the Chromecast Ultra is available for $ 69. The Chromecast with Google TV is available now in the US for $ 49.99.
Which one should you buy?
If you own a 1080p TV and are looking for an affordable way to stream video and other content on your TV, the regular Chromecast is your best bet. If you want to try Stadia game streaming, get the Chromecast Ultra. However, if you have a 4K TV and want a better streaming experience for movies and TV shows without a smartphone, Chromecast with Google TV is a must.
